We advocate for you—so you can focus on the work that changes lives.
NYMHCA has been your voice in Albany since 1979. We represent mental health counselors across New York State, advancing the recognition, rights, and scope of practice our profession needs.
Our Commitment to Advocacy
Since the 1980s, NYMHCA has led efforts to define the profession through legislative advocacy—culminating in 2002, when New York State formally established the licensed mental health counselor designation.
Today, we are the leading voice for mental health counselors in New York, NYMHCA is committed to advancing policies and practices that:
- Promote access to high-quality, culturally competent mental health care
- Strengthen the professional standing and opportunities of mental health counselors
- Address systemic barriers and inequities within the mental health care system
- Ensure mental health counseling is recognized as a critical component of overall health and wellness
How We Advocate
Through active engagement with policymakers, strategic partnerships, and grassroots advocacy, NYMHCA is dedicated to ensuring that LMHCs are recognized, supported, and empowered to meet the growing mental health needs of our communities. Stay informed and get involved as we work to shape the future of mental health care in New York.
Advance the Profession
Promote recognition of mental health counselors in state policy, regulatory frameworks, and public discourse
Shape Public Policy
Influence policies that impact licensure, mental health care delivery, and the sustainability of the profession
Support Our Members
Provide updates, resources, and opportunities that help counselors navigate an evolving professional landscape
Build Partnerships
Collaborate with organizations, institutions, and coalitions to strengthen advocacy efforts statewide
Advancing Diagnostic Privilege in New York
Diagnostic privilege remains one of the most important and evolving issues impacting mental health counselors in New York.
NYMHCA has been leading this effort for over a decade—advocating for diagnostic authority as early as 2010 and working directly with legislators to advance Chapter 230 of the Laws of 2022, which established a pathway to diagnostic privilege for licensed mental health counselors.
Implementation has been phased through regulation, including requirements issued by the Board of Regents, with the pathway formally rolling out beginning in 2024. More recently, Assembly Bill A8045/ Senate Bill S7622 (Chapter 140 of the Laws of 2025)—signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul—extended the transition period through June 24, 2027, giving LMHCs additional time to meet experience requirements under current guidelines.
NYMHCA continues to advocate for improvements to both the law and its implementation—working to reduce barriers, support private practitioners, and expand access to diagnostic privilege across the state
Our Members can log in to myNYMHCA to access dedicated diagnostic-privilege resources, including updates, guidance, and next steps.
Current Priorities
2025-2026 Legislative Priorities
NYMHCA is actively advancing policies that strengthen our profession, expand access to care, and address workforce and equity challenges across New York State. Here is a summary of our current priorities:
- Establishing privileged communication for mental health counselors and clients
- Modernizing New York State law to include LMHCs
- Inclusion of LMHCs as Workers’ Compensation providers
- Expanding supervision authority for LMHCs with diagnostic privilege
- Funding for diagnostic privilege education
- Eliminating co-ownership restrictions for mental health professionals
- Exploring diagnostic testing authority for LMHCs with diagnostic privilege
