Recent News

We've gotten so many questions from our members on this issue, that we decided to add this article from WMYCA's Summer 2017 insights to our "Recent News" section for your reference... How Long Must I Keep Counseling Records? By Eric Strom, JD, MA, LMHC Attorney &...

Dear members of the mental health community: On behalf of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA), I am pleased to announce that, as of April 1, 2016, the new definition of MHP (Mental Health Professional) is effective! This designation allows...

Dear WMHCA members, Please consider contacting Governor Bill Haslam’s office to voice support for his veto of SB1556 and HB 1840.  This is a last ditch effort to prevent legislation passing that would allow counselors to refuse services to clients on the basis of...

We have some exciting news for counselors in Washington State!  The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has proposed rule making for the CDP chapter in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).  The DOH has written draft language to establish standards and...

Give an Hour, founded in 2005, has created a network of volunteer mental health professionals pledging an hour a week of their services, free of charge, to members of the military—including active duty, reserve, and guard—veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq, their...

WMHCA members are encouraged to be diligent in accepting payment from clients who are outside of the country seeking counseling services.  In general, WMHCA advises its members to carefully consider the situation when providing counseling services to clients who are...

Last week, a bill passed the House and is sitting in the Senate that would rescind a rule in the   Washington Administrative Code (WAC) that persons who identify as transgender may use facilities   (such as bathrooms) that are consistent with their gender...

Jacqueline Webster is a graduate student under the direction of Professor Andy Carpenter in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University. She is conducting a research study to evaluate the relationship between racial attitudes and cultural competency....

Culled by Whitney Meyerhoeffer, AMHCA Director of State Chapter Relations January 2016 2016 Marks the 40th Anniversary of AMHCA Watch our 40th Anniversary AMHCA Playlist on Youtube from Past President Dr. Stephen Giunta. AMHCA Advocacy Update President's New Gun Rules...

Some of our members may wish to keep abreast of proposed legislation regarding police involvement with the mentally ill. We post this submission from Lynn Grotsky of LICSW for information purposes only. WMHCA doesn't officially endorse a position regarding this issue....