Urgent Call by ACA to Support Legislation Allowing Counselors to See Medicare Clients
On October 13, 2022 the American Counseling Association posted on their Facebook page and website an urgent plea to all mental health professionals stating
"For the first time in over a decade the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are seriously considering passing the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R. 432/ S. 828).
ALL COUNSELORS working in ALL SPECIALTY AREAS are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to UNITE AND SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION. We must fight together to gain the needed progress to support the counseling profession and the clients you serve.
PLEASE STAND WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES BY ASKING CONGRESS TO VOTE TO PASS
THE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS IMPROVEMENT ACT".
The page contains an embedded form, allowing easy contact with one's Senator and Represenative.
Both the ACA and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists have been watching the legislation closely. Both are members of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition a group of thirteen organizations working together to advocate for the passing of the legistlation.
If passed, the legislation would facilitate the federal government contracting with Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists to see Medicare clients for counseling services. The bill also contains other significant improvments to care.