all major mental health professions—including counseling, psychiatry, psychology, social work, and marriage and family therapy—are licensed in all 50 states. It took the counseling profession 33 years to obtain licen-sure in all 50 states. In 1976, Virginia became the first state to license counselors, and California became the last in 2009.
The next generation must grow up knowing that mental health is a key component of overall health and there is no shame, stigma, or barriers to seeking out care. Clinical Mental Health Counselors stand ready to engage in a constructive and thoughtful dialogue to ensure the success of future reform efforts.
Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S.828/H.R.432), which would improve access to mental health services by permitting LPCs to be reimbursed by Medicare. Counselors are now eligible to enroll as Medicare providers. ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team has transitioned to:
Master's degree or higher in a field related to mental health counseling (including counseling, clinical social work, psychology, human services, human development, and family relations) from a CACREP- or CORE-accredited, or equivalent, program from a regionally accredited institution, including at least 60 semester hours in counseling in 12 ...
We should begin by identifying some key legislation and government policies that directly impact the field of clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. It is important to recognize that these laws and policies are designed to ensure that counseling practices comply with ethical standards, provide necessary protections for clients, and promote access to mental health services.
Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S.828/H.R.432), which would improve access to mental health services by permitting LPCs to be reimbursed by Medicare. Counselors will be eligible to enroll beginning January 1, 2024. ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team has transitioned to:
Understanding the key legislation impacting mental health is crucial for both those directly affected and those advocating for improved mental health services. Here are some key pieces of legislation that have significantly influenced mental health policy in the United States: 1. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA):
The Government Affairs and Public Policy team advocates for American Counseling Association members and the counseling profession to increase the credibility and recognition of professional counselors among policymakers and regulators as highly qualified practitioners and experts on a range of mental health-related issues, from Medicare reimbursement and licensure portability to career ...
impact of biological and neurological mechanisms on mental health; classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation; legislation and government policy relevant to clinical mental health counseling
The Series will allow counselors to work in federal government agencies under the title of mental health counselor instead of generic Series that apply to many professions. Social workers and psychologists have had their own Occupational Series for decades and it is past time counselors have the same level of recognition.
Mental Health Policy. Mental Health America (MHA) takes a unique approach to policy because MHA believes policy should ask people what they need to live the lives they want and support them in getting there. Recovery is founded on the principle that people can take on meaningful roles in the community when they receive the support they need for ...
The road to success was a long one. The issue took on significance after President Bush signed legislation recognizing mental health counselors as qualified VA mental health professionals in 2006. To properly implement the law and facilitate hiring in the VA, counseling organizations began lobbying for the Occupational Series.
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), who serves as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, introduced the Helping Out Patients for Emotional (HOPE) and Mental Wellbeing Act.This legislation would provide three free behavioral health visits per year for individuals who are insured by Medicare or Medicaid.
Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 USC § 18116) which provides that an individual shall not be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination on the grounds prohibited under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC § 2000d et seq. (race, color, national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ...
House Bill 2467 has received broad support from health care providers and Kotek, and is set to advance on April 3, 2025, with amendments to improve mental health care access and civil commitment laws.
