| About NYMHCA |
Our MissionThe New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting, promoting, and advocating for mental health counselors in New York State. NYMHCA serves as a resource for mental health professionals by providing continuing education opportunities, professional development, and advocacy for legislative changes that benefit mental health practice and access to care. NYMHCA's mission is to enhance the profession of mental health counseling through leadership, education, and advocacy. The organization strives to ensure that its members adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of mental health services for individuals, families, and communities throughout New York State. HistoryThe New York Mental Health Counselors Association was established in the 1970s. The formation of NYMHCA was driven by the need for a professional body that could represent and support mental health counselors in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The founding members recognized the importance of having a unified voice to advocate for the interests of mental health counselors and their clients. In its early years, NYMHCA focused on defining and establishing the professional identity of mental health counselors. This included efforts to distinguish the role of mental health counselors from other mental health professionals and to promote the unique skills and approaches that counselors bring to the field. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, NYMHCA was instrumental in lobbying for legislative changes that would grant mental health counselors licensure and recognition as independent practitioners. This period saw significant advancements, including the establishment of educational and ethical standards for the profession. The 2000s marked a pivotal decade for NYMHCA as the organization achieved major milestones in its advocacy efforts. One of the most significant achievements was the passage of legislation that officially recognized and licensed mental health counselors in New York State. This victory not only validated the profession but also expanded access to mental health services for New Yorkers. In recent years, NYMHCA has continued to adapt to the changing landscape of mental health care. The organization has focused on providing members with resources and training on emerging issues such as telehealth, cultural competence, and evidence-based practices. Additionally, NYMHCA has been active in addressing the mental health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for policy changes and providing support to counselors navigating new modes of service delivery. Today, NYMHCA remains a vital organization for mental health counselors in New York. It continues to advocate for the profession, provide high-quality educational opportunities, and support its members in delivering effective mental health services. The association's ongoing commitment to professional excellence and advocacy ensures that mental health counselors are well-equipped to meet the needs of their clients and communities.
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New York Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc.
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The NYMHCA Institute, Inc.
146 Barrett Street, Suite 2
Schenectady, NY, 12305
1-800-4-NYMHCA
(800-469-6422)
New York Mental Health Counselors
Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization and a state
chapter of
the American
Mental Health Counselors Association.
The
NYMHCA Institute, Inc. is an affiliated but separate 501(c)(3)
charitable non-profit organization.