ACA News

Medicare Reimbursement Measure Builds Momentum

The American Counseling Association’s signature legislative priority—Medicare reimbursement for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)—gained support and momentum in three ways over the past few weeks. As a result, everyone in favor ...

American Counseling Association and the American School Counselor Association Announce New Collaborative Relationship

The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) are pleased to announce a new collaborative relationship that will support continued growth of both organizations as we continue to serve the best interests ...

Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY): Health Care Advocate, Champion of Counseling for Veterans

?We are saddened by the sudden death of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter,? American Counseling Association CEO Richard Yep said.

In Support of Counselors and Students Seeking a Reduction in Gun Violence

The American Counseling Association recently adopted a resolution calling for more school counselors to support children affected by gun trauma.

Washington State Passes Bill Banning Conversion Therapy on Minors

The Washington State Legislature passed a measure that bans conversion therapy on minors. Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D) is expected to sign the bill soon. (This bill was signed into law by the governor on March 28th.) The legislation would impose ...

ACA Calls for More School Counselors to Support Children Affected by Gun Trauma

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Executive Committee of the American Counseling Association adopted a resolution supporting and highlighting the role that school counselors play in addressing the anxiety, stress, and trauma students experience after a school ...

ACA Names National Award Winners

The American Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association Foundation are pleased to announce the 76 winners of their annual awards competitions for professional counselors and counseling students.

ACA CEO Richard Yep's Congressional Testimony on Opioids and Medicare Reimbursement Legislation

Responding to a request for policy recommendations on the opioid crisis, ACA CEO Richard Yep has written to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee concerning the role counselors play in fighting the opioid crisis.  Mr. ...

ACA Announces 68th President

Heather Trepal, Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Approved Supervisor (LPC-S, Texas), will begin her term as ACA President-Elect on July 1, 2018, and will begin serving as American Counseling Association President on July 1, 2019.

ACA Stands in Support of Parkland, Florida: Free Resources Are Available for Counselors

The American Counseling Association is saddened by the tragedy in South Florida and holds the Stoneman Douglas High School Community in its thoughts.

Spending Deal Clears Way for Action on 2018 Health-Care Programs

Congress unexpectedly passed a wide-ranging budget deal that should avoid any further spending crises this year and allow completion of the 2018 spending plan including health-care programs..

Puerto Rico: The Crisis Continues

Nearly five months after Hurricane Maria upended life for everyone in its path, Puerto Rico remains in critical condition. Power has not been completely restored to the island?and some areas are not expected to have power until May. An estimated ...

ACA Takes Action Against State-Based Legislation Threatening Licensure for Counselors

Attacks on couselor licensure boards are becoming more frequent. ACA is working with Arizona counselors to fight a bill that would eliminate the licensure process for counselors and other mental health professionals in that state.

ACA Participates in the American Association of State Counseling Boards Conference

Staff from the American Counseling Association attended the national counseling licensure boards conference to keep up with changes in licensing and to discuss portability with licensure board members.

White House Supports Additional Type of Group Health-Care Insurance Plan

Late last month, the White House proposed new rules that would make it easier for small businesses, sole proprietors, and individuals to group together in ?association? to buy insurance in the large group market. These association plans, as they are ...

December Federal/State Update: Washington Was Busy But Punted on Funding the Government

Congress earned its pay for one month by passing a huge tax cut and the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act among other bills, but punted on finally passing the bill to keep all the federal agencies funded for 2018.

O Bamacare, O Bamacare, How Long Will You Sur-vi-ive?

Obamacare will likely lose younger, healthier customers because Congress repealed the individual mandate in the tax bill this month, but current enrollment is surprisingly strong. The program's future is still up in the air.

ACA Weighs In on Wording Restrictions at the Centers for Disease Control

According to recent press reports, officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been told to not use the terms ?diversity,? ?transgender,? ?evidence-based,? and ?science-based,? among others, in the upcoming budget request for 2019. This ...

Tax Bill Compromise Under Way

The House and Senate have approved different versions of tax reform and now the conference committee is preparing to release the final compromise version, which both houses must then pass before the measure goes to the President for signature. There ...

Final Tax Bill Heads To A Vote With Changes Important To Counselors

The Conference Committee has worked out a compromise between the House and Senate tax bills. Obamacare and grad students have been among the main points of discussion for counselors