The Washington Mental Health Counselors Association remains dedicated to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. 

In the last few days, there has been a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity around the state. It is important to know your rights and legal obligations as a healthcare provider and those of your clients. Now is a good time to review your responsibilities and feel confident that you are responding ethically and legally as a counselor. We encourage everyone to review with your clients the limits of confidentiality and the laws regarding releasing information.

Here are a few key resources. Please visit the WMHCA website for our continuously updated resource page for more information.

National Immigration Law Center

• Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement: Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients’ Rights.

• Key points:
  

• • Mental health care facilities are considered protected areas in which ICE may only enter with prior permission from DHS
    

  • Healthcare providers have no legal obligation to inquire into or report the immigration status of clients
    

  • Healthcare providers may refuse to provide information about clients unless ordered by a judge issued warrant or subpoena
    

  • Guidance on designating private vs public areas.

  
  

Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network

• Public Resources
  

• Key points:

• Bystander and Observer Guidelines: How to respond and what to document.
• Know Your Rights with ICE Flyer: What to do if ICE comes to your door and how to tell the difference between an ICE Warrant for Deportation and a Judge Issued Warrant.

WMHCA's Mission Statement

The Washington Mental Health Counselors Association is a LEADER in promoting human dignity in mental health. Our distinct professional identity embraces anti-racism, anti-ableism, education, public policy, community building, and relational advocacy. WMHCA is transforming counseling by integrating anti-racism into all aspects of the profession.