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WMHCA offices will be closed from December 24, 2024 through January 1, 2025.

Professional Development and Education Committee

Committee Mission Statement


We believe that education needs to be rooted in decolonized and liberative principles. The education committee seeks to sponsor high caliber and timely educative presentations to increase competency, provoke critical consciousness, and challenge oppressive practices. We offer continuing education opportunities which are accessible and further the embodiment ofethical clinical practice. We support counselors in developing cultural humility and strategies to reduce suffering. WMHCA and the committee actively seek to recruit presenters with diverse and intersectional identities, philosophies, and content.

Contact information


Chair:Carolyn Russo PhD, LMHC, NCC

Vice-Chair: Christina Louk PhD, LMHC, NCC


Committee Purpose

The Professional Development and Education Committee is inviting all WMHCA members to join the committee. The goal of the Professional Development and Education Committee is to vet presenters for workshops, select topics that best serve members, plan and host workshops, and stay updated on all continuing education requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Health. The committee also explores and makes decisions regarding curriculum development.

WMCHA is always accepting professional development proposals for continuing education.  Click here for more information.

WMHCA also approves continuing education for other organizations or providers.  Click here for more information.

All providers are now required to take 2 CE's of health equity continuing education every 4 year.

What are the Health Equity Training Standards?

As of January 1, 2024 all providers licensed under Title 18 must take two (2) continuing education credits of health equity training every four (4) years.  This includes associates.

 

The training must:

  • Include implicit bias training to identify strategies to reduce bias during assessment and diagnosis and may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the topics below

  • Instruction on skills to address the structural factors, such as bias, racism, and poverty, that manifest as health inequities.

  • Self-reflection to assess how the licensee's social position can influence their relationship with clients and their communities.

  • Strategies for recognizing patterns of health care disparities on an individual, institutional, and structural level and eliminating factors that influence them.

  • Intercultural communication skills training, including how to work effectively with an interpreter and how communication styles differ across cultures.

  • Have trainers with demonstrated knowledge and experience related to health equity. Research referenced in the training must be based on current empirical research and known best practices.

  • The courses must assess the licensee's ability to apply health equity concepts into practice

  • An assessment at the end of an in-person or virtual continuing education training to determine knowledge gained during that training or

  • A document provided at the end of an in-person or virtual continuing education training that attests to attendance at the training.


Other topics that meet the requirements are:

  • Methods for addressing the emotional well-being of children and youth of diverse backgrounds.

  • Ensuring equity and anti-racism in care delivery pertaining to medical developments and emerging therapies.

  • Structural competency training addressing five core competencies:

  • Recognizing the structures that shape clinical interactions.

  • Developing an extra-clinical language of structure.

  • Re-articulating "cultural" formulations in structural terms.

  • Observing and imagining structural interventions; and

  • Developing structural humility.

  • Cultural safety training.

Current Live Professional Development Offerings

Current On Demand Professional Development Offerings

Meeting Information

  • The PDEC committee meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 1:00 PM. 
  • Meeting Registration is Below

Upcoming Committee Meetings

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 01/03/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The conference task force is working on planning WMHCA's very first conference in nearly 10 years. We are looking for volunteers to join the conference task force.  WMHCA hopes the conference will be in the Spring of 2026.  The task force will meet the 1st Fridays of the month. 

    Show details

  • Date Change: Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting

    • 01/09/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Professional Development and Education Committee. This committee normally meeting on the first Thursday of the month, for January the meeting has been rescheduled for January 9th.

    Show details

  • Law and Ethics of Relationships in the Clinical Setting

    • 01/10/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Live Synchronous Zoom Event
    Register

    Description:

    One of the most common sources of professional misconduct for behavioral health clinicians is personal relationships with clients. In this 3 hour workshop we will examine the legal and ethical standards of a range of permitted and prohibited secondary relationships with clients.  Both in-person and virtual relationships will be discussed.  Through group discussion and application of real-world scenarios, participants will gain increased ability to implement strategies to minimize potential harm to clients to limit exposure to liability. This course is intended to meet ethics CE requirements.

    Objectives:

    • Identify legal guidelines regarding prohibited secondary relationships with clients;
    • Identify ethical standards regarding permitted and prohibited secondary relationships with clients;
    • Evaluate the potential clinical impact of a range of client/clinician relationships;
    • Apply legal and ethical standards to effective clinical work that supports client best interest.

    About the Presenter:

    Eric Ström is an attorney and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, Washington. As an attorney, Eric provides legal counsel, consultation, and guidance to mental health professionals. Eric’s clinical practice is focused on providing counseling services to combat veterans and those in other high-stress professions.  Eric currently serves on the American Mental Health Counselors Association Ethics Committee, and is the ethics advisor for the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association.  Eric has taught a range of courses in counseling and professional ethics at a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs.


    Eric earned a PhD in Counseling at Oregon State University, graduated cum laude from Wayne State University School of Law in Detroit Michigan, earned a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Northwest School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Seattle, attended the Hague Academy of International Law in the Hague Netherlands, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from the University of Michigan.

    WMHCA Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting sara@wmhca.org at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.  


    This course is approved for 3 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all  associate-level licensees in Washington State.


    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.


    3 NBCC clock hours will be awarded at the conclusion of the course.

    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting

    • 02/06/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Professional Development and Education Committee. This committee normally meeting on the first Thursday of the month. 

    Show details

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 02/07/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The conference task force is working on planning WMHCA's very first conference in nearly 10 years. We are looking for volunteers to join the conference task force.  WMHCA hopes the conference will be in the Spring of 2026.  The task force will meet the 1st Fridays of the month. 

    Show details

  • Decolonizing Somatic Therapy with Movement, Food, and Art-With Jayden Aubryn, LICSW

    • 02/12/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Live Synchronous Zoom Event
    Register

    Description:

    This presentation will discuss how oppression and colonization have influenced how we view healing, and offer alternative and accessible ways to heal. Rooted in the evidence of somatic therapy, trauma-informed fitness, and neuroaesthetics, we will explore modalities of healing that are easily accessible across cultures and emphasize connection to the self and others.

    Objectives:

    Participants will:

    • Understand the connection between trauma, empathy, and oppression
    • Understand the biological and neurological effects of trauma, movement, food, and art
    • Learn how to use movement, food, and art to heal from trauma and increase empathy
    • Be able to adapt healing strategies across settings, cultures, and income levels

    About the Presenter:


    Jayden Aubryn (they/them) is a Black, Indigenous, queer, nonbinary psychotherapist, personal trainer, and consultant. They specialize in holistically healing complex trauma by integrating mental, physical, sexual, and spiritual health. They also help organizations work towards DEI goals by highlighting the intersection of systemic oppression and trauma. They aim to make healing fun and accessible by using food, movement, music, and art.

    WMHCA Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting sara@wmhca.org at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.  


    This course is approved for 3 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all  associate-level licensees in Washington State.


    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.


    3 NBCC clock hours will be awarded at the conclusion of the course.

    Show details

  • Becoming a Counselor in Washington State

    • 02/13/2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The Washington Mental Health Counselor Association is presenting a free event for members on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Topics include, timeline to a counseling career, WA state Legislation and Licensing, Supervision and Tracking Hours, and much more.  It will be 60 to 90 minutes depending on participant engagement and Q&A. 



    Show details

  • Vicarious Trauma & Compassion Fatigue: Recognize, Mitigate, & Thrive-With Alexa Alberts, LICSW

    • 02/25/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Live Synchronous Zoom Event
    Register

    Description:

    This course explores the importance of recognizing, mitigating, and managing Vicarious Trauma, which is the cumulative effects of witnessing other peoples’ trauma. Vicarious Trauma is a normal component of the helping profession and understanding Vicarious Trauma is a key to successfully caring for others and ourselves. This class gives learners a deeper understanding of signs and symptoms of Vicarious Trauma, discusses key factors in managing and mitigating Vicarious Trauma, and prompts learners to consider their own Vicarious Trauma management plan moving forward via self-care and collective-care strategies.

    Objectives:

    Participants will be able to:

    • To understand definitions, signs, and symptoms of Vicarious Trauma before  and after they negatively impact quality of services delivered and mental health of provider
    • To learn the risk-factors for increased adverse effects of Vicarious Trauma, including the roles systemic oppression play
    • Increase awareness of self-care and collective-care tools to manage Vicarious Trauma symptoms as a means of bolstering professional sustainability and compassion satisfaction

    About the Presenter:

    Lexi Alberts, LICSW has over 10 years of experience working in social services with survivors of violence. Her focus has been supporting unhoused populations, BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ communities, and sexual assault advocacy. Lexi is now a staff trainer, consultant, and multicultural therapist in private practice in Olympia, WA. Lexi's primary focus is on addressing the impacts of burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue in the workplace. Lexi helps agencies bolster professional sustainability and compassion satisfaction in their staff and leadership.

    WMHCA Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting sara@wmhca.org at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.  


    This course is approved for  3 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all  associate-level licensees in Washington State.


    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.


     3 NBCC clock hours will be awarded at the conclusion of the course.

    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting

    • 03/06/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Professional Development and Education Committee. This committee normally meeting on the first Thursday of the month. 

    Show details

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 03/07/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The conference task force is working on planning WMHCA's very first conference in nearly 10 years. We are looking for volunteers to join the conference task force.  WMHCA hopes the conference will be in the Spring of 2026.  The task force will meet the 1st Fridays of the month. 

    Show details

  • Washington Law & Ethics of Abandonment, Termination, and Referrals-with Eric Strom, JD, PhD, LMHC

    • 03/27/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Live Synchronous Zoom Event
    Register

    Description:

    Termination of the clinical relationship can be difficult – particularly when termination is initiated by the clinician.  While most clinicians are familiar with the concept of legal liability for client abandonment, there is often confusion about the precise distinction between termination, referral, and abandonment. In this 3 hour workshop we will examine the legal and ethical implications of termination and referral of clinical services.  Specific focus will be on understanding the concept of legal abandonment in healthcare.  Participants will gain increased ability to best support their clients while also minimizing risk and limiting exposure to liability. This course is intended to meet ethics CE requirements.

    Objectives:

    • Identify legal standards regarding liability for client abandonment in healthcare settings;
    • Distinguish client abandonment from termination of clinical services;
    • Describe the ethical standards regarding client termination and referral.

    About the Presenter:

    Eric Ström is an attorney and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, Washington. As an attorney, Eric provides legal counsel, consultation, and guidance to mental health professionals. Eric’s clinical practice is focused on providing counseling services to combat veterans and those in other high-stress professions.  Eric currently serves on the American Mental Health Counselors Association Ethics Committee, and is the ethics advisor for the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association.  Eric has taught a range of courses in counseling and professional ethics at a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs.


    Eric earned a PhD in Counseling at Oregon State University, graduated cum laude from Wayne State University School of Law in Detroit Michigan, earned a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Northwest School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Seattle, attended the Hague Academy of International Law in the Hague Netherlands, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from the University of Michigan.

    WMHCA Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting sara@wmhca.org at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.  


    This course is approved for 3 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all  associate-level licensees in Washington State.


    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.


    3 NBCC clock hours will be awarded at the conclusion of the course.

    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting

    • 04/03/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Professional Development and Education Committee. This committee normally meeting on the first Thursday of the month. 

    Show details

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 04/04/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The conference task force is working on planning WMHCA's very first conference in nearly 10 years. We are looking for volunteers to join the conference task force.  WMHCA hopes the conference will be in the Spring of 2026.  The task force will meet the 1st Fridays of the month. 

    Show details

  • Becoming a Counselor in Washington State

    • 04/07/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The Washington Mental Health Counselor Association is presenting a free event for members on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Topics include, timeline to a counseling career, WA state Legislation and Licensing, Supervision and Tracking Hours, and much more.  It will be 60 to 90 minutes depending on participant engagement and Q&A. 



    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting

    • 05/01/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Professional Development and Education Committee. This committee normally meeting on the first Thursday of the month. 

    Show details

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 05/02/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The conference task force is working on planning WMHCA's very first conference in nearly 10 years. We are looking for volunteers to join the conference task force.  WMHCA hopes the conference will be in the Spring of 2026.  The task force will meet the 1st Fridays of the month. 

    Show details

  • Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting

    • 06/05/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Professional Development and Education Committee. This committee normally meeting on the first Thursday of the month. 

    Show details

  • Conference Task Force Meeting

    • 06/06/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The conference task force is working on planning WMHCA's very first conference in nearly 10 years. We are looking for volunteers to join the conference task force.  WMHCA hopes the conference will be in the Spring of 2026.  The task force will meet the 1st Fridays of the month. 

    Show details

  • Becoming a Counselor in Washington State

    • 06/06/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The Washington Mental Health Counselor Association is presenting a free event for members on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Topics include, timeline to a counseling career, WA state Legislation and Licensing, Supervision and Tracking Hours, and much more.  It will be 60 to 90 minutes depending on participant engagement and Q&A. 



    Show details

  • Becoming a Counselor in Washington State

    • 08/28/2025
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The Washington Mental Health Counselor Association is presenting a free event for members on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Topics include, timeline to a counseling career, WA state Legislation and Licensing, Supervision and Tracking Hours, and much more.  It will be 60 to 90 minutes depending on participant engagement and Q&A. 



    Show details

  • Becoming a Counselor in Washington State

    • 10/30/2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The Washington Mental Health Counselor Association is presenting a free event for members on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Topics include, timeline to a counseling career, WA state Legislation and Licensing, Supervision and Tracking Hours, and much more.  It will be 60 to 90 minutes depending on participant engagement and Q&A. 



    Show details

  • Becoming a Counselor in Washington State

    • 12/01/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The Washington Mental Health Counselor Association is presenting a free event for members on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. Topics include, timeline to a counseling career, WA state Legislation and Licensing, Supervision and Tracking Hours, and much more.  It will be 60 to 90 minutes depending on participant engagement and Q&A. 



    Show details

Past events

12/18/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
12/06/2024 Conference Task Force Meeting
12/05/2024 CANCELLED: Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
11/19/2024 Neuroplasticity, Poetry & Mental Health
11/18/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
11/09/2024 Introduction to becoming a First Responder Therapist Curriculum (Live In Person Event)
11/07/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
10/19/2024 WMHCA Member Networking Event
10/19/2024 Introduction to Becoming a First Responder Therapist Curriculum (Live In Person Event)
10/18/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
10/17/2024 Law and Ethics: Let Your Disclosure, Documentation, and Record keeping Work for You
10/16/2024 Here Comes an Election… Law and Ethics of Personal Beliefs in the Clinical Relationship
10/03/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
09/19/2024 Law and Ethics of DOH Investigations: Process, Risks and Safeguards That Influence Clinical Practice
09/06/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
09/05/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
08/17/2024 Introduction to becoming a First Responder Therapist Curriculum (Live In Person Event)
08/15/2024 Legally and Ethically Launching your Private Practice
08/14/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
08/08/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
07/23/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
07/11/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
06/28/2024 Canceled-Law and Ethics of DOH Investigations: Process, Risks and Safeguards That Influence Clinical Practice
06/20/2024 Supporting Trans and Non-Binary Clients
06/10/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/22/2024 Law and Ethics: Let Your Disclosure, Documentation, and Record keeping Work for You
05/17/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/16/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/15/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/15/2024 Are We OK? Potential Impacts of Telehealth Structural Changes on Clinician Wellness
05/14/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/13/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
05/09/2024 Law & Ethics of the Clinical Use of Artificial Intelligence
05/02/2024 Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting
04/26/2024 Self-Compassion as Exposure
04/18/2024 Healing Trauma Through Movement
04/16/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
04/15/2024 Becoming a Counselor in Washington State
04/05/2024 Generational Trauma and Generational Healing

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