Washington Mental Health Counselors Association

Insights Newsletter

September 2025

Table of Contents

1. September is Suicide Awareness Month
2. Don't miss WMHCA's 2025 Membership Celebration
3. Announcing WMHCA's Newest Partnership : RECLAIM
4. Professional Development & Education Committee (PDEC) is Looking for Members 
5. CE Requirements are Changing in October 
6. Sales Tax Will Apply to Live CE Courses
7. Discounted Rates for Group Members 
8. Don't Forget to Complete the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Survey
9. Manage Your WMHCA Membership on the Go with the Wild Apricot App 
10. HEALWA Update

September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Awareness Month.  WMHCA honors the lives touched by suicide and calls on Washington’s counseling community to deepen compassion in their clinical work and focus on practical action. As therapists, it is not our job to “save” our clients — instead, we empower them to make decisions about their lives from a place of hope, connection, resources, and guidance. The skills we bring into the room matter: asking directly about thoughts of suicide, engaging in safety planning, reducing access to lethal means, and tending to our own well-being so we can remain present and effective.

We implore you to take action beyond your clinical work, consider volunteering your time and skills with crisis response organizations in Washington. Options include Crisis Connections ,Peer Washington,and the Northwest Washington Gender Alliance (who aim to increase meeting times and locations).

Many of us have felt the impact of a loved one who has died by suicide.  When we have experienced such pain, it is imperative that we engage deeply with continuing education on the subject so that we do not place our own experiences on our clients but that we meet them where they are to support their needs.

Don't miss WMHCA's 2025 Membership Celebration

Please join us for our annual membership celebration. WMHCA could not fulfill our mission without our members.  We want to take a night to celebrate YOU! 

Come celebrate and feel free to bring a friend or significant other to share in the celebration.  

WMHCA will provide appetizers and light refreshments. There will be a non host bar for additional purchase.

WMHCA wants to express our gratitude for your support of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association. Your dedication and commitment to advancing mental health care in our community makes a significant impact. Together, we are fostering a network of professionals dedicated to enhancing the well-being of those we serve, advocating to improve access to care, and working to support each other in the profession.  We celebrate each of you for your invaluable contributions and look forward to continuing this vital work together. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission!

RSVP for the Celebration!

We hope to see you there. 

Registration closes September 30, 2025

 Announcing WMHCA's Newest Partnership : RECLAIM

 WMHCA is always looking for ways to partner with other organizations that are in alignment with our mission.  We are excited to announce a new partnership with RECLAIM. Reclaim's mission aligns closely with WMHCA's JEDI mission and values.

Here's some information about RECLAIM. RECLAIM provides reintegration support that centers the mental, emotional, and relational health of individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system to better prepare them for the return home. We are an organization led by individuals impacted by the prison system, who are committed to expanding access to individual and collective care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as Queer and Transgender communities that are over-represented in our prison system.  Our mission is rooted in the knowledge that healthy relationships with oneself, loved ones, and with community nourish our lives and are central to collective healing, action, and liberation. More info about Reclaim can be found HERE.

Discounted Rates for Group Members 

Did you know WMHCA offers group memberships for a discount for group practice owners and other organizations.  Group practices can offer WMHCA membership as a benefit to their employees and receive a discount on the annual membership dues: 

• 10% off for 5-14 members
• 15% off for 15-20 members
• 20% off for 20+ members

Group members all share a renewal date. The entire group is charged one membership fee, which is invoiced to and paid by the group coordinator. The coordinator can also remove and replace group members as needed when employees leave or get hired.  Replacing members does not incur any additional fees unless additional memberships are added.  Each group member can utilize benefits on their own and will fill out their own membership profiles.

Reach out to info@wmhca.org for more information.   

Manage Your WMHCA Membership on the Go with the Wild Apricot App 

Did you know you can easily renew or update your membership using the Wild Apricot for Members mobile app?

Wild Apricot is the all-in-one membership management software that WMHCA utilizes to host our website and member directory. As a WMHCA member you are automatically able to view and edit your membership profile from the app (available on iOS & Android). Additionally, you can use the app for quick access the member directory, to view current and past event registrations, browse WMHCA's upcoming events, and even register on the spot.

Bonus! There’s no need to create a new account! No new password to keep track of! Simply login with the same email & password you use to access the WMHCA website.

So, skip the website hassle - renewing or updating your membership is now easier than ever with the Wild Apricot for Members app!

Please note: if you are a unified dues member through AMHCA and would like to switch to a state-only membership, you’ll need to make that change through the WMHCA website (not the app).

Here are the links to the Mobile App Account Settings Guide:

• Android
• iOs

Download the app today to keep your membership info at your fingertips! Look for the image below when you search the app store for Wild Apricot for Members.  

HEALWA Update

HEALWA was suppossed to be open to LMHCA's starting in October.  However with the launch of HELMS implementation has been delayed.  WMHCA will continue to track this issue and update as we learn more information.

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