Washington Mental Health Counselors Association

Insights Newsletter

August 2026

Announcing your 2026-2027 WMHCA Committee Chairs

Conference Committee

Chair: Robyn Hansen LMHC

 

Chair: Dr. Carolyn Russo LMHC

 

Fiscal Transparency and Sustainability Committee

Chair: Meg Curtin Rey-Bear LMHC, NCC

Vice Chair: Dr. Melissa Mace LICSW

 

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

Chair: Raquel Sadler LMHC, LPC

Vice Chair: Bree Sutton LMHC

 

Membership Engagement and Outreach Committee

Chair: Ellie Lovde LMHCA

Vice Chair: Lucinda Black Graduate Student

 

Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee

Chair: Dr. Jennifer Kennett MBA, LMHC

Vice Chair: Cody McCall LMHC

 

Professional Development and Education Committee

Chair: Heidi Ehrlich LMHC, NCC

Vice Chair: Allana Camba


WMHCA is still looking for members to join our committees.  You can read more and fill out an application by clicking this LINK.  

 Honoring Women's Equality Day 

Every year on August 26, we observe National Women's Equality Day, commemorating the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which granted women the constitutional right to vote.

Key facts to recognize:

  • Women of Color and the suffrage movement: Black, Indigenous, and other Women of Color (often referred to as People of the Global Majority) played essential roles in the fight for women's suffrage. Despite facing racism, segregation within suffrage marches, and exclusion from many white-led organizations, they formed grassroots movements and continued advocating for universal voting rights long after 1920. Women of Color and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage | CCSWG

  • Intersectionality: Coined in 1989 by legal scholar and civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality describes how overlapping systems of oppression—such as racism, sexism, and classism—interact to create compounded inequities.

  • Current voting rights considerations: The SAVE Act (H.R. 22) would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Critics, including the Center for American Progress and Human Rights Watch, argue that documentation requirements could disproportionately affect low-income women and women of color, who are statistically less likely to have immediate access to passports or certified birth certificates.
How can clinicians support women's equality in therapy?

Scholarship Applications Are Now Open

Deadline to apply is September 30th, 2026.

In 2023 WMHCA started The Dr. Ellen K. Carruth Diversity & Inclusivity in Counseling Scholarship.  The scholarship was named after a past beloved board member and fierce advocate of diversity and inclusion for all marginalized individuals.  WMHCA provides additional scholarships for students in three categories: historically marginalized communities, rural, and military. Find out more about our eligibility and apply HERE.

WMHCA accepts donations towards our scholarships.  The Foundation is a 501(c)3 - donations are tax deductible as allowed under the law.  100% of your donation goes towards scholarships.  WMHCA covers any administrative costs.  Find our more and donate on our website. 

Board Member Spotlight

Bree Sutton, M.A., LMHC 

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Vice Chair

Bree Sutton Therapy

Spokane, WA


What inspired you to become a therapist?

I honestly always knew I wanted to be a therapist. I’ve always been fascinated by people—their stories, what shapes them, how they experience the world, and what helps them heal and grow. Before I went to graduate school, I actually went to massage school because I wanted a deeper understanding of the whole person—not just the mind, but how our bodies carry stress, emotion, and experience too. That background has been a huge asset to my work as a therapist and has shaped the way I think about healing.


What is your favorite part of your work?

I have expanded into a group practice and I love the mentorship and supervision aspects of having interns and associates.


What do you enjoy most about being a WMHCA member?

I love the camaraderie of the board. It's such a great group of people from around the state. My participation in the board has also helped me keep up to date with what's going on in our industry and proposed changes.


What advice would you give to a new WMHCA member?

Show up, speak up


What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Watch my kids play sports!


Is there anything else you want us to know?

Join the JEDI Committee!

Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee News

The Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee is gearing up for another busy legislative season. As the PPAC Chair, I'm excited to share one key win as well as highlight the work PPAC is focusing on through three task forces tackling issues that will shape the future of our profession in Washington state.

The Department of Health has recently clarified their position regarding our scope of practice related to diagnosis and treatment of autism and ADHD. According to the DOH website, "LMHCs, LMFTs, LICSWs, and LASWs may assess and diagnose ADHD and Autism when they have the appropriate training, experience, and competence to do so. A licensee’s competence determines whether they can legally perform the assessment or diagnosis." This was the WMHCA position from the beginning, and the PPAC committee is pleased that DOH has provided written confirmation that these activities are within our scope of practice.

The PPAC focus for the upcoming year revolves around two key legislative areas: advocating for the creation of a Governing Board for mental health counselors, and ensuring there are reasonable limits on AI in mental health service delivery. Additionally, the PPAC committee continues to explore and advocate for ways our members — as sole proprietors and owners of small group practices — can access health insurance at reduced costs by leveraging the collective purchasing power of our membership base.
Read More About What PPAC is Focusing On

Join the Social Emotional Learning Advisory Committee

The Social Emotional Learning Advisory Committee is looking for an mental health counselor to join the committee.  The committee is through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.  More information about the committee can be found HERE.  

If being on the committee is of an interest to you.  Please send me a letter of intent to shannon@wmhca.org and include the following:

A brief description of how you meet the below specified criteria and why you would be a good addition to the committee.  

  • Demonstrated Knowledge of SEL Theory, Research, and Best Practices

  • Experience Implementing SEL in Educational Settings

  • Background in Curriculum Development, Teacher Training, or Student Support Services Related

  • Commitment and Availability to Participate

  • Representation and Diversity

Also keep in mind the other commitments

  • Gather input from their respective communities on relevant inquiries and outstanding questions.

  • Provide insights on barriers and opportunities to promote SEL in Washington State schools.

JEDI Survey Results Are In!   

Last September, 13% of you told us in the 2025 survey that you wanted to know more about our Strategic Plan goals and how WMHCA is putting our anti-racist mission into action. So in 2026, we did just that ... sharing a goal spotlight in every newsletter, paired with a quick survey.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond! Here's what we learned.

The Highlights   

  • Anti-racism engagement satisfaction is up 66%

  • Membership communication satisfaction is up 71%

  • 70–89% of members still agree: anti-racism, board training, inclusive recruitment, and communication remain top priorities

Where We Need to Improve   

  • Participation dropped sharply — from 7% in 2025 to less than 1% in 2026

  • Satisfaction dipped for board training (−28%) and inclusive recruitment (−19%)

What's Changing   

We're setting a new bar: 60% participation and 75% satisfaction. Here's how we'll get there:


Making it easier to weigh in

  • The annual survey will now come bundled with your membership renewal

  • Add your name at the end for a chance to win a free training or gift card (quarterly drawings!)


Keeping you in the loop

  • Newsletters will keep breaking down each goal and what WMHCA is doing about it

  • Quarterly survey results will be shared so you can track our progress in real time

Your voice shapes this work. We can't wait to hear more from you in 2026.

Sponsorship: Thrive for the People

WMHCA recently sponsored a community event organized by a WMHCA member. Below are a few words from the member. 


"Thank you again for sponsoring our open house and networking event! Over 30 providers signed up.


We had such a lovely time reconnecting with long-time colleagues and meeting new faces. The funds allowed us to provide a beautiful spread of food and drinks for our participants. You can see a short video on our Instagram page as well as an acknowledgement of WMHCA: https://www.instagram.com/thrive_for_the_people/"


Learn more about WMHCA sponsorship opportunities. 

AMHCA Updates: 

Connecting Across the Western Region

Several WMHCA Board members recently attended the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) Annual Conference in Portland, connecting with counselors and leaders from across the country.

This photo features WMHCA staff and board members with leaders from AMHCA’s Western Region. Opportunities like this give us the chance to connect with leaders from other state associations, share ideas and challenges, and collaborate on ways we can strengthen the counseling profession across our region and beyond. We’re grateful for these relationships and the opportunity to learn from one another!

WMHCA Annual Member Celebration Preview

Tentatively scheduled for October 2026 in Seattle

Photo of WMHCA's 2025 Member Celebration event in Bothell, WA

WMHCA tries to hold an in-person networking/social event every year for our members.  In the past we have held them in Woodinville, Tacoma, and Bothell.  This year we are planning on holding one in Seattle in October - we will keep you posted once we have the details finalized - we hope you can join us!

West Seattle Networking Meet Up


Join us at Marination Ma Kai, 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126 on September 17 @ 5:00 for a networking event. RSVP:  West Seattle Networking Meet Up

This event is co-hosted by your WMHCA Executive Director Shannon Thompson and WMHCA member Kelly Ross.  

Networking Meetups are free events for you to connect with peers, share insights, discuss current challenges in the field, and build a strong local support system. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, come share your experiences and expand your professional network. 

Networking Meetups are organized by WMHCA members and not hosted or sponsored by WMHCA. You don't have to be a WMHCA member to attend. 

If you're interested in hosting a Networking Meetup in your area please email info@wmhca.org.

If you are interested in hosting events in your area email info@wmhca.org.

Department of Health Updates: HELMS & The Counseling Compact 

DOH Completes HELMS Project Modernization

The Department of Health (DOH) has successfully completed the third and final major launch of the HELMS project, modernizing licensing and enforcement processes to improve security, reduce paperwork, and enhance access to information.

Key New Features

  • Enhanced Provider Profiles: Providers can now manage their public profiles on the Provider Credential Search directly through their HELMS account. By logging in, navigating to My Profile, and selecting the My Public Information tab, providers can update their accepted insurance plans, patient acceptance status, gender identity, and business address. This data is managed exclusively by the provider.

  • Credential QR Codes: Beginning with their first renewal after March 24, 2026, credentials downloaded through HELMS will feature a convenient QR code. Scanning the code instantly links users to the DOH online license verification system, providing patients and employers with real-time proof of active, good-standing status.

The DOH will continue refining HELMS to better support staff and customers across Washington State.
Click to Read Learn About Rulemaking for the Counseling Compact

New On Demand Continuing Education Courses

Psychedelic Harm Reduction & Integration (PHRI) Psychotherapy: Best Practices & Current Trends (3CEs)

This 3-hour training equips Washington mental health professionals with evidence- based knowledge and practical skills for Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) psychotherapy. This emerging therapeutic approach supports clients navigating psychedelic use in an evolving legal landscape. Washington clinicians increasingly encounter clients who use or are considering psychedelics.

This training does NOT provide instruction in directly administering psychedelics or endorse illegal activities. It operates strictly within the harm reduction and integration framework that defines PHRI psychotherapy and falls within Washington mental health professionals ; scope of practice. The focus is on supporting client safety, informed decision-making, and therapeutic processing of psychedelic experiences—skills that are immediately applicable to clinical practice.

Participants will leave with practical assessment tools, documentation strategies, harm reduction resources to share with clients, and integration techniques that can be implemented immediately in PHRI psychotherapy practice.

Membership Benefit: ConstantEdu

Constant Edu is an online learning platform based in Washington.  It offers flexibility in continuing education and promotes highly qualified presenters. WMHCA members get a discount on Constant Edu courses. 

Check out all WMHCA's On Demand Offerings

WMHCA members receive a members only rate.

FEATURED Clinical Therapist
Redmond Therapy Group - Redmond, WA
Full-time
Posted: Aug 14, 2026
Salary: $65,000.00 - $95,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
FEATURED Remote Associate Counselor Position
Campion Counseling - Bellingham, WA
Posted: Jul 16, 2026
Salary: $77,320.00 - $81,480.00 Hourly
Application Deadline: N/A

If you would like to submit an article for the WMCHA Insights Newsletter, email info@wmhca.org.