Welcome to the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA)
Our organization is dedicated to supporting and empowering mental health counselors throughout Michigan. Our mission is to advance the profession of mental health counseling by providing our members with valuable resources, advocacy, and opportunities for professional development. Browse our site to learn more about our membership benefits, legislative efforts, and commitment to promoting mental health awareness in our communities. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Mission and Purpose of MMHCA
The Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA) is dedicated to developing and empowering the mental health counseling profession in Michigan. Our mission is to meet the professional needs of mental health counselors while increasing public awareness of the critical role they play in promoting mental health and well-being. We are committed to advancing the profession by advocating for our members, promoting high standards of practice, and ensuring access to quality mental health services for all Michiganders.
Benefits of MMHCA Membership
As a member of MMHCA, you'll have access to a wide range of exclusive benefits designed to support your professional growth and success. These include access to affordable malpractice and health insurance, discounted continuing education opportunities, legislative advocacy, networking events, and more. Join our vibrant community of mental health counselors and take advantage of the resources and support you need to thrive in your career.
Membership Levels MMHCA offers several membership levels tailored to meet the needs of mental health counselors at different stages of their careers:
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Student Member- $65
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Regular Member - $100
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Associate Member- $100
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Academic Member- $100
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Retired License Member- $100
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Lifetime Member - $1000
Student Members should be enrolled in an accredited program in pursuit of a doctoral or master's degree, which will qualify them for licensed practice as a mental health counselor.
Regular Members include individuals with an active counseling license, including both Licensed Professional Counselors and Limited Licensed Counselors, whom are in good standing with the licensing board.
Academic Members include any academic professor, instructor, researcher, or staff member such as a department chair or dean, of a regionally accredited institution.
Retired License Members are also eligible to join.
Lifetime memberships are available for those who meet the requirements of one of the above categories and pay the applicable life-time fee. The board may, at their discretion, in recognition of an individual's contribution or achievements, offer a life-time membership, which must be voted upon by the majority of the board. In such event, the membership fee will be waived.
Joining MMHCA is easy! Simply fill out our online application form select your desired membership level. Once your application is processed, you'll gain access to all the benefits and resources available to MMHCA members. If you have any questions about the membership process or need assistance, please contact our membership coordinator at mmhcabi@gmail.com
Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Committed to advancing the mental health counseling profession!
Acuitas: MMHCA's Lobbying Firm
MMHCA has partnered with Acuitas, a leading lobbying firm in Michigan, since 2018. Acuitas has been instrumental in guiding MMHCA through complex legislative processes and advocating for the interests of mental health counselors in Lansing. Their expertise and support have been crucial in advancing our policy agenda and protecting the profession, particularly during the 2019 "fight for our license" when HB 4325 was signed into law, ensuring that LPCs could continue to practice and provide critical mental health services to Michiganders in need.
Professional Development
Continuing Education:
MMHCA is committed to supporting the ongoing professional development of our members. We offer a variety of continuing education opportunities, including workshops, seminars, webinars, and our annual conference, to help you stay up-to-date on the latest research, best practices, and trends in mental health counseling. Our CE programs are designed to meet the licensing requirements for LPCs in Michigan and to help you acquire new skills and knowledge to better serve your clients.
Workshops and Seminars
Throughout the year, MMHCA hosts a variety of in-person and online workshops and seminars on topics relevant to mental health counselors. These events provide opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. Our workshops and seminars are led by experienced practitioners and cover a wide range of subjects, such as trauma-informed care, cultural competency, ethics, and more. Check our event calendar (coming soon) for upcoming workshops and seminars.
Legislative Updates
MMHCA is dedicated to advocating for the interests of mental health counselors and the clients they serve. Our Legislative Updates [link to updates page] keep you informed about the latest developments in state and federal legislation that impact the mental health counseling profession. From updates on licensing requirements and reimbursement rates to proposed changes in mental health policy, our Legislative Updates ensure that you have the information you need to stay engaged and advocate for your profession.
Bridging Initiative
The Bridging Initiative is MMHCA's signature program designed to support new graduates and early career professionals as they transition into the field of mental health counseling. We recognize that the early years of practice can be challenging, and we are committed to providing the resources, mentorship, and support that new counselors need to succeed. The purpose of the Bridging Initiative is to facilitate a smooth transition from graduate school to professional practice, and to help new counselors build the skills, confidence, and professional networks they need to thrive in their careers.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Commitment MMHCA is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community within the field of mental health counseling. We believe that diversity in all its forms – including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability status, and more – strengthens our profession and enhances our ability to serve our clients and communities. Our Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our organizational values, policies, and practices, and we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all mental health counselors in Michigan.
Advocacy
Medicare
MMHCA has been at the forefront of advocating for Medicare reimbursement for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). Our Medicare resource center (coming soon) provides information on the current status of Medicare coverage for LPCs, as well as updates on our ongoing advocacy efforts. Here, you'll find helpful resources, such as our Medicare Opt-In/Opt-Out Infosheet, Medicare Roadmap Webinar Series, and more. We are committed to ensuring that LPCs are recognized as valuable providers within the Medicare system, and we will continue to fight for fair reimbursement and expanded access to mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries.
Policy Agenda
MMHCA is dedicated to promoting the expansion of mental health services and ensuring that LPCs are included in health care reform efforts. Our Mental Health Care Reform (coming soon) section provides information on our advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives that impact the mental health counseling profession. We believe that all Michiganders deserve access to quality, affordable mental health care, and we are committed to working with policymakers to make this a reality.
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Understand and be responsive to members needs
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Study the counseling compact - continue to learn more about the compact and explore the appropriateness and fit for Michigan.
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Educate members and Michigan LPC's about the compact. Get input from Michigan counselors.
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Work toward limiting the number of years insurance companies can clawback payments from Providers.
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Work toward increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rate.
Newsletter
MMHCA's Newsletter (coming soon) keeps our members informed about the latest news, events, and developments in the mental health counseling profession. Our newsletter features articles on topics such as legislative updates, clinical best practices, self-care strategies, and more. As an MMHCA member, you'll receive our newsletter directly in your inbox, ensuring that you always have access to the most current and relevant information for your practice.
Blog
MMHCA's Blog (coming soon) is a valuable resource for mental health counselors seeking insights, inspiration, and practical guidance for their practice. Our blog features articles written by experienced practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders in the field of mental health counseling. From tips on building a successful private practice to strategies for working with specific populations, our blog covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to today's mental health counselors.
Community Outreach Initiatives
MMHCA is committed to promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma in our communities. Our Outreach Initiatives (coming soon) include a variety of programs and events designed to educate the public about mental health and the role of mental health counselors. From our annual Mental Health Awareness Month campaign to our partnerships with local schools and community organizations, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of Michiganders.
Public Education
MMHCA believes that public education is key to promoting mental health and well-being in our communities. Our Public Education (coming soon) resource center provides a variety of materials and resources that mental health counselors can use to educate their clients, families, and communities about mental health topics. From fact sheets and brochures to presentations and social media graphics, we offer a range of tools to help you spread the message about the importance of mental health.
Partnerships
MMHCA is proud to partner with a variety of organizations and community groups to advance our mission and support the well-being of Michiganders. Our Partnerships (coming soon) page highlights some of our key collaborations, including our work with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Association of School Counselors, and the Michigan Coalition for Suicide Prevention. By working together with these and other organizations, we are able to expand our reach and impact, and more effectively advocate for the mental health needs of our communities.
Volunteer Opportunities
MMHCA offers a variety of Volunteer Opportunities (coming soon) for members who want to give back to their communities and support the mission of our organization. From serving on our board or committees to participating in outreach events and public education initiatives, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Volunteering with MMHCA is a great way to build your professional network, develop new skills, and contribute to the advancement of the mental health counseling profession in Michigan.