ACA News

ACA Submits Comments on Congressional Initiative for America?s Mental Well-Being

Recently, the American Counseling Association, along with members of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, submitted comments on an initiative led by U.S. Reps. Michael Bennet and John Cornyn, which would modernize the delivery and ...

ACA Responds to Senate Finance Request for Information

The American Counseling Association (ACA) submitted a response to the Senate Finance Committee’s request for policy proposals to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services. The response was addressed to Senator Ron ...

Representatives Newman and Stewart Champion Student Mental Health with New Bill

Congresswoman Marie Newman (D-IL-03) and Congressman Chris Stewart (R-UT-2) have sponsored the Student Mental Health Helpline Act of 2021 (HR 5235) to address students? mental health by providing a 24/7 mental health helpline.

SAMHSA announces $825M in grants to community mental health centers

On September 28, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the distribution of $825 million in grants to 231 community mental health centers (CMHC) across the country. A complete list of grant recipients can be ...

ACA Urges Congressional Leaders to Support the Tele-Mental Health Improvement Act

The American Counseling Association (ACA) supports and is working to help pass the Tele-Mental Health Improvement Act (HR 2264/S. 660) which directly affects the work of licensed professional counselors and their clients throughout the country. The ...

House Appropriations Subcommittee Favorably Reports FY 2022 L-HHS Bill

In her opening remarks, Appropriations Full Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) emphasized the fact that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed critical shortfalls in public health infrastructure, as well as in mental health care. She also reaffirmed ...

The White House Administration?s Policy Agenda During the First 100 Days ? Part IV of IV

The Biden-Harris administration has wrapped up its first 100 days in office. The American Counseling Association (ACA) continues to keep its commitment to members by updating you on the current administration’s policy decisions that are ...

Biden Administration Releases Top Line Budget Request

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released President Biden’s topline request for fiscal year (FY) 2022 discretionary funding. OMB stated the complete President’s Budget will not be available in time for the start of the ...

State Affairs: AR HB 1570 Update | LBGTQIA Health Care

April 15, 2021By Dominique MarsalekBiden Administration issued an Executive Order on January 20, 2021, reaffirming the United States Supreme Court’s decisive conclusion that Title VII’s prohibition on discrimination 'because of sex' covers ...

Biden Administration Introduces the American Jobs Plan

In these times where it seems like everyone is struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy, the Biden administration introduced the American Jobs Plan, which could potentially make life easier for millions of Americans. The American Jobs Plan consists ...

The White House Administration?s Policy Agenda During the First 100 Days ? Part III of IV

The Biden-Harris Administration has reached day 75 of the Administration’s first 100 Days. The American Counseling Association (ACA) has made a commitment to our members and counselors everywhere to keep you updated on the progress of this ...

Counseling Compact Update

April 5, 2021By Dominique N. Marsalek What is the Counseling Compact?The Counseling Compact is an occupational licensure agreement based on the mutual recognition model, in which a practitioner’s home state[1] license is mutually recognized by ...

The Department of Education Requests Submissions for Safer Schools Clearinghouse

On January 21, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14000, “Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers.” This E.O. directs the U.S. Department of Education ...

The White House Administration?s Policy Agenda During the First 100 Days ? Part II of IV

The Biden-Harris Administration has reached the halfway point of the first 100 days of the Biden Presidency. As promised, the American Counseling Association (ACA) will continue to update our members quarterly during the first 100 days on the progress ...

U.S. Senate Passes the American Rescue Plan Act

The Senate passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), as amended, through budget reconciliation, a process that required no Republican support but every Democratic vote.

U.S. House of Representatives Passes the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021

The United States House of Representatives passed The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 in a 220-212 vote.

The White House Administration?s Policy Agenda During the First 100 Days - Part I of IV

We have already reached the 25-day mark of the first 100 days of the Biden administration. During this period, this administration has taken immediate action on several national issues.

ACA is Hard at Work on the Policy Front for You and for the Clients You Serve

Your ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team is hard at work for you and for your clients.

ACA Endorses COVID-19 Telehealth State Coverage Letter

ACA requested states to lift restrictions on telebehavioral health and ensure payment parity until the conclusion of the national COVID-19 emergency.

Rural LPC?s Provide Telebehavioral Health Services Under Medicare During Pandemic

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law, authorizing Rural and Federally Qualified Health Clinics to provide telebehavioral health services to Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 health emergency.