ACA News

Biden Administration Unveils the American Rescue Plan

Behavioral Health is included in the proposal for the next iteration of COVID-19 relief.

House Ways and Means Committee Democrats Release Framework to Achieve Health and Economic Equity

During the 117th Congress, the Committee Democrats will use the pillars and policies presented in the framework to steer the Committee towards achieving health and economic equity.

Health and Human Services Extends the Public Health Emergency for the Fourth Time

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar has extended the Public Health Emergency declaration an additional 90 days from January 21 through late April, ensuring key resources are available nationally for fighting the COVID-19 virus.

World?s Largest Counseling Organization Denounces Attacks at US Capitol

The American Counseling Association opposes violence. We strongly condemn the rhetoric from the president and others that led to this despicable event, knowing that it threatens to incite similar acts in the future.

ACA Acknowledges the $4.25 Billion Designated for Mental Health Services in the Pandemic Relief Bill; More is Required

The funding is the largest amount mental health and substance use disorders has received in a single spending bill, indicating recognition of the mental health concerns caused by the pandemic.

Congress Finalizes New COVID-19 Relief Package

On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Congressional leaders announced that they have finalized an agreement on a package that provides both COVID-relief and full fiscal year (FY) 2021 funding for the 12 federal appropriations bills. Because the two-day ...

Historic Vote By Counseling Organization to Address Racism

Included in the comprehensive plan are projects that will look at systemic racism, create resources for counselors who work with law enforcement, develop materials for school counselors and more.

ACA Sends Letter to Biden Administration on Top Priorities

ACA has sent a letter to the Biden administration highlighting many of the key issues effecting the counseling community.  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with updates. If you would like to become involved in ACA ...

Medicare Bill Sponsor Sends Letter of Support to Congressional Leaders

Representative Mike Thompson?s office was able to submit a letter to congressional leaders on ACA?s behalf, detailing the need for the inclusion of licensed professional counselors as Medicare providers.

ACA Sends H.R. 945 Support Letter to House Energy & Commerce

ACA sent a support letter to the House Energy & Commerce subcommittee on Health that details the need for the inclusion of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) as Medicare providers.

The Trump Administration Rescinded ICE Rule for International Students

The Trump administration has rescinded the ICE regulation that would have required international students to transfer or leave the country if their schools held classes entirely online as a result of the national health emergency.

ACA Urges HHS to Extend Public Health Emergency

ACA requested that HHS extend the COVID-19 public health emergency beyond its current July 25, 2020 expiration date.

Trump Administration Proposes to Expand Telehealth Benefits Permanently for Medicare Beneficiaries Beyond the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

CMS has proposed to permanently extend Medicare coverage of telebehavioral health services, as well as implement other flexibilities so that Medicare beneficiaries can receive convenient, high-quality care from the comfort of their home.

House Passes Important Mental Health Legislation

Though it remains to be seen whether the Senate will consider these measures, the House passed several mental health bills that are endorsed by ACA.

Congressional Report Reveals Americans? Mental Health is Worsening

More than 90 million Americans are reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression due to fears surrounding the coronavirus. ACA has been advocating for greater access to behavioral health services, particularly in rural communities.

President Trump Signs Law Designating 9-8-8 as Universal Number for National Suicide Hotline

President Trump signed a bipartisan bill into law that will make ?9-8-8? the universal telephone number to reach the national suicide prevention hotline, beginning in 2022.

Medicare Coverage for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

The SUPPORT Act was signed into law on October 2018. This landmark legislation includes critical provisions to increase and strengthen our workforce; standardize the delivery of addiction medicine; cover addiction medicine; and expand access to ...

Counselors Named Essential During National Emergencies

Counselors are among professionals on an essential services list to ensure communities continue to function during disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that affect health and safety as well as economic and national security.

ACA Seeks to Improve Mental Health for Medicare Beneficiaries in a Sign-On Letter to U.S. House

ACA is advocating to have the Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2019 included in a House floor vote or end of the year package.

Bipartisan, Bicameral COVID-19 Relief Package in the Works

The package, intended to provide emergency relief from December 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, includes $908 billion in relief funding, $560 billion of which are funds already appropriated via the CARES Act.