ACA News

Continuing Resolution Extends Telehealth Through September

On March 14, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through September 30. This averted a federal government shutdown and largely maintains federal funding levels...

Artificial Intelligence Policy and Counseling

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly and becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life. While it has the potential to revolutionize the counseling profession, enhancing both practice and accessibility, it also presents significant risks.

The U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Conversion Therapy Ban

On March 9, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Chiles v. Salazar to rule on the constitutionality of Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy during the 2025-2026 term.

The Expiration of Telehealth Extensions

The most recent telehealth extension is set to expire on Monday, March 31, 2025. Along with our coalition partners, we have engaged congressional leaders to highlight the critical need for telehealth services...

Government Funding Deadline Quickly Approaching

As we approach the midpoint of the 2025 federal fiscal year (FY), the federal government continues to operate under a Continuing Resolution (CR) set to expire on Friday, March 14.

House Passes Budget Resolution That Threatens to Reduce Medicaid

Earlier this week in a 217-215 vote, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that marks the beginning of efforts to reshape the Medicaid program.

ACA Engages 119th Congress on Mental Health Priorities

ACA proudly participated in January welcome receptions for the 119th Congress. ACA met with lawmakers to address America’s growing mental health crisis and advocate for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)

Reflections on the 2024 SAMHSA OBHE Conference: A Milestone for Behavioral Health Equity

2024 SAMHSA Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE) Conference, themed "Re-Envisioning the Behavioral Health Workforce Focusing on Underserved Communities," highlighted transformative efforts to promote equity in mental health & substance use care.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) October Developments

CMS’s Office of Minority Health shared the Coverage to Care initiative and the Roadmap to Behavioral Health to help people understand what behavioral health and substance use services are available.

DOE Funding for School-Based Mental Health Services

On October 17th, the Department of Education announced it will provide $70 million in grants to support school-based mental health services.

Senators Urge Permanent Extension of Telehealth Flexibilities for Medicare Beneficiaries

A bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging them advance the CONNECT for Health Act, which would permanently extend telehealth Medicare beneficiaries.

Millions Allocated for Behavioral Health Education, Training, and Community Programs

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced an additional $68.5 million in grants to support behavioral health education, training, and community programs.

How Counselors Can Advocate during Suicide Prevention Month

During Suicide Prevention Month in September, ACA applauds several major recent step that the federal government has taken steps to assist those in crisis and improve mental healthcare accessibility.

White House Announces New Mental Health and Substance Use Parity Rule

The White House released a new rule about mental healthcare parity. The rule requires health insurance plans to provide the same level of mental healthcare coverage as they do with physical healthcare coverage. 

New Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Funding Opportunities

SAMHSA has announced new funding opportunities for supporting women’s behavioral health. The Community-Based Maternal Behavioral Health Services Program allocates $15 million for improving access to maternal mental health and substance use treatment.

Final Behavioral Health Parity Rule Submitted to the White House

The U.S. Department of Labor submitted its final rule on behavioral health parity regulations. The proposed rule would strengthen the Mental Health Parity and Addiction

White House Administration Commits $27.5 Million to Women’s Behavioral Health

The American Counseling Association applauds the Biden Administration for creating new funding opportunities to enhance Women’s Behavioral Health.

ACA Applauds the White House Agenda on Suicide Prevention

The American Counseling Association applauds the Biden Harris Administration for a historic move in mental health advocacy and public policy -- the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Federal Action Plan.

Biden Administration Proposes Increased Funding for Mental Health Services

The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans by providing for effective health and human services

Health Resources and Services Administration FY2025 Proposed Budget

This week, the White House released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 proposed annual budget. On Wednesday, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) held a briefing that outlines the agency’s plan to tackle the mental health crisis ...