Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!
Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical, liberative, and culturally responsive clinical practice? The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) invites all WMHCA members to join us in advancing high-quality and accessible continuing education presentations rooted in decolonized principles and cultural humility.
Our mission is to increase competency, challenge oppressive systems, and support counselors in reducing suffering through thoughtful and timely educational opportunities. We actively seek to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—both in our committee and through the presenters we recruit.
As a member of the committee, you’ll help:
Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.
Please join us for the next WMHCA Membership Engagement & Outreach Committee Meeting
Looking for a way to get more involved with WMHCA and connect with other passionate mental health professionals? We’d love for you to join our next Membership Engagement & Outreach Committee meeting!
This group focuses on building community, creating meaningful member experiences, and helping WMHCA grow in exciting and inclusive ways. Whether you're brand new or have been around a while, there's a place for you here.
Here’s what to expect:
No pressure, no prep required—show up as you are and feel free to eat your lunch.
If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, this is a great place to start.
We hope to see you there!
The Justice Equity Diversity & Inclusion committee is an established committee of folks who have gone through extensive training and consultation to develop a strategic plan for WMHCA. The meetings serve as a time to review tasks completed between meetings and to identify next steps. We welcome visitors and feedback, however, due to the high amount of information we have to address in every meeting, we request the focus be on the items at hand. Comments, concerns or feedback can also be sent directly to the Chair of the committee Bree Sutton M.A., LMHC Bree@wmhca.org.
Get ready to make an impact! WMHCA’s Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee is gearing up to plan our priorities for the 2025/26 legislative session, and we need your voice. We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help identify the advocacy issues that matter to mental health counselors across Washington. This is a great opportunity to speak up about what you believe should be front and center in our advocacy work, connect with colleagues, and help shape the future of our profession. If you're ready to make a difference, we’d love to have you on board!
Get ready for "Weaving Connections: Building Inclusion and Connection in Therapy," our upcoming conference designed to foster vital connections within our therapeutic community! To make this event a resounding success, we need your help. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various aspects of getting the conference up and running. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful event, connect with fellow members, and gain valuable experience. If you're eager to lend a hand and help us weave an unforgettable experience, please sign up to join us! We can't wait to see you there.
This is for the elections task force. The task force shall be responsible for presenting a list of qualified candidates for the annual election when there are board vacancies. The task force will review the board application, make any changes, and solicit nominations from general membership. They will also make sure all candidates are members in good standing.
If you plan to join the task force you should come to all three meetings. The task force will meet the 3rd Friday of the month in January (9:00 AM), February (8:00 AM) and March (9:00 AM).
This is a closed meeting for the Executive Committee. Please RSVP to get the zoom link and for attendance purposes.
WMHCA members are warmly invited to attend our upcoming board meeting. This is an opportunity to hear updates on key initiatives, learn more about the important work WMHCA is doing to support mental health professionals, and share thoughts directly with board leadership.
Members' voices matter, and WMHCA values member input as the board continues to shape the association's future. Although this is not a traditional networking event, it provides a meaningful space for engagement, transparency, and collaboration.
We hope to see you there.
This conference brings clinicians and advocates together to strengthen inclusive, ethical mental health practice. Sessions are led by speakers whose work is grounded in professional expertise and lived experience, representing a wide range of identities, cultures, and disciplines. Through practical learning and shared dialogue, participants engage perspectives that deepen understanding, support professional sustainability, and strengthen care for the individuals and communities we serve.
The Conference will be May 1st-3rd, 2026 at the Seatac Hilton near Seatac Airport. May 1st will be an evening Welcome Reception and the 2nd & 3rd will be full days of continuing education.
The full presenter list with session information can be found using this LINK. (Session days and times are subject to change.)
The complete agenda can be found HERE. You can earn up to 12.5 CE's.
The Room Block is currently open, as well as the discounted airfare. Book your room early as space is limited. You can also find our accessibility information HERE.
WMHCA is also excited to announce we have secured the keynote speaker for our upcoming conference. The Cost of Healing in Silence — Racial Trauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care
Ashley McGirt, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed therapist, author, and Founder & CEO of Therapy Fund Foundation, a nonprofit eliminating barriers to healing in Black communities. A TEDx speaker and NAACP Health Chair, she specializes in trauma and culturally responsive care. Her forthcoming book, "The Cost of Healing in Silence", explores racial trauma and the call for inclusive, equitable mental health practices.
Get your tickets in advance as it is likely to sell out.
You will be invited to the Whova app within 72 hours of your completed registration so you can pick your sessions.
Become a WMHCA Member
No refunds will be given.
Washington Mental Health Association (WMHCA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2079. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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