Washington Mental Health Counselors Association

Insights Newsletter

September 2026

Table of Contents

• Updates from the Professional Development & Education Committee

• Honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month

• WMHCA's 2027 Conference Updates: Poster Presentations

• WMHCA's Member Celebration: Dockside at Dukes

• Public Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee 2026-2027 Key Initiative Survey

• Info Session: Business Basic-Finances 

• Join WMHCA at the Washington State Mental Health Summit 

• WMHCA Sponsors NAACP of Spokane

• Enter to Win Tickets to the 2026 Freedom Fund Gala in Spokane

• Board Member Spotlight

• WMHCA Member Day at the Reign Game

• The Pending Associate License 120-Day Rule 

• Membership Benefit: Meet our Lobbyist

• New On Demand Continuing Education Courses

• WMHCA Store is Back

Updates from the Professional Development & Education Committee  

September is National Suicide Prevention Month 

There are many ways to join state and federal efforts to prevent suicide. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created shareable social media posts that you can post on your websites and other platforms. Part of destigmatizing suicide is normalizing conversations about the topic. Here is the link if you want to help spread the message: https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/suicide-prevention-month

WMHCA and the Governor's Challenge

WMHCA is currently represented on team one for the governor's challenge in the state of Washington. If you are unfamiliar with the governor's challenge, the department of Veteran's Affairs issued a challenge to Governor Jay Inslee in 2020 to reduce suicide rates in Washington by 20% by 2025. Governor Inslee accepted the challenge, and the Washington State Governor's Challenge team was created. Additionally, a Service Member, Veteran, and Military Family (SMVF) Advisory Committee was established.  WMHCA is one of the members of this coalition which includes many other organizations including the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The coalition members are divided into three teams. Each team is focusing on a specific priority area. Currently, WMHCA is represented on team one, which is working on priority one of the governor's challenge: identifying SMVF and screening for suicide risk.

 Honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th to October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage month and celebrates the achievements, contributions, and culture of this very diverse and second-largest ethnic group in the United States. 

As we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to learn, listen, and engage with the histories, experiences, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Throughout this month—and beyond—let’s continue creating spaces where culture is honored, connection is strengthened, and everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a vital opportunity for America to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that have shaped every facet of this nation’s identity. Acknowledging this month underscores that our collective story is richer because of the languages, traditions, innovations, and leadership that Hispanic communities bring. When we uplift these narratives, we strengthen inclusivity as a core American value and remind students and communities that belonging is not conditional; it is a right. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is not simply about recognition—it is about restoring visibility, honoring resilience, and affirming the interconnectedness of our cultures.

2027 Conference Updates

May 13–15th, 2027

Yakima, WA | Yakima Convention Center

The conference will bring together mental health professionals committed to strengthening connections and fostering inclusive, affirming spaces for healing and growth.

• Register now and save money - early bird registration is open for WMHCA Members!
• The Call for Proposals is Open - Submit your proposal by October 15th, 2026

Students: We Want You Involved!  

We’re excited to share that the Conference Planning Committee has approved poster presentations for this year’s conference! We encourage students to get involved, share their work, and join us for this exciting opportunity to connect with colleagues and contribute to the conference community. Poster submission criteria and additional details will be shared at a later date.We hope you’ll consider joining us and sharing your work!

Sponsor the WMHCA 2027 Conference  

Interested in supporting the mental health counseling community and connecting with professionals from across Washington? Consider becoming a sponsor of the WMHCA 2027 Conference! Sponsorship opportunities provide organizations and businesses with meaningful visibility while helping us create an engaging and accessible conference experience for attendees. More information about sponsorship levels and opportunities will be coming soon.

2026 Membership Celebration

October 8th, 2026

Dockside at Dukes, Seattle, WA

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 no host bar for additional purchase.

Space is limited - register now!

Registration closes September 25th, 2026

Public Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee 2026-2027 Key Initiative Survey

Please review the four PPAC initiatives below, then complete the survey below.

Governing Board

• This task force is working to create a dedicated governing board for Washington's licensed mental health counselors, giving practitioners direct control over the standards and oversight of their own profession while ensuring transparent, accountable regulation similar to other health disciplines. Current efforts focus on educating WMHCA members, building cross-discipline alliances, and finding legislative sponsors for a 2026–2027 bill. 

AI Task Force

• This task force is developing guidelines and exploring legislation for AI use in mental health care. We will examine AI's impact on counselors and clients from a JEDI lens, and advocate for our profession as this technology evolves.

Access to Health Insurance for Mental Health Counselors

• This task force is researching options to create access to affordable health insurance for solo and small group practices. This includes developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to build a plan that would allow solo and small groups (with employees) to offer healthcare benefits and retirement plans they might not be able to afford or negotiate as favorably on their own.

Insurance Network Adequacy Advocacy and Legislation

• This task force is working to review and use member data collected on challenges with insurance companies, including reimbursement delays, credentialing burdens, and network adequacy. This data, along with current member experiences, is being collected to inform a network adequacy bill that includes required rate sheets and better options for negotiating contracts.

Most therapists and counselors didn't go into their field to manage finances. Yet running a practice requires understanding the numbers that keep your business healthy. This workshop simplifies financial management for practice owners who don't consider themselves "numbers people." You'll learn what financial data actually matters for your practice, how to set up systems that work, what it means to truly get paid for your work, and why neglecting these fundamentals costs you in the long run. By the end, you'll know exactly what to track and why it matters to your bottom line.  Learn More and Register for the Course.

Join WMHCA at the Washington State Mental Health Summit 

WMHCA is proud to sponsor the 2026 Washington State Mental Health Summit, and would love to have our members join us!

The Summit brings together people from across Washington and beyond to share groundbreaking ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and advance solutions that improve mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and care.

This year’s Summit will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. Registration is free thanks to the support of sponsors, including WMHCA, and the event is open to anyone interested in strengthening behavioral health systems and improving outcomes in our communities.

Unlike a traditional educational conference, the Summit focuses on collaboration and action. Attendees will learn about promising initiatives, connect with partners, and contribute to solutions that can make a statewide impact.

You can find more about the conference HERE.

If you are going please email Shannon and let her know if you are already registered or if you need a ticket.  Also don't forget to stop by the WMHCA table, say hi and enter to win some new WMHCA merchandise, while you are at the conference.  

Enter to Win Tickets to the 2026 Freedom Fund Gala in Spokane

Join WMHCA at the NAACP Spokane 2026 Freedom Fund Gala! WMHCA has a limited number of tickets available, and we are excited to offer our members the opportunity to attend with us. Because space is limited, please add your name only if you are certain you can attend.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane (322 N Spokane Falls Ct, Spokane, WA 99201)
• Theme: “We The People…”
• Attire: Black-tie

We will notify winners October 2nd.  More info about the event can be found HERE.

Board Member Spotlight

Casey, Akerhielm, LMHC

AI Taskforce Lead

Cascadia Counseling

Lacey, WA

Where do you work?

I have a private practice called Cascadia Counseling and am also a full-time state employee.

What is your speciality?

Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and related disorders as well as forensic mental health evaluations.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I was inspired to become a therapist through a series of synchronicities. While studying to become an anthropologist at Portland State University, I began volunteering at a drop in center for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. I absolutely loved working with the youth, and this eventually led to a full-time a job with the same non-profit organization that ran the center. Since I was on my own without family support by the time I was a young teen, and am transgender myself, I found working with this population to be a natural fit and incredibly fulfilling. When I discovered that helping others was something I could do as a career, I decided to change course completely and apply to graduate school for clinical mental health counseling, which I still think of as the single best decision I have ever made in my life so far.

What is your favorite part of your work?

That connecting with other humans is what I get to do for work!

What do you enjoy most about being a WMHCA member?

Working with others on the PPAC committee to help shape the future of our profession has been one of aspects of being a WMHCA member I've enjoyed the most.

What advice would you give to a new WMHCA member?

Come hang out at one of our many committee meetings!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy reading, woodworking, being in nature, drawing, video games, gardening, ping pong, chess, going for bike rides, and walking around looking for adventures.

WMHCA Member Day at the Reign Game

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Reign Game in August! WMHCA is always looking for community building opportunities for our members.  If you have ideas of other WMHCA member meetups we could set up with organizations that align with our mission please reach out to info@wmhca.org and we can look into it.

 The Pending Associate License 120-Day Rule 

On October 1, 2025 the 120-day pending licensure rule (WAC 246-809-097) went into effect in Washington state. This new rule is available to individuals applying for Associate-level mental health professional licenses and includes applicants for:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (LMHCA)

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associates (LMFTA)

• Licensed Social Worker Associates (Advanced or Independent Clinical)

Formally established under WAC 246-809-097, this rule permits qualifying applicants to practice under direct supervision while the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) processes their full credentials.

In response to ongoing concerns of confusion by applicants navigating the process, and in partnership with Washington Department of Health (DOH), the following is a roadmap for navigating the process.

Navigating the "Pending Associate License" 120-Day Rule 

If you or your supervise(es) are waiting on an associate license, here is what you need to know about practicing during the pending period:

• What is the 120-Day Rule? A 120-day window allowing applicants to practice legally after submitting a fully complete application and having an approved supervisor in place.

• When does it start? On the exact date the Department receives all required materials (application, fee, official transcripts, and approved supervisor form)—not just when you first apply.

• • This is important to understand. If you have not received verification that your application is complete and now being processed, you have not met the requirements of this rule and cannot begin seeing clients

• Supervision & Verification: Both the supervisor and the applicant must verify the completion date to ensure eligibility. Both parties should retain confirmation receipts (e.g., Parchment notifications for transcripts, confirmation of approved supervisor form -sent email).

• Hard Deadlines: The 120-day period cannot be renewed or extended. If your license isn't issued by day 120, practice must stop immediately. The Department will not send a reminder; applicants must track their own timelines.

• Insurance Billing: Policies vary by payer, so employers and practice owners should always check directly with insurance companies or legal counsel.

• Pro-Tip: Respond immediately if the Department requests additional documentation to avoid processing delays or application denial.

Membership Benefit: Meet our Lobbyist

Did you know that WMHCA has a professional lobbyist that advocates year-round for counselor and client rights at the Washington State Legislature regarding issues critical to our field? Meet Sara Stewart, WMHCA's contract lobbyist.

Sara Stewart

WMHCA Lobbyist

What inspired you to become a lobbyist?

My mom became a lobbyist in the early ’80s. At the time, it was very much a man’s world, and she, along with other remarkably bold women, decided they could do just as good a job as the men. A strong group of women literally broke the glass ceiling in Olympia, and my mom was part of it, which inspires me and still moves me emotionally today. Growing up, I was constantly at the Capitol after school—or even before I was school age! As I got older, I thought it was amazing that my mom could literally change laws to help people and make our state better. When she asked me to work for her, it was motivating to see firsthand how much she could accomplish and how many people she could help. Now I’m heading into my 16th legislative session, and I love following in her groundbreaking footsteps.

What is your favorite part of your work?

My favorite part of lobbying is the creativity, foresight, and psychological insight it takes to move a bill and ultimately pass it. I always say a bill is like a puzzle, and all the pieces are people. Each person is a different shape and size, with different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. You have to figure out how to get all those pieces to fit together to create the final puzzle—a piece of legislation that becomes a law. It’s incredibly fulfilling and interesting. Passing a bill that makes things better for a group of people—or even the entire state—is such a proud and rewarding moment. I love knowing that I can make a difference.

How long have you been working as a lobbyist?

I started lobbying in 2010. At first, I mainly assisted my mother, learning the ins and outs of the profession (and constantly finding her lost phone, haha). The following year, I landed my first client. Along the way, I also worked for other lobbyists, building my experience and client base. When my mom fully retired in 2020, I went out on my own and started Stewart Government Affairs.

Is there anything else you would like WMHCA members to know?

I want WMHCA members to know that I truly care about what you do and believe in our mission. Over the years, we have grown and become much more organized, powerful, and connected. It has been amazing to watch. We started with about 400 members and are now close to 4,000! We have become a leader in behavioral health legislation in Washington, and I’m incredibly proud of all of you—especially Shannon—for growing and running such an amazing organization. I truly believe in the work you do, and I’m proud to represent you. Thank you for trusting me, and I look forward to continuing to represent WMHCA in Olympia.

New On Demand Continuing Education Courses

Affirmative Counseling with Clients in Polyamorous Relationships

Polyamory is a type of relationship that assumes the possibility, validity, and worthinessof maintaining romantic, sexual, and intimate relationships with multiple people simultaneously. With an increase in public interest in polyamorous relationships, it is imperative that counselors develop awareness, knowledge, and skills to work competently and ethically with clients seeking and/or in polyamorous relationships.

Therefore, the session will present common conceptualizations of polyamory, the diversity of its relationship structures, and the challenges and resilience associated with polyamorous relationships, based on research. Then the presenter will discuss frameworks, strategies, and techniques that counselors can adopt to practice polyamory-affirming counseling.

Check out all WMHCA's On Demand Offerings

WMHCA Store is Back

Exciting news! WMHCA now operates an official store where members can purchase WMHCA-branded apparel and promotional items like tote bags and water bottles to showcase our association at conferences, networking gatherings, membership events, and legislative advocacy efforts. For a limited time, prices are set at intentionally low rates. In the future, the store will serve as a fundraising channel for The WMHC Foundation to expand our scholarship programs. Click for the WMHCA STORE

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