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What's New

Salazar Urges VA to Expedite Implementation of
Law Allowing Hiring of Counselors

Alexandria, Va., December 12, 2008 - U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), on December 11, 2008, sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary James Peake, M.D., voicing his concerns about the delay in implementing provisions from the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act (P.L. 106-491), that allows the Department to hire licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists as authorized mental health providers.

The letter urged the VA to increase the number of qualified mental health specialists, specifically mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, to improve access to quality care for veterans. Salazar, a strong supporter of the legislation when it passed in 2006, also pointed to the overall shortage of mental health providers in rural areas, which has also reduced access to mental health services for veterans.

Colorado and its veterans have especially been affected by the delay in implementation of the legislation due to the number of rural communities in the state, where there are more than 3,715 professional counselors. In the letter, Salazar states, "After two long years, we cannot tolerate and our veterans cannot afford further delays to the full implementation of P.L. 106-491."

AMHCA, the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) worked with Salazar's staff on drafting the letter to Secretary Peake.

AMHCA Launches Regional Social Networking

Alexandria, Va., December 9, 2008 - American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) North Atlantic Region Director Amy Simonds and Western Region Director Karen Langer have launched social networking group sites for their respective regions.

By combining the best features of discussion forums, e-mail lists, calendars and social networks, these websites allow state chapters to communicate regularly with each other and the region director.

Executive Director/CEO W. Mark Hamilton, Ph.D., has commented, "AMHCA continues to explore cutting-edge technology in order to enhance and expedite our membership/leadership communication."

Louis Cozolino to Keynote AMHCA Annual Conference

Alexandria, Va., December 3, 2008 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Louis Cozolino will provide the keynote address for the Association's annual Conference July 23-25, 2009, in Washington, D.C. He is currently professor of psychology at Pepperdine University in California and is in private practice in Los Angeles.

Dr. Cozolino is the author of The Healthy Aging Brain, the Neuroscience of Psychotherapy, and The Making of a Therapist. Expert and veteran therapist Louis Cozolino reveals that ground breaking brain research proves that our brains continue to grow and change throughout our lives.

Joining Dr. Louis Cozolino at the conference will be Dr. David Mee-Lee and Dr. Eliana Gil.

AMHCA conference planning chair, Dr. Linda Barclay has stated, "The conference planning committee and I are honored to have such a distinguished gathering of interesting and informative speakers."

WMHCA and AMHCA Featured in Mental Health Weekly Article on "Registered Counselor" Issue

Alexandria, VA, November 5, 2008 - Legislation passed in Washington State and signed into law in March 2008 will beef up standards for individuals who currently fall under the category of "registered counselor." An article on the new law appeared in the October 31, 2008, edition of Mental Health Weekly, and featured comments by Adrian Magnuson-Whyte, Executive Director of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA) and Beth Powell, AMHCA's Director of Public Policy and Professional Issues.

The goal of the legislation is to tighten up the present system, which allows people with a wide range of education and background to practice counseling with little oversight over what they do and whom they serve. Currently, applicants for the "registered counselor" credential must pay a $40 fee, undergo a criminal background check and take an AIDS awareness class. In the future, the "registered counselor" credential will be abolished and by mid July 2010, the credential will be replaced with more stringent requirements. Final rules are expected to be released in early 2009.

According to comments by Magnuson-Whyte in Mental Health Weekly, "if you're offering yourself as a person who can help another person work through an issue and work through life challenges, there should be a theory behind what you're doing." Beth Powell, AMHCA's Director of Public Policy and Professional Issues, also referenced AMHCA's Standards of Clinical Practice which promote a 60 hour master's degree and 3,000 post-master's supervised experience, as well as other clinical requirements. Powell further states, "This type of standard protects the public by giving consumers the assurance that these professionals have high education and training standards."

AMHCA Applauds Enactment of Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

Alexandria, Va., October 6, 2008 - By a vote of 263 to 171, the U.S. House of Representatives, on October 3, 2008, gave final approval to the Paul Wellstone-Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, as part of the Emergency Stabilization Act (H.R. 1424). President George W. Bush signed the legislation into law several hours later.

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) applauds the 110th Congress for including the mental health and substance abuse parity language in the economic rescue legislation, and the President for signing this legislation into law. Enactment of the bill ends nearly a decade long effort to require group health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as for all other illnesses.

"AMHCA commends the 110^th Congress, particularly sponsors of the parity legislation, Sens. Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN), for their tireless efforts to ensure that this legislation was enacted during the remaining hours of the 110^th Congress, said AMHCA President Victoria A. Sardi, Ph.D., LPC. As a result of this legislation, Americans who suffer from mental and addiction disorders will now have greater access to the services they need to live more productive and meaningful lives."

AMHCA also appreciates its members, as well as other mental health and addiction advocates from across the country, who contacted their Senators and House members to push for consideration of this legislation. Without their advocacy on this issue, we would not have seen the ultimate enactment of this landmark bill during the 110^th Congress.

AMHCA Addresses Hurricane Gustav

In the wake of Hurricane Gustav AMHCA appeals to its members to assist those victims struggling with trauma and disaster.

The American Red Cross icon/webpage has been posted to the AMHCA homepage, www.amhca.org, for the latest disaster relief in formation. Other information will follow.

We call on our Gulf Coast state chapters to assist where possible, and we know that many will be among the first responders.

SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance website at http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/index.aspx#rhp offers an extensive array of resources for consumers and providers to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Mental Health Awareness Postage Stamp Project Continues to
Gain Support

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), in an effort to promote the issuance of a U.S. commemorative stamp promoting Mental Health Awareness, has secured the support of more than a dozen national organizations representing mental health, substance abuse, patient advocacy, as well as a variety of health related organizations.

In 2002, AMHCA launched a nationwide petition drive in support of a new stamp promoting mental health and asked mental health professionals, consumers, and advocates to join together to emphasize the positive, progressive nature of recognizing and promoting mental health. Since then, more than 20,000 signatures have been gathered from across the nation, and the Association has launched a web petition (www.amhca.org) as a means to collect signatures.

The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), whose members are appointed by the U.S. Postmaster General, approves new commemorative postage stamps. Among the groups and individuals partnering with AMHCA in support of the effort are former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, American Psychiatric Association, Mental Health America, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, Wellstone Action, Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization, as well as U.S. Reps. Brian Baird (D-WA) and Robert Brady (D-PA).

AMHCA believes that cultivating mental health awareness would be a constant reminder of the benefits of recognizing and promoting mental health. "We are honored to be joined by sixteen national organizations and individuals in support of this effort and look forward to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee's approval of the stamp," said Gary Gintner, PhD, LPC, President of the American Mental Health Counselors Association."

AMHCA Celebrates the First-Ever Mental Health Awareness Day

American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) celebrates the first-ever Mental Health Awareness Day on May 7.

To recognize the Mental Health Awareness Day is just one way to bring attention to the importance of mental health and its distinction from the mental illness. It is one of the activities organized during the month of May, nationally recognized as Mental Health Month; such as: Mental Health Week and the March for Mental Health. (The latest organized by AMHCA and AMHCA Foundation.)

Come to celebrate with us and recognize May 7 as the first-ever Mental Health Awareness Day!

Dr. Linda Barclay is AMHCA President-Elect

AMHCA is pleased to announce that Dr. Linda Barclay has been elected President-Elect and will serve in 2009-2010. She is a faculty member at the Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio and has served on the Standards Committee of Ohio's licensure board.

The New Midwest region Director-Elect is Janice A. Gnas, LPC and the new Western Region Director-Elect is Karen Langer, LMHC.

AMHCA Partners with PBS Documentary

On May 21^st PBS will nationally broadcast Depression: Out of the Shadows. The show tells the dramatic stories of people of different ages, from diverse backgrounds, who live with various forms of depression and explores the causes and treatments.

May is Mental Health Month and National Mental Health Counseling Week is May 5-11, 2008. The first-ever Mental Health Awareness Day is May 7, 2008.

AMHCA President Dr. Gary Gintner has stated, "The thrust of those efforts is to increase awareness of both the need for mental health services and the value of promoting mental health."

Following the broadcast veteran journalist Jane Pauley will host a nationally televised panel discussion with mental health experts to discuss the issues raised in the program.

AMHCA is an official promotional partner for Depression: Out of the Shadows and congratulates PBS for this important contribution to mental health awareness.

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch to Serve as Honorary Chair of
Mental Health Counseling Week

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is pleased to announce that Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of Mental Health Counseling Week, to be held May 5- 1, 2008, during National Mental Health Month.

Mental Health Counseling Week is designated each year to educate parents and families, communities, schools, health policymakers and insurers, health professionals, and employers about the importance of good mental health and the profession of mental health counseling.

Hatch, a Republican from Utah, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1976. He is the Ranking Member on the Health Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over Medicare, and serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which oversees other health-related programs and legislation. Sen. Hatch has been a long time advocate for the passage of comprehensive mental health parity legislation and over the years has demonstrated his commitment by becoming a co-sponsor of parity and other mental health related legislation.

In a letter to mental health counselors, Sen. Hatch said, "The members of your organization perform a tremendous service for millions of adults, adolescents, and children who suffer from mental illness or who otherwise need professional mental health counseling. I am confident that our nation's mental health counselors will continue in their quest to improve the lives of their fellow Americans and I salute them for their devotion in helping others."

"AMHCA applauds Sen. Hatch for his work on behalf of those who suffer from mental illness, and for his commitment to working in Congress to make mental health services more widely available to our nation's citizens," said AMHCA President Gary Gintner, PhD. "We are honored to have Sen. Hatch serve as Honorary Chair of Mental Health Counseling Week and look forward to working with him in the future."

AMHCA Applauds House Passage of Mental Health Parity Bill

In a historic vote on March 5, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, by an overwhelming vote of 268 to 148, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424).

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) commends the authors of the bill, Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN), both of whom have battled mental illness and substance abuse, for the bipartisan spirit in which this legislation was introduced and for their hard work in shepherding H.R. 1424 through the House.

Under the bill, group health plans must ensure that any financial requirements, such as deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance and out-of-pocket expenses, are no more restrictive or costly than those required for comparable medical and surgical benefits. H.R. 1424 only applies to insurers and group health plans that provide mental health benefits and does not require plans that do not currently offer mental health benefits to do so.

The Senate passed its version of mental health parity legislation, S. 558, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, by voice vote on September 18, 2007.

"AMHCA applauds the House passing this legislation to make mental health and substance abuse treatment services more widely available to our nation's citizens," said AMHCA President Gary Gintner, PhD., LPC, NCC. "We urge a House-Senate conference committee be quickly convened to reconcile differences in the House and Senate measures and look forward to working with the 110th Congress to ensure its ultimate enactment."

California Mental Health Counselors Association (CAMHCA) Launches First Website

AMHCA is proud to announce that California Mental Health Counselors Association (CAMHCA) has its first website. Please visit them at www.camhca.org.

As Rita Downs, CAMHCA Secretary stated, "It is not completely finished but we would like you to know what progress was done in California. The website is a source to all counselors in the state to find each other."

Thank you to Rita for many months of hard work and long hours. Without her perseverance this never would be achieved!

Go to www.amhca.org and click on Connect with Chapters to see the other 35 AMHCA Chapter websites. Additional new websites are coming.

AMHCA Regrets University Shooting

AMHCA extends our condolences to the students, faculty and administration at Northern Illinois University as well as their families, friends and loved ones.

AMHCA members are reaching out to the university as well as supporting the entire community around the Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Gary G. Gintner, AMHCA President, has stated, "We are shocked and saddened by yet another university shooting and heavy loss of life."

Again, we have all been reminded of the importance of mental health awareness and the serious consequences which can result from poor mental health literacy.

AMHCA Names Award for Dr. Linda Seligman

The AMHCA Board of Directors has named the annual counselor educator award after the late Linda Seligman and it will now be called the Dr. Linda Seligman Counselor Educator of the Year Award.

President-Elect Dr. Victoria A. Sardi has stated, "On December 24, 2007 the counseling community lost a bright, dynamic, accomplished, and genuine professional. Linda will be missed but her legacy lives on the hearts and minds of those of us at AMHCA."

Dr. Linda Seligman was an outstanding educator, private practitioner, researcher, author, coach and supervisor.

The first Dr. Linda Seligman Counselor Educator of the Year Award will be presented at the AMHCA Annual Conference (July 17-19) in San Diego, California at the Town&Country Resort.

AMHCA Launches Electronic Petition for Mental Health Awareness Stamp

The American Mental Health Counselors Association is pleased to launch a website petition for a Mental Health Awareness Commemorative Postage Stamp.

Fours years ago AMHCA's Public Awareness Committee created the stamp project as a simple and powerful way to help Americans become more aware of the importance of good mental health.

Obtaining the approval of the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) for a new stamp is a long-range project. More than 20,000 signatures have been collected to date. National recognition needs to be given to the impact that good mental health has on peoples' lives.

The basic characteristics of mental health include courage, integrity, tenacity, and inspiration.

Please visit www.amhca.org and click at the PETITION.
Every signature counts!

2008 AMHCA Awards to Embrace Diversity, Celebrate Achievement

Please click here for award categories and how to nominate individual or a state chapter.

The Member Service Committee invites AMHCA members to submit nominations for an individual in one of several categories as well as nominations for AMHCA state chapters (both large and small) that have made outstanding progress in the last year.

"And what better way to highlight the achievements of an individual or an AMHCA State Chapter than by nominating them for recognition by their AMHCA peers? And what better way to inspire and motive others than by focusing on these examples of excellence set by our fellow professionals and by celebrating these accomplishments at an awards ceremony?", Gay Bera, LPC, Chair, Member Services Committee stated.

Please click here for award categories and how to nominate individual or a state chapter.

AMHCA Award nominations are due on April 30, 2008.

Rhode Island Chapter Joins Unified Dues

AMHCA now has 18 state chapters in the Unified Dues Program with the recent admission of Rhode Island.

Unified Dues provides for a 20% discount off AMHCA national dues and state chapter dues. Now membership is affordable for all who select to join both organizations, and this has resulted in more revenue for the participating state chapters.

Unified Dues is completely voluntary, but has steadily attracted more members to the national organization and to the state chapters.

"We are delighted with the acceptance and growth of this program over the past five years," stated Executive Director & CEO W. Mark Hamilton, PhD.

AMHCA Annual Conference Registration Now Open

AMHCA Annual Conference Registration for San Diego (July 17-19, 2008) is now open.

The theme for San Diego is "Embracing Diversity: Relationships Across Cultures & Generations." The keynote speaker will be Dr. Jose' Szapocznik developer of One-Person Family Therapy and Brief Structural Therapy. He is one of the Nation's leading family therapists specializing in Hispanic families. Szapocznik will provide an all-day workshop following his keynote address.

Two-day track speakers will feature Dr. Lisa Boesky, specializing in the identification, management, and treatment of adolescents and young adults with mental health disorders. Also presenting will be Dr. Barry Jacobs author of the best-selling "Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers - Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent."

AMHCA Welcomes Puerto Rico Chapter

AMHCA is pleased to announce the establishment of a Puerto Rico chapter. The Puerto Rico leadership has been working over several months with the AMHCA national office addressing the chartering process.

The AMHCA's international membership continues to grow and we welcome this new Caribbean organization to the AMHCA chapter family.

AMHCA especially welcomes the Hispanic community to AMHCA at a time of international outreach. The theme for the AMHCA Annual Conference is San Diego, (July 17-19, 2008) is Embracing Diversity: Relationships Across Cultures and Generations and will feature Dr. Jose' Szapocznik. He is one of the nation's leading family therapists specializing in Hispanic families.

AMHCA Attends Presidential Candidates Town Hall Meeting in
South Carolina

On November 29^th AMHCA was represented by Dr. Paul Carlson, a long-time member, at the Columbia, South Carolina presidential candidate Town Hall Meeting. The event was planned and funded by the National Health Council (NHC). AMHCA is an organizational member of NHC.

Staff from the political campaigns of John Edwards, Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Barack Obama and Rudy Giuliani attended the event. The Town Hall Meeting was covered by print and electronic media including television affiliates for ABC, NBC and FOX. AMHCA President Dr. Gary Gintner has sent personal letters and mental health proclamations to all presidential candidates.

The Town Hall Meeting included nearly 70 patients and patient group representatives. Attendees discussed the importance of South Carolina in the presidential nominating process and how advocates can educate the presidential candidates about important health issues.

Utah and California Chapters Join Unified Dues

AMHCA now has 17 state chapters in the Unified Dues Program with the recent admission of Utah and California.

Unified Dues is completely voluntary, but has steadily attracted more members to the national organization and to the state chapters.

"We are delighted with the acceptance and growth of this program over the past five years," stated Executive Director & CEO W. Mark Hamilton, PhD.

AMHCA Partners with FedEx and Kinko's For New Member Benefit

AMHCA' newest business partner is FedEx and Kinko's. AMHCA members will be eligible for discounts from both companies.

FedEx is a world class shipping service and Kinko's printing and duplicating service is available across the United States. FedEx will ship next door or to 210 countries around the world. This new partnership will offer substantial member discounts on essential business services, including shipping, printing, and coping.

AMHCA Executive Director & CEO, W. Mark Hamilton, PhD., stated "we are excited to offer a new member benefit to our 6,000 members in the U.S. and in the wider global community. AMHCA membership has more value added with this new partnership."

Watch for more information at www.amhca.org.

Dr. Jose' Szapocznik to Keynote

The San Diego Annual Conference keynote will be delivered by Dr. Jose' Szapocznik. The conference theme is Embracing Diversity: Relationships across Cultures and Generations.

Dr. Szapocznik comes to AMHCA from the distinguished Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is the developer of One-Person Family Therapy and Brief Structural Therapy. Szapocznik is one of the nation's leading family therapists.

Conference planning chair Dr. Victoria A. Sardi has stated, "we are delighted that Dr. Szapocznik will provide our keynote address."

The AMHCA 2008 Annual Conference will be held at the Town and Country Center, San Diego, CA,
July 17 -19, 2008

AMHCA to Publish New Membership Directory

AMHCA in partnership with Harris Connect will publish early in 2009 a new edition of the AMHCA Membership Directory.

This will be the third edition for the Directory. Our publisher Harris Connect has been connecting people for more than 40 years, helping organizations and institutions of all types and sizes strengthen bonds and create lasting affinity.

It is planned that the new Directory will be available in both print and CD-ROM formats. "Even in this ‘electronic age' our members appreciate the ability to purchase a printed Directory" stated W. Mark Hamilton, AMHCA Executive Director/CEO.

AMHCA Statement on the Retirement of Sen. Pete Domenici

Alexandria, Va., October 9, 2007 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) applauds Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) for his thirty-five years of service in the Senate on behalf of the people of New Mexico and the millions of Americans who suffer from mental disorders.

Sen. Domenici, along with the late Paul Wellstone (D-MN), were the original authors of the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, legislation that began the process of ending health insurance discrimination against people suffering from mental illness.

As a longtime mental health advocate, the Senator has been a strong promoter of the passage of strong parity legislation, and his perseverance and commitment to this issue will long be remembered. The 110th Congress should enact, and President Bush sign, legislation currently pending in Congress to end the discrimination of those with mental illnesses.

"For almost four decades, Senator Domenici has worked tirelessly for the people of New Mexico, and represented them with honor and distinction, said Gary Gintner, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, AMHCA President. We appreciate his commitment and dedication, particularly on mental health issues, and look forward to working with him for the remainder of the session. We wish Sen. Domenici and his family all the best for the future,"

New Orleans Mayor Endorses Mental Health Awareness

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin has signed a proclamation endorsing and promoting Mental Health Awareness (September 11, 2007 - September 10, 2008).

As Mayor Nagin welcomed AMHCA's Annual Conference last July he stated, "Mental Health is an important issue in these months following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Your gathering in New Orleans is important not just to our local economy, but spiritually as well."

AMHCA welcomes Mayor Nagin's support and wishes New Orleans, one of the world's most unique cities, a speedy recovery.

AMHCA Witnesses Record Conference Registrations in New Orleans

The Annual AMHCA Conference saw record registrations in New Orleans. More that 300 attended the conference with nearly 80 at Leadership Training. The first-time pre-conference workshop saw 60 attend.

AMHCA President Gary Gintner, PhD. stated, "I am so pleased with the response at our Annual Conference and the support given to New Orleans." AMHCA members exhibited their human development skills to assist the re-building of an historic city.

Next July 17-19, 2008 the AMHCA conference will be in San Diego, California.

AMHCA Announces 2007 National Awards

AMHCA Member services committee chair Dr. Victoria Sardi has announced the 2007 AMHCA Awards. The awards will be presented at the AMHCA Awards luncheon in New Orleans on July 27, 2007.

AMHCA President's Award
Rep. Jerry Moran, Kansas

Board Initiative Award
Peter Mahar

Legislator of the Year Award
Sen. Claire C. McCaskill, D-Missouri

DONALD MATTSON OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
NickiNicki A. Covey

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Irene McIntosh

PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Wayne Meyerowitz

Professional Service and Leadership Award
Richard A. Wantz

Counselor Educator of the Year
Linda Seligman

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Judith A. Harrington

OUTSTANDING STATE CHAPTER AWARD
Alabama State Chapter

Outstanding Service to Members Award
Massachusetts State Chapter

AMHCA Community Service Award
Hotel Monteleone

The AMHCA Foundation Announces Logo

The AMHCA Foundation has announced its' logo. Foundation Chair Dr. Bob Bakko has stated, "The Foundation Board is most pleased to release the logo in time for the Annual National Conference in New Orleans".

The mission of the AMHCA Foundation is, "To improve the mental health of all Americans through public education about mental health issues, mental health research, access to mental health services and promoting high standards for mental health practitioners".

Mental Health Counselors included in New Medicare Legislation

Alexandria, Va., 29, 2007 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association and its partners' efforts to pass Medicare reimbursement for state-licensed mental health counselors took another step further on June 26, 2007, with the introduction of H.R. 2860, the Health Care Access and Rural Equity (H-CARE) Act of 2007. Although the primary focus of the bill is on rural health care, the legislation would allow mental health counselors to be reimbursed in all areas of the country.

The bill was introduced by a bi-partisan group of House Rural Health Caucus members, led by co-chairs Reps. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) and Greg Walden (R-OR). The legislation was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill has 53 bipartisan cosponsors. H.R. 2860 is similar to legislation introduced on June 13, 2007, by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) as S. 1605, the Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity (R-HOPE) Act of 2007, named in honor of the late Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY), who died on June 4, 2007.

Introduction of the House bill brings to five the total number of proposals under which mental health counselors would be allowed to bill Medicare. Bi-partisan legislation is also pending in the Senate (S. 921), introduced by Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and the late Sen. Thomas to reimburse mental health counselors under Medicare. In addition, in March 2007, Reps. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) and Bart Gordon (D-TN) introduced a House companion bill (H.R. 1588) to S. 921.

Another bill is pending, H.R. 1663, "the Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act," which was introduced by Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, which has jurisdiction over the Medicare program. This bill, also sponsored by Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN), would, among other things, allow mental health counselors to provide mental health services to Medicare beneficiaries.

AMHCA is working with its coalition partners, the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to enact legislation to allow mental health counselors to bill Medicare.

Upon hearing the news of the bill's introduction, AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD, LCMHC, NCC, said, "AMHCA commends Reps. Pomeroy and Walden for introducing this legislation to make improvements to rural health care. We look forward to working with the House and Senate Rural Health Care Caucus' to see the ultimate enactment of this important legislation."

Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill to Add Psychotherapy to LPC Law

Alexandria, Va., June 26, 2007 - On Monday, June 25, 2007, the Louisiana House of Representatives, by a vote of 97-0, passed legislation to add the term "psychotherapy" to the law regulating the practice of mental health counseling in the state. S. 110, originally introduced by Sen. Donald E. Hines, M.D. (D) was unanimously passed by the Senate on June 13, 2007, by a vote of 39 to 0. The bill has now been referred to Governor Kathleen Babineaux (D), who is expected to sign the legislation in the near future.

Passage of S. 110 will address an issue that arose late in 2006 when TriSpan Health Services, Medicare's fiscal intermediary in Louisiana, began refusing to reimburse Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in partial hospitalization settings under Medicare. According to the 2006 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Manual, state-licensed mental health professionals can be utilized for individual and group therapy, as well as family counseling. The statute regulating the provision of these services (42 CFR 410.43) specifically allows individual and group therapy with physicians or psychologists or other mental health professionals to the extent authorized under State law. TriSpan made its decision to stop reimbursing mental health counselors because the term "psychotherapy" was not included in Louisiana's statute regulating the practice of mental health counseling.

AMHCA first became aware of the issue after hearing from counselors in the state, who had lost positions due to Trispan's decision. The issue also affects mental health counselors in Mississippi and Missouri, where the term "psychotherapy" is not specified in either of these states laws.

Upon hearing that S. 110 had passed the House and Senate, AMHCA President-elect Gary Gintner, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, a counselor educator in Louisiana, said, "AMHCA is pleased that the legislature has clarified the law regulating mental health counselors to include psychotherapy. Passage of the bill will allow mental health counselors to continue to provide needed services to Louisiana citizens who suffer from mental illness and will open new employment opportunities for counselors in our state."

The Louisiana Mental Health Counselors Association (LMHCA), the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA), the Louisiana chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-LA) and the Louisiana Association of Ambulatory Healthcare worked collaboratively to address the issue. National groups, including AMHCA, the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) also worked together on the issue.

Nevada Becomes 49^th State to License Clinical Professional Counselors

Alexandria, Va., June 14, 2007 - On Thursday, June 14th Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons signed into law Nevada Assembly Bill 424, establishing licensure of clinical professional counselors in that state. Nevada is now the 49th state to have enacted counselor licensure legislation. The Nevada legislature approved AB 424 on June 3rd. California is the only state in the union which still does not have a counseling licensure law, although the California Assembly recently approved counselor licensure legislation. There are more than 100,000 licensed professional counselors across the country.

Nevada's enactment of the legislation comes after several unsuccessful attempts by counselors to push licensure over the previous decade, and a swift, if somewhat bumpy, ride through this year's session of the Nevada legislature. The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) worked closely with the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) in support of the Nevada licensure effort.

Upon hearing that Governor Gibbons had signed the legislation into law, AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD, LCMHC, NCC, said, "AMHCA commends its members in Nevada, especially Louise Sutherland, and the bill's authors, Senators Joe Heck (R-Henderson) and Maggie Carlton (D-Clark) and Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie (D-Reno) for their efforts in working to see the ultimate enactment of this important legislation. Our hearty congratulations and thanks go out to those who made licensure of mental health counselors a reality. The enactment of this legislation will help to address Nevada's dire shortage of mental health professionals."

Under Nevada's licensure law, requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) will include:

- A master's degree in mental health counseling or community counseling from a program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), or "an acceptable degree as determined by the Board which includes the completion of a practicum and internship in mental health counseling."

- 2 years/3,000 hours of post-master's degree supervised experience, and successful completion of a national counselor examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Examinations include The National Counselor Examination (NCE) and The National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). The NCE may be used during the first two years of the law's enactment with evidence satisfactory to the Board of at least 3 years of work experience in mental health counseling.

The legislation defines the practice of "clinical professional counseling" to include treatment, assessment and counseling or equivalent activities, to a person or group of persons to achieve mental, emotional, physical and social development and adjustment."

The definition also includes "counseling interventions to prevent, diagnose and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associated distresses which interfere with mental health." Requiring licensure of counselors protects the public by ensuring that practitioners meet a minimum level of professional standards and that they keep their professional credentials current through continuing education.

AMHCA congratulates Nevada counselors involved in the licensure effort, and the bill's authors, Senator Joe Heck (R-Henderson), Senator Maggie Carlton (D-Clark) and Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie (D-Reno) on this important legislation. Our thanks also go out to all the AMHCA members in Nevada who responded to our alerts and contacted their legislators in support of AB 424.

AMHCA Receives AstraZeneca Education Grant

For the second straight year AMHCA has received an education grant from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

AstraZeneca is one of the world's leading investors in pharmaceutical research and development. AstraZeneca (nearly 100 years old) is proud of its medications addressing mental illness.

AMHCA celebrates AstraZeneca's many community outreach efforts and its interest in supporting mental health awareness around the globe.

Nevada Becomes 49^th State to License Clinical Professional Counselors

Alexandria, Va., June 11, 2007 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is pleased to announce that on Sunday, June 3, 2007, legislation to license mental health counselors was passed by the Nevada Senate and Assembly. The passage of the legislation, based on S.B. 543 and originally introduced by Senator Joe Heck (R-Henderson), ends almost a decade of struggle for counselor licensure in Nevada. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by Governor Jim Gibbons (R) the week of June 11, 2007.

AMHCA worked closely with its coalition partners, the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to enact counselor licensure legislation in Nevada. California is now the only remaining state that does not license mental health counselors.

Requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) include a master's degree in mental health counseling or community counseling from a program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), 2 years/3,000 hours of post-master's degree supervised experience, and passage, within the first two years, of the National Counselor Exam (NCE) administered by NBCC. Following this two year period, passage of the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) will be required for licensure as an LCPC.

According to the legislation, the practice of clinical professional counseling means the treatment, assessment and counseling or equivalent activities, to a person or group of persons to achieve mental, emotional, physical and social development and adjustment. The term, as defined by legislation, includes counseling interventions to prevent, diagnose and treat emotional or behavioral disorders which interfere with mental health.

Upon hearing the news of the passage of the legislation, AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD, LCMHC, NCC, said, "AMHCA commends its members in Nevada, especially Louise Sutherland, and the bill's authors, Senators Joe Heck (R-Henderson) and Maggie Carlton (D-Clark) and Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie (D-Reno) for their efforts in working to see the ultimate enactment of this important legislation. Our hearty congratulations and thanks go out to those who made licensure of mental health counselors a reality."

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Signs Mental Health Proclamation at
the National Press Club

District of Columbia representative Eleanor Holmes Norton today spoke at the National Press Club endorsing mental health awareness and the mental health awareness U.S. postage stamp.

Representative Norton came to the press conference at the invitation of AMHCA and the DC Mental Health Counselors Association. Chapter president Dr. Betty Lancaster-Short hosted the activity and AMHCA was represented by Executive Director/CEO Dr. W. Mark Hamilton and the AMHCA chapter relations manager Katarina Briedova. A representative of the Washington, D.C. mayor's office was also in attendance.

Maine Joins Unified Dues

Maine has become the 15^th AMHCA State Chapter to join the Unified Dues Program.

With joining Unified Dues Maine mental health counselors can save 20% off their state and national membership dues. One payment covers state and AMHCA annual dues.

Maine state chapter president Peter Comstock stated, "Joining unified dues will provide our members with new products and services at a reduced cost." Welcome Maine!

Dr. Victoria Sardi is AMHCA's President-Elect

Victoria A. Sardi, PhD., LPC has been elected AMHCA President-Elect. Dr. Sardi will serve as President in 2008-2009.

Judith Bertenthal-Smith, LPC, ALPS has been elected Director-at-Large beginning July 1, 2007. John A. Bernham, LPC, NCC has been re-elected AMHCA Treasurer.

Congratulations and thanks from AMHCA to all who entered the election process.

John Wiley & Sons Publishers Joins
AMHCA Business Partners

AMHCA is pleased to announce that John Wiley & Sons Publishers has become AMHCA's newest business partner. Since 1807 Wiley has been a leading U.S. educational publisher and excels in the areas of scientific, technical and medical publications.

This strategic affiliation will provide AMHCA's members with current information on Wiley's numerous mental health publications, both print and electronic, and will offer substantial cost savings too.

AMHCA continues to welcome new business partners who provide quality products and service to our growing membership.

AMHCA Partners with NPR
for Mental Health Month

Commencing in May, as we celebrate Mental Health Month and Mental Health Counseling Awareness Week, AMHCA will sponsor public service announcements on NPR. The radio spots will promote the importance of mental health awareness and the work of AMHCA.

AMHCA will now join earlier underwriters including the American Hospital Association, the American Red Cross and the American Dental Association.

Executive Director/CEO W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. has stated, "At a national time of increased mental health awareness we welcome this new underwriting partnership with NPR as we work to promote the vital activities of the mental health counseling profession."

AMHCA looks forward to this May radio campaign and urges the entire nation to celebrate mental health awareness as never before.

AMHCA Saddened with Virginia Shooting

The AMHCA national leadership and staff wish to express their sadness over the Virginia Tech. student shooting.

The central office is working with the Virginia Chapter leadership to offer assistance. AMHCA's sympathy goes out to the concerned families and friends of the victims.

AMHCA is ready and able to offer any professional services, which are needed, to our Virginia community in this time of distress.

Wisconsin Joins Unified Dues

AMHCA is pleased to announce that the Wisconsin state chapter has joined the Unified Dues Program. Wisconsin now becomes the 14th state to join Unified Dues.

This program provides members the opportunity to join both the national and state organizations at a substantial cost savings or a combined saving of 20%.

State chapters now offering Unified Dues to their members include Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, West Virginia, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. Several other states are expected to participate in the coming months.

Wisconsin Chapter president Janice A. Gnas stated, "We welcome this opportunity to provide to our members the many products and services offered by both the state and national professional organizations at a very affordable cost."

Counselor Licensure Legislation Introduced in Nevada

Alexandria, Va., April 2, 2007 - On March 28, 2007, legislation was introduced in the Nevada State Senate to establish licensure for mental health counselors in the state. Currently, there are more than 100,000 counselors licensed in 48 states and the District of Columbia who meet similar education and training requirements on par with those of clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists.

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is working with its coalition partners, the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to enact counselor licensure legislation in Nevada. Nevada and California are the two remaining states that do not license mental health counselors.

In January 2005, a report was released by the Nevada Mental Health Plan Implementation Commission that recommends that the pool of qualified mental health staff in Nevada be expanded to include licensed professional counselors. The report, a result of legislation enacted in 2003, required the development of an action plan to implement recommendations of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (1999) and in particular, to make improvements in Nevada's mental health delivery system.

The new bill, S.B. 543, would establish the title of licensed professional counselor for individuals who have obtained a master's degree in professional counseling from an accredited institution, accumulated 2 years/3,000 hours of post-master's degree supervised experience, and passed a national exam.

Licensure of mental health counselors will help address Nevada's dire shortage of mental health professionals. Many mental health clinics and facilities across the state are having trouble finding staff, and most of the state is considered a mental health professional shortage area by federal government. Reports have shown a high level of unmet need for mental health treatment among Nevadans.

Upon hearing the news of the bill's introduction, AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD, LCMHC, NCC, said, "AMHCA commends Sen. Joe Heck (R) for spearheading this important legislation and its members in Nevada, especially Louise Sutherland, for their efforts on behalf of the bill. We look forward to working with the legislature to make licensure of mental health counselors a reality in Nevada."

H.R. 1663, the Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act,
Introduced in U.S. House

Legislation Will Reimburse Mental Health Counselors under Medicare

Alexandria, Va., March 27, 2007 - On March 23, 2007, Representatives Pete Stark (D-CA), Jim Ramstad (R-MN) and Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) introduced H.R. 1663, the Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007. This legislation will make critical changes necessary for improving the delivery of mental health services to the nation's 39 million Medicare beneficiaries. H.R. 1663 is the third bill introduced within a week to cover mental health counselors under Medicare.

Specifically, the Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act would include mental health counselors among the list of providers who can deliver mental health services to Medicare beneficiaries, provided they are legally authorized to perform the services under State law. The legislation would also require Medicare to reimburse mental health counselors at the same rates as that of clinical social workers.

Medicare currently covers the services of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and psychiatric/mental health clinical nurse specialists, but does not recognize mental health counselors as separately reimbursable mental health providers. Establishing Medicare reimbursement for the nation's licensed mental health counselors has long been a priority of the AMHCA and its Public Policy and Legislation Committee, chaired by Dan Holdinghaus, LPC, of Missouri.

The Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act significantly improves Medicare's mental health benefit. The legislation removes a financial barrier to those beneficiaries seeking mental health treatment, by reducing the co-payment for outpatient mental health services from 50 to 20 percent. Other needed provisions are also included.

On Tuesday, March 27, a hearing on H.R. 1663, the Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act and H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, will be held by the House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Health, chaired by Rep. Stark.

Upon hearing of the bill's introduction AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD, LCMHC, NCC, said, "AMHCA is deeply grateful to Reps. Stark, Ramstad and Kennedy for introducing this comprehensive legislation and for their continued commitment to ensuring greater access to mental health services for our nation's seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries. We look forward to working with you and other mental health advocacy groups to ensure its ultimate enactment by the 110^th Congress."

AMHCA Applauds Bipartisan Legislation to Reimburse Mental Health Counselors under Medicare

Alexandria, Va., March 26, 2007 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) today applauded Representatives Barbara Cubin (R-WY) and Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Senators Craig Thomas (R-WY) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) for introducing the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S. 921/H.R. 1588). This legislation will provide Medicare beneficiaries with greater choice among qualified providers and will enhance their ability to obtain needed mental health services.

Medicare reimbursement of licensed mental health counselors is a top legislative priority for AMHCA and its members.

S. 921 and H.R. 1588 will allow direct reimbursement to licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists who provide services to Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, the legislation would include mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists among the list of providers who can deliver mental health services to Medicare beneficiaries, provided they are legally authorized to perform those services under their state's law. The legislation would also require Medicare to reimburse mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists at the same rate as clinical social workers.

In previous years, the U.S. Senate has passed legislation identical to that of S. 921 and H.R. 1588 as part of more comprehensive Medicare legislation. The provision, however, was not included in the final bill signed into law by President Bush.

"AMHCA is grateful to Senators Thomas and Lincoln and Representatives Cubin and Gordon for introducing this legislation and for their commitment to ensuring greater access to mental health services for our nation's seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries," said AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD, LCMHC, NCC. "We look forward to working closely with these members to secure the ultimate enactment of the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act."

U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel to Serve as
Honorary Chair
of Mental Health Counseling Week (May 7-13, 2007)

Alexandria, Va., February 28, 2007 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association is pleased to announce that Representative Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of Mental Health Counseling Week, to be held May 7-13, during National Mental Health Month.

Rep. Rangel has been a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1971, representing the Fifteenth Congressional District of New York, which encompasses Upper Manhattan and the neighborhoods of Harlem, Washington Heights and portions of the Upper West Side. He is a decorated war veteran, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in the Korean War.

In January 2007, Rangel became the first African American to serve as Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over the Medicare program. Rangel is currently the fourth-longest serving Democratic House member and is the co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. He is also Chairman of the Congressional Narcotics Abuse and Control Caucus, which works to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the United States and to solve the nation's continuing drug abuse crisis.

Rangel is a long time supporter of mental health counselors and was the first House sponsor, during the 102nd Congress, of legislation to establish Medicare coverage of state-licensed mental health counselors. He has been an advocate for those affected by mental illness and for those in need of mental health services, and is a co-sponsor of mental health parity and other mental health related legislation.

"AMHCA applauds Rep. Rangel for his work on behalf of those who suffer from mental illness, and for his commitment to working in Congress to make mental health services more widely available to our nation's citizens," said AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD, LCMHC, NCC. "We are honored to have Rep. Rangel serve as Honorary Chair of Mental Health Counseling Week and look forward to working with him in the future, especially as Congress addresses Medicare's meager mental health benefit."

AMHCA Hosts Tri-Region Meeting

On February 9, 2007 AMHCA was pleased to host an "Open Dialog" between DCMHCA, NVLPC, VACC, and LCPCM. AMHCA is committed to the success and the growth of the mental health counseling profession and the AMHCA State Chapters.

The meeting agenda included reports from the chapters, the AMHCA Leadership Training and Annual Conference in New Orleans, July 26-28, 2007, membership questions on how to increase chapter membership, information about regional conferences, state legislative activities, and how successful chapters can help others to achieve their goals.

The representatives from all three chapters included Dr. Lancaster-Short (DCMHCA), Tracy Bushkoff (NVLPC), Ed Navis (VACC) and Michael Cardaci (LCPCM). They would like to start a new tradition and meet at the AMHCA's national office annually. AMHCA and chapter leaders believe that the next meeting would become a forum where experience, expertise, ideas and concerns about chapter issues and the national legislative agenda would be shared.

February 5^th Declared Mental Health Awareness Day in Nevada

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is pleased to announce that today, Jim Gibbons, Governor of Nevada, signed a proclamation declaring February 5, 2007, as a day of Mental Health Awareness in that state. February 5^th also marks the opening day of the 74^th Regular Session of the Nevada legislature. AMHCA commends its member, Louise Sutherland, and others in the state for making the declaration of a mental health awareness day a priority.

AMHCA has been working with Governors and legislatures across the country in an effort to raise mental health awareness. Nevada is the latest of many states across the country to recognize the importance of good mental health. The AMHCA Board of Directors, led by Gail Mears, President of the Association, voted to declare that the 4th Year of Mental Health Awareness will be observed from September 11, 2006 to September 10, 2007.

The campaign is also aimed at promoting the issuance of a United States postage stamp promoting Mental Health Awareness. In July 2002, AMHCA launched a nationwide petition drive in support of a new stamp promoting mental health awareness. We believe it is important to emphasize the positive, progressive nature of recognizing and promoting mental health. The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), whose members are appointed by the U.S. Postmaster General, considers proposals for new United States postage stamps.

To see a copy of the proclamation, visit the website for the Office of the Governor at http://gov.state.nv.us/Proclamations.htm.

For additional information on this or any other issue, please contact Beth Powell, AMHCA's director of public policy and professional issues, at 800-326-2642, ext. 105, or by e-mail at bpowell@amhca.org

AMHCA Annual Conference Registration Opens

Registration for the AMHCA Annual Conference is New Orleans, July 26-28^th is now open.

The conference theme is Growth Out of Adversity and the keynote address will be given by Dr. Donald Meichenbaum who has been voted one of the ten most influential psychotherapists of the century.

Take advantage of the early-bird discount and register on-line at www.amhca.org. You may also call Linda Morano at the AMHCA national office at 800-326-2642. The conference hotel is the Hotel Monteleone, which offers AMHCA conference attendees a special room rate of $109.00!

Attend the only conference devoted entirely to the mental health counseling profession.

Congress Passes Legislation to Include Mental Health Counselors in VA Programs

Alexandria, Va., December 11, 2006 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) today applauded the passage of S. 3421, the Veterans Benefits, Healthcare, and Information Act," legislation that, among other things, will allow the Department of Veterans' Affairs to hire mental health counselors. S. 3421 now goes to President Bush to be signed into law.

The bill, which passed the House by voice vote and the Senate under unanimous consent, includes the AMHCA and American Counseling Association (ACA) supported provision to add mental health counselors to the list of appointed positions within the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA). The provision would also delineate the qualifications mental health counselors would need to be appointed to a position in the VHA.

Currently, the VA cannot hire mental health counselors at the same pay grade as clinical social workers, nor can mental health counselors apply for supervisory positions open to clinical social workers and others. Partially as a result, the VA is the largest employer of social workers in the United States, and the VA employs very few mental health counselors on a full-time basis.

The provision will allow mental health counselors to be eligible for better paying jobs with a greater potential for promotion at the VA. Currently, licensed mental health counselors do not have a federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule (GS) occupational classification, which is necessary for a counselor to be employed by the U.S. Government. With enactment of the provision, OPM will be required to create an occupational classification for mental health counselors.

Upon hearing of the bill's passage, AMHCA President Gail Mears, PsyD., LCMHC, said, "AMHCA is very pleased that Congress made this important legislation a priority and that it was passed by both chambers prior to the adjournment of the 109th Congress. The inclusion of licensed mental health counselors by the VA and the quality of services they provide will make it easier for those who served our nation and in need of mental health services to get the health care they need."

New Orleans AMHCA Conference Invites Nationally Recognized Presenters

The AMHCA Program Planning Committee has announced the invited program presenters for the New Orleans Annual Conference, July 26-28, 2007

Presenters in New Orleans will include Dr. Donald Meichenbaum, Dr. Nancy McWilliams, and Dr. Scott D. Miller. This cadre of speakers speaks internationally and each has authored numerous articles and books. In a survey reported in the America Psychologist Meichenbaum was voted "one of the ten most influential psychotherapists of the century."

President-Elect and program chair Dr. Gary Gintner stated, "AMHCA is pleased and honored to have such a strong and professional group of speakers for New Orleans."

Come to New Orleans (July 26-28) both for high quality cutting-edge information and restore the human spirit to one of America's great cities.

AMHCA Launches Chapter E-News

AMHCA has launched a new monthly electronic publication entitled State Chapter E-News.

The new electronic newsletter is a tool to enhance communications between AMHCA's state chapters and the national organization. The editorial content will be under the management of Katarina Briedova, AMHCA's chapter relations manager.

AMHCA President, (2006-2007) Dr. Gail Mears has stated, "This is another step in AMHCA's continuing and traditional concern for the advancement of the state organizations."

Chapter E-News follows the launch last year of AMHCA E-News that is sent monthly to AMHCA's 6,000 members. AMHCA E-News carries general association information of interest to the wider membership both domestic and international.

AMHCA President to Attend the Annual
Rosalynn Carter Symposium

Dr. Gail Mears will represent AMHCA at the Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The topic selected this year is Disaster Mental Health in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and her Mental Health Task Force selected the topic in order to improve the quality of mental health care for victims of disaster through the reform of both national and local mental health policies.

During this year's symposium, participants will learn more about the circumstances surrounding service during and after the Gulf Coast hurricanes, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, and develop effective strategies implementing change to current policy and practices.

"Annie's' Mailbox" Brings Responses to AMHCA

AMHCA has been cited in a recent "Annie's' Mailbox" column as a resource for readers seeking mental health information.

"Annie's' Mailbox" is the successor newspaper advice column started by Ann Landers in the Chicago Sun Times. This nationally syndicated column appears in more than 700 newspapers with 60 million readers. "Annie's' Mailbox" on average receives 2,000 letters per day.

In response to phone calls and messages, AMHCA has referred requests to our website Find-A-Counselor and to our state chapter leadership where appropriate.

"The mission of the American Mental Health Counselors Association is to enhance the profession of mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education and professional development."

AMHCA Announces Annual Conference Theme and Call for Programs

AMHCA has announced the Annual Conference theme for New Orleans, July 26-28, 2007 as Growth out of Adversity.

AMHCA invites its members and health care professionals to present their expertise at the only conference devoted entirely to the mental health counseling profession. Detailed information is available at www.amhca.org. Program proposals must be postmarked by December 15, 2006.

The site for the AMHCA 2007 Annual Conference is the Hotel Monteleone¾one of the most elegant and historic hotels in the New Orleans French Quarter. AMHCA provides poster session opportunities and welcomes student participation.

AMHCA Partners with Adawehi Institute

AMHCA has recently partnered with the Adawehi Institute for new on-line continuing education opportunities. The Institute offers several courses for counselors including *Dealing with Emotions and Defining from the Heart.

Adawehi Institute founder and director Jackie Woods is an expert in the field of personal development with more that 25 years teaching experience. She is a regular guest expert on radio and has made select appearances on network and cable television. Wood has authored numerous books and articles.

The Adawehi Institute is recognized by NBCC to offer continuing educational credit. For more information go to www.amhca.org and click on "Get CE Credits Now".

AMHCA Executive Director & CEO W. Mark Hamilton, PhD., has stated, "We welcome another on-line continuing education partner in order to enhance the professional development opportunities for our members."

AMHCA Recognizes World Mental Health Day, October 10

September 22, 2006 - AMHCA as an organizational member of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) recognizes World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2006.

The theme is Building Awareness ?Reducing Risk: Mental Illness and Suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 million people die by suicide each year, and that non-fatal self-inflicted injuries are probably at least 20 times greater than completed suicides.

AMHCA members may request 2006 World Mental Health Day global awareness campaign packets by e-mailing the WFHM at wmhday@wfmh.com. The packets are available in English, French, and Spanish. Also assisting with this observance is the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The World Federation for Mental Health organizes World Mental Health Day each year. It is the only global public awareness campaign focusing exclusively on major mental health topics. World Mental Health Day was first commemorated in 1992, and is now observed on October 10 in over 100 countries.

5th Anniversary of 9/11

The first anniversary of Katrina has just passed and the 5th anniversary of 9/11 is upon us. On behalf of AMHCA I want to extend our prayers, thoughts, and condolences on the suffering and loss that many of you, your families, friends and clients have endured. Anniversaries can bring with them a renewed sense of loss, painful memory, and distress. They remind all of us of the impermanence of life while highlighting the enduring qualities of courage, care, and service.

I want to extend our thanks to those of you who, in the face of others' despair, provided help and support to those in need. Your acts of kindness whether through donations, physical help, informal support, and crisis counseling are a testament to the basic goodness of human nature.

Difficult times can illuminate the need for enhanced services and new mechanisms of help. One response to the need for clinical services that emerged recently is the Disaster Relief Network. This effort, piloted in Vermont, encourages state AMHCA chapters to develop a resource list of Licensed Mental Health Counselors willing to provide needed clinical services to people, living or displaced to a chapter's region, who have been affected by traumatic events. Several state chapters are in the process of implementing this service.

I encourage any of you to contact me with your ideas of how AMHCA can help you be more prepared to respond to crisis or advocate for better services for those whose lives are disrupted by natural or man-made disaster.

As always, thank you for the skillful, caring work you do.

Gail Mears
AMHCA President, 2006-2007
gmears@plymouth.edu

Board of Directors of the American Mental Health Counselors Association Designates the 4^th Year of Mental Health Awareness to be Observed from September 11, 2006 to September 10, 2007

Gail Mears, President of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) announced today that on Thursday, July 20, the Board of Directors of AMHCA voted to declare that the 4th Year of Mental Health Awareness will be observed from September 11, 2006 to September 10, 2007.

The specific goals to be worked on during this 4th Year of Mental Health Awareness include a continuation of the nationwide petition drive in support of a new United States Postage Stamp promoting Mental Health Awareness. Every citizen will benefit from this constant reminder of this invaluable concept.

According to President Mears, our society needs to recognize the difference between the lack of Mental Health and the process of creating Mental Health Awareness. Cultivating this awareness will help people avoid the consequences of untreated anxiety, untreated depression and physical deterioration. The clearer a person's thought process is, the more opportunity he or she has to deal with and grow beyond the stressors. This will HELP to PREVENT the occurrence of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Family Instability.

Signed stamp petitions will be forwarded by AMHCA to the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee, the body that recommends the issuance of stamps to the United States Postal Service.

For more information and to become a part of this effort, please write to or call:

The American Mental Health Counselors Association, Suite 304, 801 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA. 22314 (703) 548-6002

AMHCA Announces 2006 Awards

Dr. Victoria Sardi, Chair of the AMHCA awards committee, has announced the 2006 Awards to be presented in St. Louis on July 21st at the AMHCA Annual Awards luncheon.

Counselor of the Year	-	Walter Frazier
State Chapter Award	-	Ohio Chapter
Legislator of the Year	-	Rep. Barbara Cubin
Public & Community Service	-	F. Robert Wilson
President's Award	-	Linda Barclay and Sandra Lopez-Baez
Graduate Student Award	-	Karen F. Griner
Outstanding Website Award	-	Maine Chapter

AMHCA sends best wishes to the 2006 Award winners and nominees too.

AMHCA Board Recognizes Mid-Atlantic Flood Victims

Dr. Gail Mears, President 2006-2007, on behalf of the AMHCA Board of Directors has expressed concern for the thousands of Mid-Atlantic state flood victims. Virginia, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware have had record amounts of rain and flooding. There have been 16 deaths; thousands have had to leave their homes and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

AMHCA Executive Director & CEO, W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. attended a briefing yesterday with senior staff from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the American Red Cross. Hamilton heard reports on the recent Mid-Atlantic flooding and updates on the huge recovery efforts in New Orleans.

The AMHCA Board and professional staff extend their concern to our chapters in the disaster states and urge them to assist their communities with post-flood issues.

AstraZeneca Awards Education Grant to AMHCA

Executive Director and CEO W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. has announced that AstraZeneca has awarded AMHCA an educational grant in support of the 2006 Annual Conference. Hamilton stated "this is a further endorsement of AMHCA's educational contribution to the membership's educational programs."

AstraZeneca works to discover, develop and deliver innovative health care solutions for AMHCA's clients, families and communities. The clinical area of mental health has been an important AstraZenea research area for many years.

Dr. Gail Mears, 2006 conference chair stated, "AMHCA sincerely welcomes this program support from a globally responsible corporation working to improve people's lives."

Eli Lilly Awards Educational Grant to AMHCA

Eli Lilly and Company has provided an educational grant to AMHCA in support of the 2006 Annual Conference in St. Louis, announced Executive Director & CEO W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. Hamilton stated, "the funds will help support the educational program and the Keynote address from Dr. David Satcher.

Eli Lilly and Company was established 129 years ago and employs 43,000 employees worldwide. Clinical research is conducted in more than 60 countries.

President-Elect Dr. Gail Mears commented, "AMHCA is most grateful for this vote of confidence and support for our Annual Conference next month."

AMHCA Executive Director Participates in Rosalynn Carter Coalition Annual Meeting

AMHCA was represented by Executive Director & CEO W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. at Mrs. Carter's National Quality Caregiving Coalition annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

The NQCC of the Rosalynn Carter Institute is a national coalition that uses the combined strength of its members to promote quality caregiving practice, policy, research, advocacy, and education/training across all ages and disabilities throughout the life span.

Among other national associations, attending the coalition meeting included the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Association on Mental Retardation, and the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

At its meeting the NQCC released a long-awaited study conducted by the University of Florida which confirmed that more than 50 million Americans are providing support for a family member who is aging, suffering from chronic illness or disabled and that number is expected to grow significantly as the U.S. population ages. The mental status associated with caregiving has become a major and prevalent public health concern.

"Caregiving is hard work," said former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. "In addition to its rewards, it can take a heavy toll on the caregiver's health, particularly their mental health. It is important that we listen to caregivers in order to know what their needs are and then address the specific needs they identify… and those needs may be somewhat different in each community."

Reps. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Michael Michaud (D-ME) Introduce Legislation to Recognize Counselors in VA Programs

Alexandria, VA, May 17, 2006 — The American Mental Health Counselors (AMHCA) is pleased to announce that legislation to recognize mental health counselors in programs of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 16, 2006. The bill, H.R. 5396, the Veterans Mental Health Access Improvement Act, was introduced by Reps. Jerry Moran (R-JS) and Michael Michaud (D-ME), both members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Health.

The VA's mental health programs provide a comprehensive array of clinical, educational and research activities to serve America's veterans who suffer from mental illness. Currently, mental health counselors are unable to be employed and practice within the Veterans' Health Administration (VHA) despite documented staffing shortages in many VA hospitals and outpatient clinics.

The Veterans Mental Health Access Improvement Act would add licensed mental health counselors to the list of providers who are eligible to be appointed to positions in the Veterans' Health Administration (VHA), allowing them to be eligible for better paying jobs with a greater potential for promotion. This issue is especially important, given the excessive number of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with symptoms of mental illness.

AMHCA has been working with the American Counseling Association (ACA) to get such legislation introduced. We will continue to meet with members of the House of Representatives to gain support for the legislation.

In December 2005, the U.S. Senate passed a bill (S. 1182), that, among other things, would allow mental health counselors to be appointed to positions in the VA. AMHCA is hopeful that the House will consider the Veterans Mental Health Access Improvement Act prior to the adjournment of the 109th Congress.

Upon hearing the news, AMHCA President Carol Staben-Burroughs, said, "This is great news, not only for mental health counselors, but for the thousands of veterans who seek mental health services through the VA. AMHCA looks forward to working with Rep. Moran to ensure that this important legislation becomes law."

Rep. Cubin Introduces Bill to Reimburse Counselors under Medicare!
Call or Write to Ask Your Representative to Cosponsor H.R. 5324
See Sample Letter and Message Below

On May 9, 2006, Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced legislation(H.R. 5324) that would include licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists among the list of providers who can deliver services to Medicare beneficiaries, provided they are legally authorized to perform those services under their state's licensure law. This is the first time such legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA) worked tirelessly to find a Republican member of the House of Representatives who is on one of the two key committees with jurisdiction over the legislation since Republicans are the majority party and control the flow of legislation. Now that we have achieved this important goal, it is even more crucial for our members to contact their U.S. Representative and request co-sponsorship of the bill. A long list of bipartisan cosponsors will help provide the support needed to include the legislation when a separate bill regarding Medicare is working its way through the legislative process.

The Senate version of the legislation is S. 784, also called the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act, sponsored by Senators Craig Thomas (R-WY) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). Senators Thomas and Lincoln were instrumental in having the language from S. 784 included in last year's budget reconciliation bill. Now that we have lead sponsors on both sides of the Hill, we are optimistic that the legislation will not be removed by members of the House of Representatives during any potential conference committee.

ACTION NEEDED: Contact your U.S. Representative to ask him/her to cosponsor and support H.R. 5324, the Senior's Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2006, sponsored by Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) to reimburse counselors under Medicare. A sample phone message when making calls is below, along with a sample letter.

TARGETS: Members of the House of Representatives, especially members of the Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees. The U.S. Capitol Switchboard can be reached at (202) 225-3121. If you don't know the name of your Representative, visit www.house.gov and enter your zip code.

SAMPLE MESSAGE {for Representatives}: "As a constituent, I'm calling to ask the Representative to cosponsor and support, H.R. 5324, legislation to provide greater access for Medicare beneficiaries in need of mental health services. Rep. Cubin has introduced the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act to provide Medicare beneficiaries with greater choice among qualified providers and enhance their ability to obtain needed mental health services."

AMHCA and ACA will continue meeting with members of the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees as well as the Senate Finance Committee to shore up support for the legislation. For more information, contact Beth Powell, in AMHCA's office of Public Policy and Professional Issues at (800) 326-2642, ext. 105 or via email at bpowell@amhca.org.

SAMPLE LETTER TO REPRESENTATIVES IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 5324

AMHCA Applauds House Introduction of Legislation to Reimburse
Mental Health Counselors under Medicare

Alexandria, Va., May 10, 2006 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) today applauded Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) for introducing H.R. 5324, the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2006. This legislation will provide Medicare beneficiaries with greater choice among qualified providers and will enhance their ability to obtain needed mental health services. Rep. Cubin is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which shares jurisdiction over Medicare with the Ways and Means Committee.

The proposed legislation would allow direct reimbursement to licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists who provide services to Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, the bill would include mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists among the list of providers who can deliver mental health services to Medicare beneficiaries, provided they are legally authorized to perform those services under their state's law. The legislation would also require Medicare to reimburse mental health counselors at the same rate as clinical social workers.

Medicare currently covers the services of independently practicing psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and clinical nurse specialists, but does not recognize mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists as separately reimbursable mental health providers. Establishing Medicare reimbursement for the nation's licensed mental health counselors has long been a chief legislative goal of AMHCA' s Public Policy and Legislation Committee, chaired by Dan Holdinghaus of Missouri.

"AMHCA is grateful to Representative Cubin for introducing this legislation and for her commitment to ensuring greater access to mental health services for our nation's seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries," said AMHCA President Carol Staben-Burroughs, LCPC. "We look forward to working closely with Representative Cubin to secure the ultimate enactment of the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act."

Vermont AMHCA Chapter Launches Mental Health Disaster Relief Registry

AMHCA Director-At-Large, Peter Mahar, has announced the formation of the Vermont Mental Health Disaster Relief Registry. Mahar stated at the launch, "This represents the first step in a multi-faceted campaign designed to both increase disaster relief preparedness and to demonstrate the importance of mental health counseling as a profession". For a start, 550 Vermont Licensed Mental Health Counselors received registration forms.

The purpose of the Registry is to have a system and a resource for referrals from disaster relief agencies in place for disaster survivors, their loved ones and those who provide services in shelters and on site.

AMHCA President-Elect Gary G. Gintner, PhD. has praised the Registry as, "a great initiative and worthy of national notice." The Registry was launched during Mental Health Counseling Week (May 1-7).

AMHCA Celebrates Mental Health Counseling Week

May 1-7 has been designated as National Mental Health Counseling Week. The theme for this year's celebration is "Mental Health Awareness."

AMHCA earlier in the year mailed information and promotion manuals to 40 state chapters across the Nation.

Current AMHCA President Carol Staben-Burroughs has commented, "AMHCA is honored to have Representative Tim Murphy, Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus as our honorary Chair." Murphy has told the AMHCA membership, "I am pleased that Mental Health Counseling Week shares my passion to educate parents and families, communities, schools, health policy makers and insurers, health professionals, and employers about the importance of mental health and integrated care services."

AMHCA Executive Director & CEO, W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. has commented, "Mental Health is an important event on the AMHCA events calendar as we all make every effort, along with many others, to promote the importance of our Nation's good mental health."

Communities across the Nation will celebrate Mental Health Month in May - an annual observance designed to increase public awareness about mental health and mental illness.

AMHCA Mississippi Chapter Launches Website

April 24, 2006 - The Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselors Association has launched a website located at www.lpcms.org. This new website has been created during the tenure of Walter L. Frazier, LPC as president of the Mississippi state chapter. Mississippi now joins 32 other AMHCA chapter websites.

Executive Director W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. stated, "We welcome Mississippi to the growing family at AMHCA chapter websites in a world where electronic communication has a growing role for our membership." Walter Frazier writes on the inauguration homepage, "We are so pleased to finally have this communication tool established, especially in the wake of the 2005 hurricane season and all it has brought Mississippi and the rest of the U.S."

Dr. Gary G. Gintner Elected as AMHCA President-Elect

April 20, 2006 - Gary G. Gintner, PhD., LPC, NCC has been elected AMHCA President-Elect. He currently is associate professor and co-coordinator of the Counselor Education Program at Louisiana State University.

Debbie K. Wells, PhD., LPC, NCC has been elected AMHCA Southern Region Director and Amy L. Simonds, LCPC has been elected North Atlantic Region Director.

"The mission of the American Mental Health Counselors Association is to enhance the profession of mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education and professional development."

AMHCA Endorses Universal Credentialing Datasource

Alexandria, Va., April 13, 2006 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is pleased to announce its endorsement of the Universal Credentialing DataSource, a credentialing system developed by the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH). AMHCA fully supports the mission of CAQH as a means to simplify credentialing and healthcare administration.

AMHCA is the national professional organization representing licensed mental health counselors. Our members practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, managed behavioral health care organizations, employee assistance plans and private practice. Clinical training for mental health counselors is comparable to that of other master's trained mental health professionals, including clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists.

CAQH (www.caqh.org) is a nonprofit alliance of the nation's leading health plans and networks working to simplify healthcare administration. CAQH solutions help promote quality interactions between plans, providers and other stakeholders, reduce costs and frustrations associated with healthcare administration, facilitate administrative healthcare information exchange and encourage administrative and clinical data integration.

Licensed Professional Counselors have at least a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a related area, and provide mental health services along a continuum of care, from preventive services, to diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, to long term care. Professional counselors are licensed by 48 states and the District of Columbia to independently provide mental health services, perform psychotherapy and diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. In fact, there are currently more than 80,000 professional counselors practicing throughout the United States. We are pleased to be able to offer our membership a secure and simplified method of navigating the credentialing process.

We are grateful to CAQH for addressing the complicated and time-consuming process of multiple credentialing. AMHCA is certain that the ultimate outcome of the CAQH credentialing system will be improved patient accessibility and care.

AMHCA Selects New Orleans for July 2007 Conference

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) has selected New Orleans as the location for the AMHCA Annual Conference in July 2007.

President-elect Dr. Gail Mears welcomed the Board of Directors decision and commented, "We are excited both about going to this wonderful city and also showing our support for the rebuilding of New Orleans."

The national Leadership Training for current and future state chapter leaders precedes the AMHCA Annual Conference.

Wayne Meyerowitz, Western Region Director of AMHCA Organizes a Special Western Region Conference and Meeting to be Held in Tucson, AZ, on March 31 and April 1, 2006

Carol Burroughs, President of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), announced today that Wayne Meyerowitz, the Western Region Director of AMHCA, has organized a Western Region Conference and Meeting to be held in Tucson, AZ, on March 31 and April 1, 2006. The specific goals of this Conference and Meeting are to have a series of presentations, including:

Behavioral Counseling, Developmental Stages of Intern Supervision, Telecounseling, Mental Health and the Legislative Process, Treatment of the Sex Offender, Hypnotherapy, Mental Health and the Schools, Diabetes and Depression, Family Violence, Related Trauma, and Risk Factors, Substance Abuse As a Mental Disorder.

CEUs will be available.

There will also be 2 ½ hours of meeting time for the representatives from the 13 western states that comprise AMHCA's Western Region.

For more information or to become a participant on the Conference please call or write to: Wayne Meyerowitz, 401 San Pedro NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87108, (505) 256-0065, e-mail: afmhc@qwest.com

U.S. Representative Tim Murphy to Serve as Honorary Chair
of Mental Health Counseling Week

Alexandria, Va., February 13, 2006 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association is pleased to announce that Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA) has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of Mental Health Counseling Week, to be held May 1 through 7, during National Mental Health Month.

Rep. Murphy was first elected to Congress in 2003 and in just his second term was elected to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which shares jurisdiction over Medicare with the Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Murphy, a Clinical Psychologist, is a leader in Congress on mental health issues and serves as Co-chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and the 21st Century Healthcare Caucus. Rep. Murphy has also demonstrated his commitment by working in Congress to enact legislation to improve access to mental health services and is a sponsor of mental health parity legislation.

Tim Murphy was one of eleven children, born to working class parents who stressed the importance of family, education and self-reliance. Rep Murphy worked his way through college and graduate school, eventually earning a PhD in psychology. Murphy worked in hospitals across Western Pennsylvania, consulted for schools and Head Start, and taught at the University of Pittsburgh. He is the author of several publications, including the award-winning book "The Angry Child, and "Overcoming Passive-Aggression." During this time, he became widely known as "Dr. Tim" through regular appearances on local and national radio and television.

From 1997-2002 he served in the Pennsylvania State Senate and is the chief author of the state's historic Patient Bill of Rights.

"AMHCA applauds Rep. Murphy for his work on behalf of those who suffer from mental illness, and for his commitment to working in Congress to make mental health services more widely available to our nation's citizens," said AMHCA President Carol Staben Burroughs. "We are honored to have Rep. Murphy serve as Honorary Chair of Mental Health Counseling Week and look forward to working with him in the future."

AMHCA Executive Director & CEO Elected
To National Health Council Board of Directors

At its annual meeting, December 13, 2005 the National Health Council headquartered in Washington, D.C. elected Executive Director W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. to its Board of Directors.

Since its founding in 1920, the National Health Council has established itself as a dynamic forum for policy development. Today, the Council has grown to more than a 115 member organizations representing many areas of health care. The membership categories are voluntary health agencies and professional membership organizations.

Before becoming executive director for AMHCA Hamilton had been associate executive director at the American Counseling Association, Vice-President for Chadwyck-Healey Inc. and worked for Time-Warner.

A native of Portland, Oregon he has served on a variety of advisory boards and earned his doctorate at the London School of Economics and Political Science. W. Mark Hamilton is a member of several organizations including the National Press Club.

Dr. David Satcher to Keynote
AMHCA Annual Conference in St. Louis

AMHCA is pleased to announce that Dr. David Satcher 16th Surgeon General of the United States will provide the keynote address at the AMHCA Annual Conference on July 21, 2006.

A recipient of more than 25 honorary degrees and numerous distinguished honors, Dr. Satcher brought to the Office of Surgeon General a wealth of public debate about such varied topics as mental health, bio-terrorism, sex education, AIDS, suicide, cloning and achieving a balanced community health care system.

Dr. Satcher released a landmark report on mental health and is committed to promoting quality primary care, the elimination of disparities in health and making public health work for all groups in our nation.

He is a member of the Board of Directors of Johnson & Johnson and the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation.

New Mental Health Counseling Interest Network and List-Serve Formed

An Interest Network has been formed to serve Mental Health Counselor Educators and Supervisors. The purpose is to provide a forum for discussion of important issues affecting the training and supervision of mental health counselors. The MHC Interest Network has held meetings at the ACA conference in April, at the AMHCA conference in July, and, most recently, at the ACES conference in Pittsburgh. Along with these meetings, a list-serve has been established to serve the MHC Interest Network. Co-founders, Sandra Lopez-Baez and Linda Barclay invite anyone who is interested to join the MHC Interest Network List-Serve. To enroll email: MHCig@mailman.walsh.edu. The list-serve moderator Linda Barclay (lbarclay@walsh.edu) will enroll you.

At the recent MHC Interest Network Meeting in Pittsburgh, there was considerable discussion of the first draft of the 2008 CACREP standards. In the first draft of the 2008 Standards, the CACREP Standards Revisions Committee has proposed to merge Community Counseling and Mental Health Counseling into "Community Mental Health Counseling." This new program area would be a 54 semester hours (81 quarter hours) degree with 600 hours of internship This represents a significant reduction from the current CACREP Mental Health Counseling Standards and AMHCA-endorsed clinical training standards (60 semester hours and 900 hours of internship) and from standards for CCMHC certification under NBCC.

According to Co-founder Linda Barclay "The MHC Interest Network strongly encourages all Mental Health Counselors to consider carefully the implications of these new draft standards for the future of the profession, and to respond to CACREP's call for feedback to the Standards Revision Committee by January 13, 2006. AMHCA members can go to the CACREP website: www.cacrep.org and click on Standards Revision under the Site News Sidebar. You may review and download the draft standards and feedback forms. Get involved! It's our profession!"

AMHCA Launches Monthly E-Newsletter

AMHCA has launched a new members-only benefit with the AMHCA E-News. President (2005-06) Carol Staben-Burroughs has observed, "This new information benefit will provide our members with the most timely professional and association news available. I welcome this new electronic addition to our existing printed publications."

AMHCA E-News will supplement the monthly Advocate, the quarterly Journal of Mental Health Counseling and regular member e-mails. Continual membership contact is a key AMHCA goal and effort.

AMHCA Observes World Mental Health Day

As a member of the World Federation for Mental Health AMHCA is pleased to support World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2005. The 2005 campaign theme, Mental and Physical Health Across the Life Span, continues to focus attention of the inseparable relationship between physical and mental health.

AMHCA will be represented at a chief executive officers luncheon and briefing on Global Mental Issues by Executive Director W. Mark Hamilton, PhD. The briefing will be delivered by Dr. Benedetto Saraceno, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. A reception will follow at the Pan American Health Organization Headquarters.

AMHCA President Keynotes North Carolina Meeting

(October 5, 2005)—Carol Staben-Burroughs provided the keynote address on September 30th at the annual meeting of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of North Carolina. She also participated on a panel discussion reviewing ethical codes and standards of practice.

The theme for the 8th Annual Conference was Facing Challenges/Creating Opportunities and was presented in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In her successful practice Carol Staben-Burroughs works with clients with a wide-range of issues, such as relationship issues, depression, anxiety, gender identity issues and trauma recovery.

The AMHCA information booth was exhibited at the North Carolina meeting.

AMHCA Board Reacts to "Katrina"

(September 19, 2005)—The AMHCA Board met at the calling of President Carol Staben-Burroughs, on September 13 to discuss AMHCA's strategy for assisting after hurricane Katrina.

At the meeting were AMHCA leaders from Louisiana and Mississippi who shared their "front-line" activities and needs.

Among other actions it was decided that the AMHCA national website (www.AMHCA.org) would serve both as an information resource and clearinghouse for volunteer-related data and information.

All agreed the effort and needs are just beginning and will be with AMHCA in weeks and months ahead.

AMHCA Addresses Hurricane "Katrina"

(August 29, 2005)—AMHCA urges its many members in the Southern Region to assist with the threat of Hurricane Katrina. There will be considerable trauma in the region in the aftermath of this natural disaster, especially in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Posted on the AMHCA national website (www.amhca.org) are direct links to national helping organizations with useful and important information for all AMHCA members. Click on www.redcross.org and www.fema.gov for this valuable assistance.

AMHCA President Carol Staben-Burroughs urges all AMHCA members to assist in any way possible in addressing the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

AMHCA Awarded Grant from New York-Presbyterian's
Borderline Personality Disorder Center

AMHCA is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $2,000.00 conference grant from the Borderline Personality Disorder - Resource Center at New York Presbyterian's University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell. AMHCA is honored to have this professional recognition from a nationally recognized institution.

The Borderline Personality disorder Resource Center (BPDRC) has been established to help those impacted by the disorder find the most current and accurate information on the nature of BPD, and on sources of available treatment. Between 6-10 million Americans suffer a borderline personality disorder, and 10% of all mental health outpatients.

Pfizer Neuroscience Division Awards Grant to AMHCA

AMHCA is pleased to announce that Pfizer has awarded a $2,000 grant in support of the AMHCA 2005 Annual Conference. This award was provided by the Neuroscience division of Pfizer in recognition of the contributions of mental health counselors. Pfizer Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-know consumer brands.

"MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS"

AMHCA has announced that the Annual Leadership Training and Conference will be hosted in St. Louis, Missouri in July 18-22, 2006 at the Hyatt