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Washington Mental Health
Counselors Association





                           

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POLICY AND PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY COmmittee (PPAC)

Committee Mission Statement


The Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee provides proactive leadership in the development of state-level mental health policies and statutes. WMHCA is responsive to the expressed needs of the profession and community-at-large by identifying and reducing barriers through collaborative relationships with stakeholders. We seek to elevate marginalized and underserved populations through active engagement via direct lobbying, advocacy, and activism.

Contact information


Chair: Jennifer Kennett Ph.D, MBA, LMHC

Vice-Chair: Casey Akerhielm LMHC

WMHCA 2026 Legislative Priorities

The 2026  legislative session kicked off January 12, 2026.  Prior to that several of our WMCHA board members attended the 2026 State of Reform to get an understanding of the upcoming legislative landscape.  


This year WMHCA has been busy working on two bills.  One is concerning protecting the integrity of practicing therapy by restricting therapy done by artifical intelligence.  The other is concerning establishing a licensed mental health counselor governing board.  This would mean that the LMHC's would be self-governing instead of governed by the Department of Health.  


Along with these bills WMHCA is tracking several other bills related to mental health and therapy.  You can see real time information on bill tracking by using the link below.  The tracker will also show you upcoming hearings if you want to listen in.  WMHCA will notify members via email when we need member support by signing in pro or con on a paticular bill. If you scroll down you can also see upcoming events hosted by the Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee.   


2026 WMCHA Legislative Tracking List


WMHCA Initiated Bills

  • HB 2599: Protecting the Integrity of Therapy and Psychotherapy services.  
  • SB 6232: Creating the Washington State Board of Licensed Mental Health Couneslors


Other Bills WMCHA Signed in or Testified on

  • SB 6305/SB 2658: Concering the Truth in Mental Health Coverage Act.
  • SB 2683: Promoting transparency and efficiency in health carrier relations with health care providers and facilities. 

Call to Action (2026)

Sara Stewart is retained by WMHCA as our lobbyist.  She advocates for us during legislative session and keeps us up to date with information throughout the year.

If you are a member and would like to schedule a meeting with your Senator or Representatives Sara can help facilitate that.  Legislators are always interested in hearing about the issues that impact their constitutes.  Please reach out to Sara if you want to schedule something. 

MONTHLY LOBBYIST REPORTS

Updates From the Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee

Licensure and Regulatory Updates

2025 Legislative Session Updates

Call to Action (2025)

Licensed Mental Health Counselors Need a Governing Board

Past Legislative Priorities and other Advocacy

  • HB 1190 (2025): Added LMHCA's to HEAL-WA (WMHCA initiated bill)
  • 04.07.25 Statement for proposed rule change to let work experience substitute practicum.
  • HB 1069: (2023): Adopting the Mental Health Counselor Compact (WMCHA initiated bill)

2024-2025 Meeting Minutes

2023-2024 Meeting Minutes

Only met every other month

Meeting Information

  • The PPAC committee meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 12:00 PM. 
  • Meeting Registration is Below

UUPCOMING PPAC MEETINGS AND OTHER EVENTS

  • WMHCA's Advocacy Day

    • 02/10/2026
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Olympia
    Register

    Please register if you you are interested in attending WMHCA's Advocacy Day. It will be February 10, 2026   

    We will head to Olympia to engage in the legislative process.  This will be an opportunity to meet with legislators and watch committee hearings.  WMHCA members can share  their collective voice about important bills and participate in the legislative process.  

    We will have our bill talking points available at our regular Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee Meeting on February 5, 2026.  

    Show details

  • Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee

    • 03/05/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    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!

    Show details

  • Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee

    • 04/02/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    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!

    Show details

  • Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee

    • 05/07/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    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!

    Show details

  • Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee

    • 06/04/2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    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!

    Show details

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