Expiration of COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration

On July 25^th, 2020, the provisions supporting Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) within the National Emergency Declaration are set to expire. These provisions allow LPCs to provide mental health services while waiving certain telebehavioral health restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The American Counseling Association is aware of our members’ concerns, and in collaboration with our colleagues within the mental health profession, we have supported actions to request an extension to the national emergency. We expect a renewal of the public health emergency which would allow LPCs to continuing practice during the pandemic.

Public health emergencies must be renewed by Health and Human Services every 90 days, and the coronavirus declaration is set to expire July 25. The emergency was first issued in January, and was renewed previously in late April. The expected extension would last until late October.

Secretary Alex Azar of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently informed the public that he expects a renewal of the National Emergency. “I don’t know of any circumstance—I can’t imagine why that wouldn’t be renewed. I’d be quite surprised if that were not renewed,” said Secretary Azar.

States and lobbying groups representing a wide swath of health care interests have been imploring the White House administration for an extension, though last week HHS spokesperson Michael Caputo sought to sway away those concerns.

The American Counseling Association’s Government Affairs team is keeping a close eye on the progress of this extension. For questions or to take action on this issue, please email the ACA team at advocacy@counseling.org.