Good Afternoon,

I am voicing my opinion on the proposed rate changes for MHSS. It has been noted that there has been a significant rate change proposed which would greatly affect clinicians who work very very hard in this field on a daily basis. There are a lot of things that need to be changed in society but making it harder for hard working professionals who are qualified to provide a much needed service is not a place to start. Reducing the rate per unit that is reimbursed would lead to companies looking to reduce the hourly rate, or salaries paid to individuals who go out in the community daily to assist individuals who have mental health issues. Individuals go into this field to make a difference in the lives of others, and to be the ones behind the scenes to provide consistency and stability to other individuals who may have never had this in their own lives. As a professional who has been in the field for the past 7 years I have seen how the demand of the job can lead to burnout, or how lack of raises for hardworking clinicians have lead to them looking to change career paths. In order to keep dedicated and hardworking professional gainfully employed it is imperative that these regulation changes do not occur. The heart to serve others should not go forgotten, or left behind simply because other individuals who do not sacrifice their own time, and energy feel that they can make a decision that would greatly impact so many hardworking professionals.