WMHCA Needs your help getting some important legislation passed.  

Please Sign in Pro on HB 2599 and SB 6305.  

HB 2599 is a WMHCA initiated bill that protects the practice of therapy and psychotherapy.  It maintains that therapy must be done by a licensed individual and restricts artificial intelligence from providing therapy. 

SB 6305 is the Truth in Mental Health Coverage act which requires insurers to publicly report standardized data on access to care – including delays and denials, out-of-network use, reimbursement, and network adequacy. This information would allow families, employers, and regulators to see whether mental health care is being delivered on par with physical health care.

To have your pro position noted for the legislative record,

• Click the Bill link above.
• Click the link that says sign up to testify/submit written testimony (on the right). 
• Please make sure the correct bill is selected then click the link that says, "I would like my position noted for the legislative record". 
• Select Pro Position and fill out other information
• Submit registration. 

Request a Hearing for SB 6232

WMHCA also needs your help getting a hearing for SB 6232, which creates a governing board for Licensed Mental Health Counselors.  This means providers would be part of decision making for licensure and the decisions would not entirely be left to the Department of Health.  You can find more information on WMHCA's Policy and Processional Advocacy webpage.  

To help us get this bill a hearing WMHCA needs members to email Senator Cleveland and copy Kevin Gordon.  We have provided some draft language below. 

As a member of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association, I respectfully request a hearing for SB 6232 - Creating the Washington State Board of Licensing Mental Health Counselors. This bill is important to me/us because _________. (write a personal note if possible.)

SB 6232 grants counselors autonomy over their professional standards, practices, and accountability mechanisms. This legislation shifts decision-making power from external regulators to the counseling profession itself, enabling practitioners to establish and enforce minimum competency standards, licensing requirements, and ethical codes that reflect their specialized knowledge and professional values. Through professional self-governance, counselors can develop standards rooted in practical, evidence-based experience and create complaint resolution processes administered by colleagues with deep expertise in mental health counseling—ensuring that misconduct cases are evaluated by those who fully grasp the discipline's complexities.

Thank you, 

Name/Credentials