As we recognize Black History Month, WMHCA honors the profound contributions and influence of Black individuals and communities throughout history. We affirm that Black history is not separate from history—it is history. People’s lives and stories are woven into the fabric of our collective narrative, shaping our society and culture.

The story of Black communities in America is one of strength, resistance, innovation, and leadership, often in the face of systemic oppression and injustice. This month, we not only celebrate the achievements of Black leaders in mental health but also reflect on the ongoing struggles against racial disparities that persist in every sector, including mental health.

As mental health professionals, we have a responsibility to confront the historical and present-day impacts of racism on mental well-being. Our responsibility is to foster a profession that prioritizes diversity, equity, and cultural responsiveness. Additionally, with more and more counselors exploring private practice, this month reminds us to create workplaces with intention, reparations, and equity in mind.

To support Black counselors, we encourage engagement with the resources on our website.

Partnership Highlight: The Therapy Fund Foundation x WMHCA: Advancing Mental Health Equity

From: Ashley McGirt-Adair, MSW, LICSW (Founder and CEO of the Therapy Fund Foundation)

We are proud to continue our partnership with the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA)—a leader in promoting human dignity in mental health. Since the inception of the Reclaiming Wellness Behavioral Health Conference & Resource Fair in 2023, WMHCA has been a dedicated CE sponsor, ensuring that clinicians have access to continuing education credits while deepening their knowledge and skills in serving diverse populations. We are thrilled to have ongoing support yet again with critical access to CEs.

As the only BIPOC-led behavioral health conference on the West Coast, Reclaiming Wellness is committed to improving mental health outcomes for communities of color. Partnerships like these are essential in equipping mental health professionals with the tools needed to provide culturally responsive care. We are grateful for WMHCA’s ongoing support in making this vital work possible.

Join us as we continue to reshape the future of mental health care—one CE at a time! www.therapyfundfoundation.org/rwcon

Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee Update – Day on the Hill February 14th

The Washington State Legislature is back in session so our primary focus right now is on promoting our legislative agenda and supporting bills that will help level the playing field between counselors and insurance companies. Two key bills are HB 1589 that addresses contracting fairness – including such basic things as requiring that insurance companies have to give you their rate sheet before you sign the contract - and HB 1655 that would require an annual cost of living increase for insurance reimbursement rates.

We’ve heard from our members how tough it is to work with insurance companies, and a key goal this year is to promote improved access to mental health care for traditionally under-served communities by making it possible for more of us to accept insurance in a sustainable way. We will be in Olympia for Lobby Day on February 14^th so please click HERE if you’d like to join us!

WMHCA Store: All profits go towards WMHCA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

Exciting news! WMHCA now has an official store where members can grab WMHCA-branded clothing (plus swag such as tote bags and beverage bottles) to represent our association at conferences, conventions, networking events, membership celebrations, and even in your efforts to engage in legislative advocacy.

Plus, every purchase gives back – 100% of profits go towards funding WMHCA's DEI initiatives.

Check out the store today and wear your counselor pride with style!

WMHCA Store

Join the Movement: WMHCA Board Nominations Now Open for 2025-2026.

The Washington Mental Health Counselors Association is more than a professional organization—it’s a community of mental health professionals committed to unwavering advocacy for the advancement of mental health counseling. The association is focused on upholding ethical standards, working to shape legislation, cultivating collaboration amongst providers, and enhancing the profession’s visibility through education and marketing. Furthermore— we support emerging counselors in their transition from graduate school to professional practice.

Now, you have an opportunity to take an active role in shaping the future of mental health in Washington. Nominations for the 2025-2026 WMHCA Board are officially open! If you have a passion for supporting clinicians, influencing mental health policy, and helping shape the future of counseling, this is the time to consider joining WMHCA’s leadership team.

Why Serve on the WMHCA Board?

Board members are at the forefront of advocacy efforts, professional development, and community-building initiatives. WMHCA is dedicated to:

Cultivating spaces for connection in an effort to foster networking opportunities for mental health professionals across Washington to share knowledge, grow, and support one another.
Inspiring fair policies that impact counselors and the clients we serve.
Creating a safe space where diverse voices are heard to ensure the profession reflects the communities we support.
Fostering access to high-quality education and professional development for mental health clinicians.

Serving on the board is an impactful way to contribute to the profession, amplify underrepresented voices, and work towards a mental health system that is equitable, inclusive, and effective.

Learn More About Serving on the WMHCA Board

Professional Development and Education Committee Update-Conference Theme Announced

The Professional Development and Education Committee is dedicated to recruiting and selecting high-quality instructors who provide impactful education aligned with WMHCA's mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We take pride in curating learning opportunities that empower mental health professionals to grow, reflect, and integrate inclusive practices into their work.

Looking ahead, we are gearing up to identify dynamic and diverse speakers for our 2026 Annual Conference, themed "Weaving Connections: Building Belonging and Inclusion in Therapy." This event will bring together professionals committed to fostering deeper connections and inclusive healing spaces in therapy.

If you or someone you know would be an excellent instructor or speaker for this transformative event, stay tuned for our upcoming call for proposals! Let’s work together to ensure this conference reflects the rich diversity of voices and perspectives that shape our field.

Upcoming Workshops

February Credentialing Freeze:

The Department of Health has announced all licensing and credentialing systems for health professionals and facilities will be unavailable on Friday, February 14 from 5 p.m. until the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to complete system upgrades and prepare for the HELMS launch.

Please complete your applications and renewals now to avoid delays. Draft applications started online will be removed on February 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. You will need to restart your application after February 19, 2025.

More information can be found HERE!

WMHCA members receive a discount on the following workshop:

The Ethics of Neutrality in Clinical Practice with Lara Okoloko, LICSW and Ryan Petros, LICSW, PhD

Use Coupon Code: WMHCA2025