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Advocacy & Policy New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) is deeply committed to advancing the profession of mental health counseling and ensuring equitable access to quality mental health services for all New Yorkers. Our advocacy efforts are rooted in our mission to empower mental health counselors and enhance the recognition, growth, and impact of the profession across the state. Insert your text here For decades, NYMHCA has been a trusted voice for the mental health counseling community, representing the interests of our members and the clients they serve. Our work is driven by the belief that mental health is a cornerstone of well-being and that mental health counselors play a vital role in addressing the diverse and evolving needs of individuals, families, and communities. Our Commitment NYMHCA is steadfast in our commitment to advancing policies and practices that:
Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we strive to make a lasting impact on the profession and the communities we serve. Together, we can create a future where mental health counseling is not only valued but accessible to all who need it. What We Do Championing the Profession We actively work to elevate the role of mental health counselors through strategic advocacy initiatives that promote the recognition of the profession within state policy, regulatory frameworks, and public discourse. Shaping Public Policy NYMHCA is dedicated to influencing policies that impact mental health care delivery, professional licensure, and the sustainability of our field. By engaging with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, we advocate for a stronger, more inclusive mental health system. Supporting Our Members Our advocacy extends beyond public policy to the practical needs of our members. Through educational programming, resources, and opportunities for professional development, we empower mental health counselors to thrive in their practice and navigate an evolving landscape. Building Partnerships Collaboration is key to our success. We work closely with allied organizations, academic institutions, and advocacy coalitions to amplify our impact and promote a unified voice for mental health. 2025-2026 Legislative Initiatives As the leading voice for mental health counselors in New York, the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) is committed to advocating for policies that enhance access to quality mental health care, strengthen the counseling profession, and support the well-being of New Yorkers. Our 2025-2026 legislative initiatives focus on expanding professional opportunities for licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), addressing workforce shortages, increasing provider parity within the mental health field, and advancing equity in mental health care. 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. Establishing Privileged Communication for Mental Health Counselors and Clients This initiative seeks to amend New York State law to ensure that conversations between mental health counselors and their clients are protected by privileged communication. Similar to protections afforded to other licensed mental health professionals, this would strengthen client confidentiality and promote trust in the therapeutic relationship, while respecting legal exceptions such as mandatory reporting requirements. [A3906 (Bronson)/S1725 (Brouk)] Modernization of NYS Laws to Include Mental Health Counselors We are advocating for updates to state statutes to explicitly recognize licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and LMHCs with diagnostic privilege in all relevant areas of the law. This would align the recognition of LMHCs with that of other licensed professionals, ensuring our inclusion in roles related to mental health services, crisis intervention, and integrated healthcare systems. Inclusion of Mental Health Counselors as Authorized Workers' Compensation Providers This legislation would authorize LMHCs with diagnostic privilege to provide treatment for injured workers under New York’s Workers' Compensation Program. Expanding the provider network to include LMHCs would increase access to mental health care for workers recovering from job-related injuries and promote holistic healing. [A5894 (Berger)/S6912 (Ryan C.)] Supervision Authority for LMHCs with Diagnostic Privilege We are proposing statutory and regulatory changes to allow LMHCs with diagnostic privilege to supervise licensed master social workers (LMSWs) who are gaining supervised experience required for clinical licensure. Additionally, in collaboration with licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), we are advocating for regulatory changes to allow LMHCs to supervise limited permit holders in marriage and family therapy. This would expand the pool of qualified supervisors and foster collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to clinical training. [A780 (Berger)/S6999 (Stavisky)] Funding for LMHC Education to Attain Diagnostic Privilege Affordability is an important component to the growth of our profession; therefore, we are advocating for funding to subsidize or fully cover tuition at SUNY and CUNY institutions for licensed mental health counselors to complete additional coursework required for diagnostic privilege. Additionally, we are advocating for the elimination of the Office of the Professions renewal fee for diagnostic privilege, reducing the cost associated with licensed mental health counselors’ triennial renewals. Eliminate Restriction of Co-Ownership of Business Entities for Mental Health Professions Current laws prevent mental health counselors from jointly owning practices with professionals in other mental health disciplines, creating unnecessary barriers to collaboration within the mental health field. Removing these restrictions will allow mental health professionals to build multidisciplinary practices, expand access to specialized care, and offer clients more comprehensive and coordinated treatment options. This change will modernize outdated regulations and better reflect the collaborative nature of mental health care today. Diagnostic Testing Authority for LMHCs with Diagnostic Privilege It is NYMHCA’s position that LMHCs with diagnostic privilege and the necessary training and experience have the authority to utilize and interpret psychological assessment and testing tools for diagnosing conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other mental health disorders. NYMHCA will explore to affirm this authority which will empower counselors to deliver more comprehensive, evidence-based care and streamline the diagnostic process. |
New York Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc.
&
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.