Washington Mental Health Counselors Association

WMHCA Statement on Immigration, Human Rights, and Mental Health Counselors

The Washington Mental Health Counselors Association affirms the fundamental rights of all people to dignity, freedom, and due process under the law, regardless of immigration status. We recognize that fear, family separation, detention, murder, and barriers to legal protections have profound and lasting impacts on mental health and community well-being.

We also acknowledge the emotional and ethical weight carried by mental health counselors in this climate—clinicians who are holding space for clients’ fear, grief, and uncertainty while also navigating their own emotional responses to what is unfolding in our communities. We honor the resilience, integrity, advocacy, and care of counselors who continue to show up with compassion and professionalism, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting clinicians as they uphold human rights, ethical practice, and the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Resources:

The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has valuable information on their Know Your Rights page, including:

• Resources for individuals to better understand their rights

• Guide for employers (produced by the National Immigration Law Center)

• Response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Worksite Audits and Raids (produced by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network)

Immigration lawyers in Washington:

• ERM immigration Law, PLCC
• Website: https://www.ermimmigrationlaw.com/about/what-to-expect-when-you-meet-with-us/
• Phone: 206-814-8739

Rios Immigration defense:

• Website: https://www.riosimmdefense.com/immigration-law/
• Phone: 206-970-2781

Washington Immigration defense group:  

• Website: http://www.imm-defense.com/index.html
• Phone: 206-659-2995

Bart Stroupe PLLC

• Website: https://www.stroupelaw.com
• Phone: 206-233-1910

Non-profits:

Northwest immigration rights projec:

• Website: https://nwirp.org

• They have some restrictions because of how many requests they are receiving each week. Requirements are under the “get help” tab.  

Organizations:

Washington Immigration Solidarity Network

• Website: https://waisn.org/what-we-do/deportation-defense/ 
• The WAISN Deportation Defense Hotline is the only statewide resource dedicated to supporting all Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status.
• Call or Text the Hotline: 1-844-724-3737
• • Hours: Monday–Friday, 6 AM–6 PM
  • Languages Available: English, Spanish, and interpretation in 300+ languages

WMHCA recognizea that this statement is inherently incomplete and cannot fully capture the complexity of the issue. Our intent is to raise awareness, share resources, and highlight actionable steps for ongoing learning and advocacy. As clinicians, part of our professional responsibility is to engage in regular self-reflection, deepen our understanding of these issues, and seek connection with communities and populations beyond our own lived experience.

www.wmcha.org

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