Announcements/CEUs
This page is reserved for general announcements. If you have an announcement that you would like to share please email us. Please keep them brief, graphic and non-related material will not be posted.
Advocacy Initiatives
Senate Bills S. 1155 and S. 562 are both important to the field of counseling. The Rural Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (1155) and the Senior Mental Health Access Improvement Act (562) both improve the professional standing and third party payer status of counselors across the country. Our two Senators in Michigan are Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow. Please contact them by phone or postage mail (avoid email) and ask them to support these two bills. Their contact information is below:
Senator Carl Levin
269 Russell Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2202
(202) 224-6221
Senator Debbie Stabenow
133 Hart Bldg
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4822
Senator Carl Levin
269 Russell Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2202
(202) 224-6221
Senator Debbie Stabenow
133 Hart Bldg
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4822
Division Dues
To all Division board members and membership:
This is Nick Erber and I am the current treasurer of MCA. I have had difficulty locating division treasurers and members to send payments, so to solve this problem I will only be handing out checks at General Council meetings in Lansing. The next one is November 8 from 9AM. Please plan on attending this meeting and I will have checks with me to provide you with your membership dues.
Respectfully,
Nick Erber, MA, LPC
MCA Treasurer
This is Nick Erber and I am the current treasurer of MCA. I have had difficulty locating division treasurers and members to send payments, so to solve this problem I will only be handing out checks at General Council meetings in Lansing. The next one is November 8 from 9AM. Please plan on attending this meeting and I will have checks with me to provide you with your membership dues.
Respectfully,
Nick Erber, MA, LPC
MCA Treasurer
| csi_wca_solution_focused_flyer.pdf |
4-30-2013
On 3-10-2013, MCA posted the following message:
"Dear fellow L/LPCs,
It has come to our attention that questions have been raised informally regarding the scope of practice for Limited Licensed and Licensed Professional Counselors (L/LPCs). This is derived from an issue raised by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) regarding clarification of the licensing administrative rules and statutes of the L/LPC license.
The leadership of Michigan Counseling Association (MCA), Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA), Michigan Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (MACES), and Michigan School Counseling Association (MSCA) has begun working with LARA regarding the clarification of this issue. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please know that updates will be provided on these organizations’ websites as they become available."
4-30-2013
Here is the follow up from our presidents:
MCA and MMHCA continue to work together to strengthen and enhance our license. Please know that our state and national organizations are assisting us in monitoring any issues that pertain to our license and the field of counseling.
Please continue to monitor our respective websites for any new information.
Christine Nace,MCA President
James Blundo, MMHCA President
4-15-2013
OUCARES, 5th annual Symposium focusing on the medical and biomedical issues in autism.
for more information on how to register click here
4-10-2013
Article from CPH & Associates.
http://cphins.com/legalresources/bulletin
ACCREDITATION – Students File Lawsuit Against UniversityApril 2013…Universities and colleges throughout the country, and programs within these institutions, seek accreditation or other approval from accrediting or like agencies for multiple purposes, but primarily to establish the bona fides of the institution or program in the milieu that they operate within. CACREP – the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs – is an accrediting agency that evaluates professional preparation programs within institutions of higher learning, such as school counselor master’s programs leading to state licensure as a professional counselor. CACREP was established in 1981 upon the approval of the American Personnel and Guidance Association, a precursor to the American Counseling Association.
It was recently reported by the Chicago Tribune (online) that some students attending the Concordia University Chicago master’s degree program in school counseling are suing the school because of the school’s decision that the school counseling master’s program would no longer be accredited by CACREP. Among the allegations being made is that the school advertised to prospective students (and these students in particular, who are scheduled to graduate in May), that the program was accredited by CACREP, and that the CACREP accreditation was an important factor for those pursuing licensure as a professional counselor or seeking employment in a school district after graduation. The suit alleges that the school has broken its promise to the students regarding accreditation and that this constitutes consumer fraud.
The students apparently expected that they would graduate from an accredited program, and they were informed by the school of the importance of accreditation by CACREP. With the announcement of the school’s intent to abandon accreditation by CACREP, that expectation was jeopardized or eliminated. The students, according to the article, are asking for damages in the form of reimbursement for their tuition costs as well as damages for the devalued degrees. It was reported that the school decided not to pursue an extension of accreditation because of financial burdens and new accreditation requirements. It was also reported that the school sought to protect students by requesting that graduates in 2013 and 2014 be “grandfathered” by CACREP – that is, that they be considered to have graduated from an accredited program. Apparently, CACREP denied the request for “grand-parenting.”
I do not know all of the arguments that the University has in its defense, or whether the process they utilized was appropriate under the circumstances. I do know that whenever the law is proposed to be changed in a given state regarding, for example, the educational requirements for licensure, I have advocated that students already in the pipeline be protected by the legislation. In other words, the new requirements should affect only those who will thereafter enter the degree program, but for those who entered the program under specified requirements, they should be protected. The rules of the game should not change during the game. I wonder whether the desire to abandon accreditation for this program, which had been in existence for many years, could have been accomplished in a manner that would have protected those in the pipeline.
by Richard S. Leslie, J.D. Click here for profile.
Attorney at Law - "At the Intersection of Law and Psychotherapy"
Article from CPH & Associates.
http://cphins.com/legalresources/bulletin
ACCREDITATION – Students File Lawsuit Against UniversityApril 2013…Universities and colleges throughout the country, and programs within these institutions, seek accreditation or other approval from accrediting or like agencies for multiple purposes, but primarily to establish the bona fides of the institution or program in the milieu that they operate within. CACREP – the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs – is an accrediting agency that evaluates professional preparation programs within institutions of higher learning, such as school counselor master’s programs leading to state licensure as a professional counselor. CACREP was established in 1981 upon the approval of the American Personnel and Guidance Association, a precursor to the American Counseling Association.
It was recently reported by the Chicago Tribune (online) that some students attending the Concordia University Chicago master’s degree program in school counseling are suing the school because of the school’s decision that the school counseling master’s program would no longer be accredited by CACREP. Among the allegations being made is that the school advertised to prospective students (and these students in particular, who are scheduled to graduate in May), that the program was accredited by CACREP, and that the CACREP accreditation was an important factor for those pursuing licensure as a professional counselor or seeking employment in a school district after graduation. The suit alleges that the school has broken its promise to the students regarding accreditation and that this constitutes consumer fraud.
The students apparently expected that they would graduate from an accredited program, and they were informed by the school of the importance of accreditation by CACREP. With the announcement of the school’s intent to abandon accreditation by CACREP, that expectation was jeopardized or eliminated. The students, according to the article, are asking for damages in the form of reimbursement for their tuition costs as well as damages for the devalued degrees. It was reported that the school decided not to pursue an extension of accreditation because of financial burdens and new accreditation requirements. It was also reported that the school sought to protect students by requesting that graduates in 2013 and 2014 be “grandfathered” by CACREP – that is, that they be considered to have graduated from an accredited program. Apparently, CACREP denied the request for “grand-parenting.”
I do not know all of the arguments that the University has in its defense, or whether the process they utilized was appropriate under the circumstances. I do know that whenever the law is proposed to be changed in a given state regarding, for example, the educational requirements for licensure, I have advocated that students already in the pipeline be protected by the legislation. In other words, the new requirements should affect only those who will thereafter enter the degree program, but for those who entered the program under specified requirements, they should be protected. The rules of the game should not change during the game. I wonder whether the desire to abandon accreditation for this program, which had been in existence for many years, could have been accomplished in a manner that would have protected those in the pipeline.
by Richard S. Leslie, J.D. Click here for profile.
Attorney at Law - "At the Intersection of Law and Psychotherapy"
4-5-2013
April is counseling Awareness Month. Follow the link to our parent organization, ACA to learn more. http://www.counseling.org/about-us/counseling-awareness-month
4-4-2013
Webinar: Juvenile Competency in Michigan Courts
Featuring Dr. Thomas Grisso, national expert on juvenile competency
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 (3-4:30pm)
Free Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3823583920824375552
Michigan’s new juvenile competency law went into effect on March 28, 2013, establishing statewide standards for the evaluation and response to competency in delinquency hearings.
This webinar is intended to:
· Provide an overview of the juvenile competency law and its application in court;
· Introduce the Juvenile Adjudicative Competence Interview tool; (Note: This webinar will not certify individuals to use this tool in a clinical setting.)
· Host a forum for asking questions from state and national experts involved in developing this statute.
Presenters include:
· Dr. Thomas Grisso, Professor and Director, Law-Psychiatry Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School
· Dr. Kimberly Larson, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Psychiatry Department
· Representative Ellen Lipton, Michigan House of Representatives, 27th House District
· Rebecca DeVooght, Office of Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, 20th Senate District
· Facilitated by Michelle Weemhoff, Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency
Written questions may be submitted to MCCD prior to the webinar: mweemhoff@miccd.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
3-25-2013
Dear MCA Members,
As you are all aware Gov. Snyder has approved Michigan to participate with the federal government in expanding Medicaid coverage within the state of Michigan. In order to encourage our legislators to support these efforts especially access to mental health please go to the following link and complete the information to download a form letter to your local legislators urging their support of the expansion of Medicaid:
http://capwiz.com/consumersforhealthcare/utr/2/?a=62506451&i=116591327&c= .
Sincerely,
THE Public Policy and Legislation Committee
Candy S. McCorkle, Ph.D., LLP
3-21-2013
| mca_legislative_day.pdf |
| mca_legislative_day_agenda_1.pdf |
3-19-2013
Mark your calendars! April 25th, the Michigan Career Development Association will be hosting a workshop to discuss current trends. Download the flyer and application below for more information
| mcda2013registration1.pdf |
3-15-2013
To all valued members:
On this date, March 14, 2013, I attended the Senate Health Policy committee meeting in Lansing. Two items were on the agenda, SB 165 that dealt with providing medical information to patient's family members (passed) and SB 136, known as the "Conscientious Objector" bill. After hearing brief testimony no vote was taken and the matter was left unresolved. This is good news for mental health clinicians in that we have further opportunity to express our opposition to this damaging piece of legislation that will negatively impact our clients and our ability to maintain our ethical standards.
So, please contact your legislators to express your opposition to SB 136. We must protect our profession and maintain our code of ethics. To do otherwise could mean a loss of license to practice. Counseling is always about our patients and NOT about personal opinions. It is ALWAYS about our clients and our areas of expertise. If we are NOT an expert in a particular diagnosis, it is our ethical responsibility to refer a patient to someone who is. It is UNETHICAL to refer just because you do not hold the same beliefs about religion, color, creed, sex, race, sexual orientation or any other issue that could be construed as discriminatory.
Thank you,
Christine A. Nace, LPC, NCC
MCA President
3-13-13
The Michigan Senate committee on health policy will be meeting at 9am tomorrow regarding SB 136. Please make arrangements to attend if at all possible. The Michigan Counseling Association spoke at the last meeting to oppose this bill. Please find our written opposition below. If you would like to learn more about this bill please click here.
| mca_position_on_sb_136.pdf |
3-10-2013
Dear fellow L/LPCs,
It has come to our attention that questions have been raised informally regarding the scope of practice for Limited Licensed and Licensed Professional Counselors (L/LPCs). This is derived from an issue raised by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) regarding clarification of the licensing administrative rules and statutes of the L/LPC license.
The leadership of Michigan Counseling Association (MCA), Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA), Michigan Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (MACES), and Michigan School Counseling Association (MSCA) has begun working with LARA regarding the clarification of this issue. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please know that updates will be provided on these organizations’ websites as they become available.
Dear fellow L/LPCs,
It has come to our attention that questions have been raised informally regarding the scope of practice for Limited Licensed and Licensed Professional Counselors (L/LPCs). This is derived from an issue raised by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) regarding clarification of the licensing administrative rules and statutes of the L/LPC license.
The leadership of Michigan Counseling Association (MCA), Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA), Michigan Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (MACES), and Michigan School Counseling Association (MSCA) has begun working with LARA regarding the clarification of this issue. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please know that updates will be provided on these organizations’ websites as they become available.
3-8-2013
The Michigan Counseling Association spoke at yesterday's Committee on Public Health meeting as it pertains to SB 136. Please find our written opposition below. If you would like to learn more about this bill please click here.
2-25-2013
The Michigan Association of Marriage and Family Counseling is hosting their Spring Conference on April 19. Their guest presenter will be Dr. Ross Flynn. Please see flyers below for full details.
| mamfc_2013_conference_flyer_general_public.pdf |
| mamfc_2013_conference_regristration_form.pdf |
2-12-2013
Chi Sigma Iota, in conjunction with LEAF (Learning and Educating Among Friends), is excited to announce the 2013 Chapter Elections and Annual Spring Conference on Friday, March 8th from 9:00am to 5:00pm in the Gold A/B rooms of the Oakland Center! This year the theme will be "Suicide and the Counseling of High-Risk Clients". Keynote speakers will be Darcy Haag Granello, PhD, LPCC-S, and Paul Granello, PhD, LPCC-S, Associate Professors of Counselor Education from The Ohio State University. The Granellos are renowned experts and authors on the topic of suicide and have made over 200 presentations and trainings nationally and internationally. Other topics and presenters will include OU Faculty, Alumni, and other counseling professionals in the area:
- client/counselor mindfullness, Linda Oxford, Awakening Health Counseling
- the dangers of bullying in schools, Dr. Laura Strong, International Academy of Macomb
- counseling the habitually suicidal client, Dr. Robert Fink, Oakland University
- professional advocacy, Dr. Vicki Sepulveda, Michigan Counseling Association
- suicide in the military, Steven Justice, U.S. Navy
- talking to children about suicide, Dave Opalewski, Grief Recovery, Inc.
- upcoming changes to the DSM-IV, Dr. Phil O"Dwyer, Oakland University, Brookfield Clinics
- private practice management, Jim Blundo, Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association
- multi-family group counseling, Kathleen Arten
2-7-2013
Dear GC Members:
Due to deteriorating weather conditions in the meeting area, the GC meeting scheduled for tomorrow, February 8th is being cancelled. We are hoping to reschedule the meeting on March 8th; however, we will notify you with a date certain as soon as we can confirm the logistics.
Our decision is driven by our concern to avoid placing any one of you in jeopardy by traveling into a heavy winter storm.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter. Sincerely,
Christine NacePresident MCA
2-4-31-2013
MMHCA is hosting a workshop once in a lifetime workshop, with presenter, Jack Klott!!! The workshop will focus on the new DSM 5 which will be released soon. Download the fliers for more information.
MMHCA is hosting a workshop once in a lifetime workshop, with presenter, Jack Klott!!! The workshop will focus on the new DSM 5 which will be released soon. Download the fliers for more information.
| dsm_5_wokshop_draft_p.1.docx |
| mmhca_schaeffer_dsm_workshop_05-3-13.doc |
| mmhca_dsm_registration_form_5.3.13.docx |
1-25-2013
MACES is offering a Clinical Supervision workshop that will meet the new supervision requirements set forth by the state of Michigan. Download the flier for full details.
| maces_clinical_supervision_flyer_-_2013.pdf |
1-18-2013
Please take a moment to help our fellow counselors out in the state of New York. They are working to strengthen their scope of practice and have Diagnosis included by the state. Simply follow the link below.
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-new-york-state-legislature-amend-scopes-of-practice-of-licensed-mh-practitioners-to-include-diagnosis
1-16-2013
A year in the life of MCA came to a close December 31, 2012, with many accomplishments:
1. A 28% growth in membership over the past 12 months. Our Membership Chair (Jim Bauer) has done a fantastic job with marketing MCA.
2. Promoted professional development by offering free or low cost training throughout the state resulting in 12 NBCC CEs for members. We are in the process of establishing a Profesional Development Committee so members can look forward to more educational opportunities.
3. MCA co-hosted the 2nd annual conference with the Michigan School Counselors Association. Feedback indicated it was another successful opportunity for professional development and networking while earning CEs.
4. Emphasized the significance of individual and collective participation to influence legislation resulting in LPCs inclusion in providing juvenile competency evaluations if ordered by a court. This endeavor began a few years ago and was finally successful in the 2012 Michigan Congress. Thank you to Lisa Hawley and Nancy Cawley for their devotion to this important piece of legislation. While we continue to strive for inclusion on the BCBSM panel, many inroads have been accomplished. MCA members and other interested parties signed a petition developed by our Licensure Committee (chaired by Lisa Hawley) and participated in a phone call and letter campaign to our legislators highlighting our qualifications as clinicians. One goal for 2013 is to finally have a successful internal discussion with BCBSM and/or introduce legislation to include LPCs as providers. We will also coordinate with ACA around Medicare inclusion. Further, we will continue to work with CMH to ensure LPC's employment opportunities. All three of these initiatives will take a great deal of effort and coordination. Our Legislative Committee, chaired by Candy McCorkle, and our Licensure Committee, chaired by Lisa Hawley, will be integral in coordinating these efforts.
5. We have entered the world of the internet. Our Media Chair (Jim Bauer) monitors and posts to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn all the important news about MCA - and some just for fun. Jim also was able to contract with Amazon as an affiliate of MCA so purchases through the MCA website will provide MCA with a monetary credit. We hope to affiliate with other on-line companies in the future.
6. Quest, our online newsletter, has been on hiatus for a period of time after our editor, Jodi Barnes, stepped down. Jodi held this position for several years and her contributions were very much appreciated. Now, thanks to Kim Snyder and Jennifer Burdgick and other committee members, we can look forward to reading relevant professional information once again.
7. 2012 saw the retirement of Perry Francis after several years as editor of the Michigan Journal of Counseling Research, Theory and Practice, our online journal. Dr. Jennifer Bornsheuer of Oakland University has graciously agreed to step into those shoes. We thank you Perry for your years of service and welcome Jennifer to MCA.
8. 2012 also saw some changes in our by-laws. One in particular will allow on-line voting for further by-law changes. MCA has definitely entered the tech world. Another change eliminated the surcharge for MMHCA.
9. 2012 also saw the "retirement" of John Geisler as chair of the By-Laws committee. John's expertise and tireless involvement in MCA since 1965 has been an inspiration to many and he received the first MCA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 MCA/MSCA conference. We will be forever grateful to John for his many contributions to MCA and we all hope he will continue involvement on some level with our organization. He will be very much missed at our quarterly General Council meetings.
10. MCA and MMHCA have committed to work together to promote our profession. And, MMHCA has agreed to help defray some of the cost of our lobbyist allowing us to speak as ONE voice. MCA is looking forward to this collaboration.
11. Although we have a way to go to reach the $100.000.00 reserve fund MCA enjoyed years ago, we are no longer on the verge of bankruptcy. Thank you to all our new and continuing membership.
I want to thank my Executive Board, Jim Bauer (past President), Nick Erber (Treasuer), Cecilia Skidmore (Secretary), and Kristy Torsky (Secretary-elect), for their support, assistance, hard work, and listening ears. Thanks to all the committee chairs and committee members for all their work on getting the jobs done. A big thank you to Beverly Humphry at Headquarters, for keeping track of our membership and all her other duties. MCA is a solid professional organization that is growing monthly. As 2012 gets underway please take the time to consider how you might like to contribute to your professional organization. We still have much work to do to introduce MCA to all 8,500 L/LPCs in Michigan. Membership in MCA provides you with a loud voice to get legislation passed, ensure our license is stong, and that you have professional opportunities.
I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
Sincerely, Christine A. Nace, LPC, NCC
MCA President
12-20-2012
January 1, 2013 Code Changes - Current Procedural Terminology (CPT
Please be advised that all professional counselors who use form 1500 for billing need to know the code changes for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) for psychotherapy. Not using the new codes beginning January 1, 2013 will result in an interruption of reimbursement.. Several major organizations including our parent organization the American Counseling Association are publicizing this change.
Click on any of the links below for further information.
ACA: http://www.counseling.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases.aspx?AGuid=8335df3e-faf2-4bd8-abcc-e7095b4ed733
APA: http://www.apapracticecentral.org/reimbursement/billing/psychotherapy-codes.aspx NASW: http://www.socialworkers.org/assets/secured/documents/practice/clinical/ppnewcodes.pdf
12-19-2012
As you can see from the response (below) received from Senator Warren that was sent in answer to a letter from one of our MCA constituents, our advocacy campaign does have an impact.:
_________________________________
Dear Dr. Chung,
Thank you for contacting me to express
your concerns regarding Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s practice of
restricting Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) from being paneled as
independent third-party payers. I appreciate hearing about this issue from your
professional perspective and will certainly use the information you included
about LPCs as I continue my work on the Senate Health Policy Committee.
As you may know, over time, our state has developed a unique set of insurance regulations, which is outlined by three separate sets of laws. One set, enacted in 1980, was created
solely to govern BCBSM due to their being singled out in Michigan as the “insurer of last resort.” This distinction has allowed BCBSM to operate in contrast to commercial insurance carriers like Aetna or Humana and the others you list in your letter.
However, a January 1, 2013 Affordable Care Act (ACA) deadline explicitly requiring all health insurers to operate under one set of regulations is forcing change upon BCBSM. Due to the uniqueness of Michigan’s trifurcated insurance code, BCBSM is currently in direct conflict with the ACA’s upcoming requirements and, as dictated by federal regulations, cannot continue to operate under a separate framework past the first of the year. As a result, in the coming year it is possible you will start to see BCBSM’s
practices become more aligned with those of other insurers in Michigan.
Once again, thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on this issue. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(517) 373-2406 or senrwarren@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Rebekah Warren
State Senator
18th District
______________________________
We strongly encourage you to continue writing to your representatives regarding the paneling of LPCs with BCBSM.
Again, thank you for all you have done and continue to do in support of our collective professional efforts.
Sincerely,
Christine Nace
MCA President
As you can see from the response (below) received from Senator Warren that was sent in answer to a letter from one of our MCA constituents, our advocacy campaign does have an impact.:
_________________________________
Dear Dr. Chung,
Thank you for contacting me to express
your concerns regarding Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s practice of
restricting Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) from being paneled as
independent third-party payers. I appreciate hearing about this issue from your
professional perspective and will certainly use the information you included
about LPCs as I continue my work on the Senate Health Policy Committee.
As you may know, over time, our state has developed a unique set of insurance regulations, which is outlined by three separate sets of laws. One set, enacted in 1980, was created
solely to govern BCBSM due to their being singled out in Michigan as the “insurer of last resort.” This distinction has allowed BCBSM to operate in contrast to commercial insurance carriers like Aetna or Humana and the others you list in your letter.
However, a January 1, 2013 Affordable Care Act (ACA) deadline explicitly requiring all health insurers to operate under one set of regulations is forcing change upon BCBSM. Due to the uniqueness of Michigan’s trifurcated insurance code, BCBSM is currently in direct conflict with the ACA’s upcoming requirements and, as dictated by federal regulations, cannot continue to operate under a separate framework past the first of the year. As a result, in the coming year it is possible you will start to see BCBSM’s
practices become more aligned with those of other insurers in Michigan.
Once again, thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on this issue. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(517) 373-2406 or senrwarren@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Rebekah Warren
State Senator
18th District
______________________________
We strongly encourage you to continue writing to your representatives regarding the paneling of LPCs with BCBSM.
Again, thank you for all you have done and continue to do in support of our collective professional efforts.
Sincerely,
Christine Nace
MCA President
12-17-2012
On behalf of the MCA, we want to share our condolences to all of those affected by the tragedies at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. As a way to honor and pay respect to the deceased and surviving, you can visit Sandy Hook's website to learn how you can mail a letter or donate money. MCA will be sending something to honor and pay our respects. Here is their website:http://newtown.sandyhook.schooldesk.net/
Below are some good trauma resources:
http://www.counseling.org/sub/dmh/index.aspx
http://csmh.umaryland.edu/Resources/OtherResources/ListofTraumaResources.pdf
12-14-2012
At this juncture, Michigan Senate Bill 975 has not moved. The session ended at 4:30 a.m. today and by that time SB 975 was not discussed. This means that the bill is “dead” for this year. It is important that we all keep a watchful eye on this dangerous piece of legislation as it will more than likely be reintroduced at some point next year.
The Michigan Counseling Association would like to thank our Lobbyist, Noah Smith of Capitol Services. Noah Smith was very active in voicing MCA’s concerns about this bill. His tireless effort is much appreciated. We would also like to THANK YOU, our members who called, emailed, and wrote letters expressing your concerns about this legislation. We would also like to thank our parent organization, the American Counseling Association for voicing their concerns about this bill to our legislators.
The Michigan Counseling Association is a non-profit, grassroots, membership organization. Your membership dues pay for essential lobbying and advocacy services. While many of the day to day operations are handled by our headquarters and other various volunteers, it is our lobbyist, along with volunteer committee members that has time and time again protected our counseling license and keeps us abreast of harmful proposed legislation that impact the clients we serve and us as citizens. We strongly encourage you to continue staying a member of MCA and to help us recruit new members. A membership with MCA helps to ensure the health of our profession, in addition to the health of our state. Please help us encourage others to join!
The Michigan Counseling Association will continue to monitor this bill among many others. Please stay alert and ready for another call to action. You can follow us on facebook, twitter, and linked-in to receive timely updates.
| sb-975.pdf |
12-13-2012
A great letter from ACA regarding SB 975. The Michigan Counseling Association has been actively monitoring this bill and we have been voicing our concerns to our legislators. Please take action any way you can. You can learn more about the bill by clicking here. You can view the bill in it's entirety by clicking here. We encourage you to be active and take action. To contact your legislator click here.
| aca_letter_opposing_sb_975.pdf |
12-6-2012
Please take a moment to read this document produced by ACA. What counselors need to know about the affordable care act.
| what_counselors_should_know_about_the_affordable_care_act_-_december_2012.pdf |
11-27-2012
To all valued members:
I want to update you on what your association has been working on over the past year.
- We continue our efforts to panel with BCBSM. Currently, over 1600 people have signed the petition (posted on our website) and research has determined 47 other states panel LPCs with BCBS. For those not aware, BCBS is a separate entity in each state so while one state panels LPCs another may not. Also, BCBSM has proposed moving from a tax exempt not-for-profit entity governed by a special state law to a non-profit mutual organization that will allow it to compete with other insurance companies in Michigan. This is being taken up by the lame-duck Michigan Congress and will likely be resolved before the end of this year. MCA is moving quickly in hopes to be paneled by that time. Additionally, the juvenile competency law is still in the process of consideration. Amendments have been introduced that removed LPCs from the language. We are opposed to this and our lobbyist is addressing our concern with both the senator and house representative who introduced their respective bills.
- We are also working with the American Counseling Association in pushing for inclusion in Medicare. Once we can panel with that Federal program, LPCs will likely not face the discrimination some are experiencing in Community Mental Health agencies or with other insurance companies.
- The Affordable Care Act, when fully implemented in 2014, will also be to our benefit as insurance companies may no longer exempt clinicians if they hold a state issued license. Of course, this depends on how the Act is interpreted and/or changed by Congress on the federal level.
With regards,
Christine Nace, MCA President
11-14-2012
An excellent workshop in an excellent location! Come join us in Gaylord Michigan as the Michigan Counseling Association partners up with our chapter, Licensed Professional Counselors of Northern Michigan (LPCNM) to offer continuing education on psycho-pharmacology. Event will be held December 7th. Only $5.00 for all MCA and LPCNM members. See flyer for full details
| erber-whittaker_ce.pdf |
10-22-2012
MMHCA will be hosting a regional meeting in Kalamazoo on November 17, 2012. Mark your calendars! Aside from a great breakfast, you'll be able to earn 3 NBCC credits. Download the flier for full details.
| mmhca_kalamazoo_regional_meeting_11._17.12.doc |
9-19-2012
MMHCA is hosting another meeting for L/LPCs to discus the future of Mental Health Counseling in Michigan. Please see flyer for further details.
| mmhca_-traverse_city_meeting_invitation_09.21.12.doc |
9-7-2012
NBCC is pleased to inform NCCs that TRICARE has begun credentialing
counselors for independent practice. Though the interim final rule (IFR)
establishing qualifications for counselor independent practice was effective
upon its release on December
27, 2011, credentialing could not begin until the regional contractors
developed corresponding procedures and documentation.
TRICARE is the health care program serving uniformed service members,
retirees and their families.
Counselors interested in becoming TRICARE certified mental health counselors
(TCMHCs) should note that the transition period for obtaining the TCMHC ends on
December 31, 2014. NBCC encourages NCCs interested in becoming credentialed to review
the criteria to determine eligibility.
A distinct TCMHC application is now available for each of the three TRICARE
regions:
Any questions regarding the application, credentialing process or TCMHC
requirements should be directed to the appropriate TRICARE regional contractor.
Until this interim final rule was adopted, counselors were required to obtain
physician referral and supervision when serving TRICARE beneficiaries, a
requirement not placed on other mental health professions. NBCC, in coalition
with the American Counseling Association and American Mental Health Counselors
Association, advocated for legislation to remove those restrictions and allow
for independent practice. The effort encompassed several bills and two
federally mandated studies. Finally, the National Defense Authorization Act
(NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2011 directed the Department of Defense (DoD) to
establish requirements for counselor independent practice.
During an open comment period for the IFR, NBCC submitted suggestions for
improving the criteria. It is expected that the DoD will issue a final rule
with some modifications to the requirements, but the IFR criteria will be in
force until such rules are adopted.
NBCC is pleased that counselors are able to serve TRICARE beneficiaries
without the overly restrictive requirements of physician referral and
supervision.
More information on this issue can be found on NBCC's Web site at http://www.nbcc.org/TRICARE
NBCC is pleased to inform NCCs that TRICARE has begun credentialing
counselors for independent practice. Though the interim final rule (IFR)
establishing qualifications for counselor independent practice was effective
upon its release on December
27, 2011, credentialing could not begin until the regional contractors
developed corresponding procedures and documentation.
TRICARE is the health care program serving uniformed service members,
retirees and their families.
Counselors interested in becoming TRICARE certified mental health counselors
(TCMHCs) should note that the transition period for obtaining the TCMHC ends on
December 31, 2014. NBCC encourages NCCs interested in becoming credentialed to review
the criteria to determine eligibility.
A distinct TCMHC application is now available for each of the three TRICARE
regions:
- TRICARE North https://www.hnfs.com/content/hnfs/home/tn/prov.html
- TRICARE South http://www.humana-military.com/south/provider/provider.asp
- TRIWest http://www.triwest.com/en/provider/resource-library/forms/Mental%20Health%20Practitioner.pdf
Any questions regarding the application, credentialing process or TCMHC
requirements should be directed to the appropriate TRICARE regional contractor.
Until this interim final rule was adopted, counselors were required to obtain
physician referral and supervision when serving TRICARE beneficiaries, a
requirement not placed on other mental health professions. NBCC, in coalition
with the American Counseling Association and American Mental Health Counselors
Association, advocated for legislation to remove those restrictions and allow
for independent practice. The effort encompassed several bills and two
federally mandated studies. Finally, the National Defense Authorization Act
(NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2011 directed the Department of Defense (DoD) to
establish requirements for counselor independent practice.
During an open comment period for the IFR, NBCC submitted suggestions for
improving the criteria. It is expected that the DoD will issue a final rule
with some modifications to the requirements, but the IFR criteria will be in
force until such rules are adopted.
NBCC is pleased that counselors are able to serve TRICARE beneficiaries
without the overly restrictive requirements of physician referral and
supervision.
More information on this issue can be found on NBCC's Web site at http://www.nbcc.org/TRICARE
9-5-2012
Please see some important information regarding Medicare from ACA. If you wish to write a letter to your legislators you can locate them here: http://capwiz.com/counseling/home/
| medicare_handout.pdf |
8-27-2012
The Michigan Counseling Association is pleased to announce another opportunity for our valued members to enhance your professional skills while earning continuing credits and we hope that you will choose to take advantage of this upcoming presentation. MCA will be hosting a 3.5 hour workshop, presented by Dr. Perry Francis on "Ethics and Counselor Responsibility to Dangerous or Troubled Clients." Although the actual cost for attendance at this seminar is $100.00, as a current member of the MCA, you are qualified to receive these continuing education credits for free.
Friday, September 28, 2012 - check-In at 8:30 am -
Conference - 9:00am to 12:30 pm - Henry Ford Community College
You must preregister with MCA by September 26, 2012 and you must be a current member of MCA to take advantage of this free workshop. Space is limited.
See the flyer below for complete details. Click here for a map to Henry Ford Community College's campus
| francis_ce_ii.pdf |
8-27-2012
A note from NBCC
The NBCC Foundation is pleased to announce the 2013 Foundation scholarships. The scholarship program is integral to the NBCC Foundation's mission to leverage the power of counseling by strategically focusing resources for positive change. The goal of the scholarship program is to increase the number of counselors in priority underserved communities, currently considered to be military and rural populations.
Scholarships are available to students currently enrolled in a CACREP-accredited, master's-level counseling program. The NBCCF military scholarships provide financial support to service members and veterans who commit to serving military, veterans and families for a minimum of two years upon graduation. The rural scholarships support students living in rural areas who commit to serving rural populations upon graduation.
Five military and five rural scholarships are available in the amount of $5,000 each. The military scholarship requires recent military experience, and residence in a rural area is required for the rural scholarship. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2012. NBCCF will award the scholarships in February 2013.
For more information about the NBCC Foundation scholarships, please visit www.nbccf.org/programs.
8-13-2012
UPDATE FROM ACA REGARDING MEDICARE - PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD
Medicare Legislative Package Expected At End of 2012 03.23.12 Counselors Have Nine Months to Convince Congress to Include S. 604 in Bill In February, the House, Senate, and President agreed to a legislative package extending Medicare physician payment rates at current levels through the end of 2012. Congress was unable to reach agreement on a permanent solution to the “doc fix” issue, though, which means that under current law, Medicare physician payment rates will drop by 27% percent on January 1, 2013.
Congress isn’t likely to let that happen, so legislation to postpone the cuts is expected to be passed in a lame-duck session after the November elections. This legislative package will be the next vehicle we have for attaching language to establish Medicare coverage of licensed professional counselors.
Last year Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced S. 604, the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2011, to establish Medicare coverage of both licensed professional counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists. So far, only nine Senators have joined them as cosponsors of this bill:
We would like to have two or three times as many Senators cosponsoring this bill! ACA asks counselors to contact both of their Senators to ask them to sign on as cosponsors of S. 604. The more cosponsors we can get on S. 604, the better our chances of getting a seat on the train at the end of the year, when Congress moves legislation to address the physician payment rate issue.
We would also like to have a House bill introduced as a counterpart to S. 604. We urge counselors to contact their Representative to ask them to consider introducing legislation like S. 604.
You can find out who your Senators and Representative are—and send them a personalized message on this issue—by going to ACA’s internet action center at http://capwiz.com/counseling. For more information on how you can help advocate on this issue, please feel free to contact Art Terrazas with ACA at aterrazas@counseling.org, or at 800-347-6647 x242.
8-8-2012
ACA INSTITUTE
The ACA Institute brings together ACA leaders from Regions, Branches, and Divisions seeking to enhance their leadership skills and dedication to the counseling profession. The keynote presentation, content learning sessions, visits with elected officials, and the opportunities to network with fellow leaders from around the country make this a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.
To learn more please follow the link below:
http://www.counseling.org/institute/index.aspx
8-6-2012
6-22-2012
| open_letter_to_mca.pdf |
6-20-2012
5040 Freedom of Conscience Act
As you may know, HB 5040 recently passed the House and is now in the Senate. The MCA has been very involved in this piece of legislation since it was initially promulgated. We are confident that our efforts combined with those of a great many other interested entities will result in a favorable outcome, and we want to assure you that we will continue to monitor this legislation and take any necessary action. We ask that you refrain from taking any personal action at this time, and allow our legislative experts to deal with this directly. At the same time, we want to share with you our public stance on this legislation which is the following:
The Michigan Counseling Association has publicly opposed the bill as has the Michigan Psychological Association, the Michigan Psychiatric Society, the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and all of Michigan's public universities and their Presidents Council. The bill is not only wrong from a civil rights standpoint, but is in direct conflict with the Counseling profession's code of ethics regarding non-discrimination. The Michigan Counseling Association would oppose any bill that provides for state-sanctioned religious discrimination against any individual or group of individuals. Further, the bill could threaten the accreditation status of Michigan universities with mental health training programs, and as such, could have serious implications for students coming to Michigan to study, and have the immediate effect of devaluing the work that current students are investing in their degrees.
The Michigan Counseling Association will continue to closely monitor this bill and will continue to oppose this bill.
Please visit our Lobbying Efforts section of our website to read updates from our lobbyist.
5040 Freedom of Conscience Act
As you may know, HB 5040 recently passed the House and is now in the Senate. The MCA has been very involved in this piece of legislation since it was initially promulgated. We are confident that our efforts combined with those of a great many other interested entities will result in a favorable outcome, and we want to assure you that we will continue to monitor this legislation and take any necessary action. We ask that you refrain from taking any personal action at this time, and allow our legislative experts to deal with this directly. At the same time, we want to share with you our public stance on this legislation which is the following:
The Michigan Counseling Association has publicly opposed the bill as has the Michigan Psychological Association, the Michigan Psychiatric Society, the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and all of Michigan's public universities and their Presidents Council. The bill is not only wrong from a civil rights standpoint, but is in direct conflict with the Counseling profession's code of ethics regarding non-discrimination. The Michigan Counseling Association would oppose any bill that provides for state-sanctioned religious discrimination against any individual or group of individuals. Further, the bill could threaten the accreditation status of Michigan universities with mental health training programs, and as such, could have serious implications for students coming to Michigan to study, and have the immediate effect of devaluing the work that current students are investing in their degrees.
The Michigan Counseling Association will continue to closely monitor this bill and will continue to oppose this bill.
Please visit our Lobbying Efforts section of our website to read updates from our lobbyist.
5-7-2012
We hope that you consider taking advantage of the following opportunity. MCA will be hosting a 3.5 hour workshop, presented by Dr. Keith Levick on Emotional Intelligence. Please see the flier below for further information. Space is limited to 40 MCA members. You must preregister with us and you must be a current member of MCA to be eligible to take advantage of this free workshop.
4-27-2012
VA Adding Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to Workforce
Follows Announcement of Additional 1900 Mental Health Staff Nationwide
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its mental health services to include professionals from two additional health care fields: marriage and family therapists (MFT) and licensed professional mental health counselors (LPMHC).
"The addition of these two mental health professions is an important part of VA's mission to expand access to mental health services," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Veterans and their families can face unique challenges. By providing a complete range of services, we can help them address those challenges and help keep more families together."
The two fields will be included in the hiring of an additional 1,900 mental health staff nationwide that VA announced last week. Recruitment and hiring will be done at the local level. The new professionals will provide mental health diagnostic and psychosocial treatment services for Veterans and their families in coordination with existing mental health professionals at VA's medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers.
VA has developed qualification standards for employment as LPMHCs and MFTs and has announced the appointments of mental health and health science professionals to serve on professional standards boards. The boards will review applicants for LPMHC and MFT positions in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to determine eligibility for employment and the government grade level appropriate for the individual in the selected position. The boards will also review promotions in these positions.
For more information about mental health care that VA provides, visit: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
American Counseling Association position:
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA) announced that it was adding Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists to its workforce as part of the hiring of an additional 1,900 mental health staff nationwide that VA announced last week. Included in the announcement was this quote from VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, “The addition of these two mental health professions is an important part of VA’s mission to expand access to mental health services”. The American Counseling Association agrees with that statement, but it looks upon this announcement with a great deal of caution; to date, the VA has hired only a handful of LPCs. The VA's failure to adequately provide mental health care to veterans--highlighted by a new report from the VA Inspector General's office--was the focus of a hearing held yesterday by the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, and at the hearing, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) told the VA that among other steps, he wanted to see the VA begin hiring more licensed professional counselors.
Over six years ago, Congress passed the “Veterans Benefits, Healthcare, and Information Technology Act of 2006” (P.L. 109-461) which recognized Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHCs) to work and provide treatment to veterans in the VA as full-fledged mental health clinicians. Over a year and a half ago, the VA adopted an occupational standard for the hiring of LPMHCs.
From the perspective of counselors, very little has happened since the law was enacted and the standards were adopted. ACA has not seen any evidence that the VA is hiring significant numbers of LPMHCs at VA facilities. A review of the job postings on USAjobs.gov for this calendar year shows that, on average, fewer than 1 (one) LPMHC position is advertised in a given week, while dozens of clinical social workers positions are advertised. LPCs meet education, training, examination, experience, and ethical requirements on par with those of clinical social workers. Veterans clearly need better access to mental health treatment--as shown by the recent report by the VA Office of the Inspector General on waiting times for initial mental health evaluations--and there are thousands upon thousands of fully-licensed counselors ready and willing to help provide urgently needed care. Many of these counselors are veterans themselves, and yet they cannot find work with the VA providing services to their fellow veterans.
The VA's recent statement regarding the hiring of counselors gives us hope. However, other statements by the VA made just last week--indicating that they do not see a "national need" to establish traineeship positions for LPMCs, and implying that they do not consider LPMHCs to be mental health clinicians--give cause for skepticism. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. ACA will continue working with Congress, other concerned organizations, and veterans service organizations to ensure that the VA finally begins recognizing the counseling profession.
ACA is continuing to collect anecdotal evidence of counselors' experience in attempting to find mental health clinician positions at VA facilities. Please share any experiences you have on this issue with Art Terrazas of ACA's public policy staff, at aterrazas@counseling.org.
VA Adding Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to Workforce
Follows Announcement of Additional 1900 Mental Health Staff Nationwide
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its mental health services to include professionals from two additional health care fields: marriage and family therapists (MFT) and licensed professional mental health counselors (LPMHC).
"The addition of these two mental health professions is an important part of VA's mission to expand access to mental health services," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Veterans and their families can face unique challenges. By providing a complete range of services, we can help them address those challenges and help keep more families together."
The two fields will be included in the hiring of an additional 1,900 mental health staff nationwide that VA announced last week. Recruitment and hiring will be done at the local level. The new professionals will provide mental health diagnostic and psychosocial treatment services for Veterans and their families in coordination with existing mental health professionals at VA's medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers.
VA has developed qualification standards for employment as LPMHCs and MFTs and has announced the appointments of mental health and health science professionals to serve on professional standards boards. The boards will review applicants for LPMHC and MFT positions in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to determine eligibility for employment and the government grade level appropriate for the individual in the selected position. The boards will also review promotions in these positions.
For more information about mental health care that VA provides, visit: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
American Counseling Association position:
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA) announced that it was adding Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists to its workforce as part of the hiring of an additional 1,900 mental health staff nationwide that VA announced last week. Included in the announcement was this quote from VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, “The addition of these two mental health professions is an important part of VA’s mission to expand access to mental health services”. The American Counseling Association agrees with that statement, but it looks upon this announcement with a great deal of caution; to date, the VA has hired only a handful of LPCs. The VA's failure to adequately provide mental health care to veterans--highlighted by a new report from the VA Inspector General's office--was the focus of a hearing held yesterday by the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, and at the hearing, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) told the VA that among other steps, he wanted to see the VA begin hiring more licensed professional counselors.
Over six years ago, Congress passed the “Veterans Benefits, Healthcare, and Information Technology Act of 2006” (P.L. 109-461) which recognized Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHCs) to work and provide treatment to veterans in the VA as full-fledged mental health clinicians. Over a year and a half ago, the VA adopted an occupational standard for the hiring of LPMHCs.
From the perspective of counselors, very little has happened since the law was enacted and the standards were adopted. ACA has not seen any evidence that the VA is hiring significant numbers of LPMHCs at VA facilities. A review of the job postings on USAjobs.gov for this calendar year shows that, on average, fewer than 1 (one) LPMHC position is advertised in a given week, while dozens of clinical social workers positions are advertised. LPCs meet education, training, examination, experience, and ethical requirements on par with those of clinical social workers. Veterans clearly need better access to mental health treatment--as shown by the recent report by the VA Office of the Inspector General on waiting times for initial mental health evaluations--and there are thousands upon thousands of fully-licensed counselors ready and willing to help provide urgently needed care. Many of these counselors are veterans themselves, and yet they cannot find work with the VA providing services to their fellow veterans.
The VA's recent statement regarding the hiring of counselors gives us hope. However, other statements by the VA made just last week--indicating that they do not see a "national need" to establish traineeship positions for LPMCs, and implying that they do not consider LPMHCs to be mental health clinicians--give cause for skepticism. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. ACA will continue working with Congress, other concerned organizations, and veterans service organizations to ensure that the VA finally begins recognizing the counseling profession.
ACA is continuing to collect anecdotal evidence of counselors' experience in attempting to find mental health clinician positions at VA facilities. Please share any experiences you have on this issue with Art Terrazas of ACA's public policy staff, at aterrazas@counseling.org.
4-24-12
Interesting training coming up titled Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias, presented by William Matteson, PhD, on May 15, 2012 in Grand Rapids, MI; May 16, 2012 in Saginaw, MI; May 17, 2012 in Lansing, MI; and May 18, 2012 in Livonia, MI. You may visit www.health-ed.com or call 800.839.4584 for more information.
|
| ||||||||||||
4-19-12
MCCA is offering a professional development opportunity for its members and the larger community. Mr. David Cardinal, a certified teacher, skilled education coordinator, and resource specialist with extensive experience working with at risk youth and young adults will provide the keynote speech at our Spring Breakfast meeting. This will be a convenient and efficient way to learn more about working with youth!
Seating is limited. To reserve a seat for the MCCA Spring Breakfast contact Dr. Glinda Rawls, MCCA president at glinda.rawls@wmich.edu (269) 387-1850 or Kymberly Werth, MCCA Secretary at werthkj@udmercy.edu (313) 494-6618
| mcca_flyer12-1.pdf |
4-11-2012
Oakland Mediation Center is proud to offer the 40-Hour Domestic Relations Mediator Training. This 5-day highly interactive training is designed to teach participants the skills necessary to act as mediators in facilitating the resolution of divorce and custody cases. This training is the first step for any individual who wishes to mediate privately or qualify for the circuit court roster approved list of mediators. By the end of this training participants will be able to:
- Identify various conflict management styles and how they can be used in managing conflict.
- Effectively interpret nonverbal communication to understand the messages being conveyed.
- Use the five critical active-listening skills to effectively listen.
- Define issues, positions, interests, and emotions, as well as recognize why they are important to the mediation process.
- Understand the dynamics of divorce and it's impact in the mediation process.
- Ask important questions to clarify and identify issues that provide new insight or meaning.
- Apply the guidelines to manage the emotional climate, power imbalances and conditions.
- Set the tone for the mediation session by establishing ground rules and guidelines.
- Build an agenda that identifies and prioritizes the issues to be mediated.
- Guide the parties through the collaborative problem-solving work of negotiation.
- Utilize the mechanics of writing the settlement agreement and closing the mediation process.
Cost: $1095 per person Audience: Any individual Location: Oakland Mediation Center Trainers: Camelia Ureche & Kenzi Bisbing SW-CEU's: Available for 37.5 Social Work Credit Hours for an additional fee Questions: Contact Jennifer Clendening at (248) 338-4280 ext. 217 Seating limited so register today! We hope to see you May 1st! Jennifer ClendeningEvents Coordinator Oakland Mediation Center550 Hulet Drive, Ste. 102 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302248.338.4280 extension 217 www.mediation-omc.org
4-2-2012
Michigan Counseling Association encourages you to follow ACA's recommendations provided below:
ACA In The News
Medicare Legislative Package Expected By End of 201203.02.12In February, the House, Senate, and President agreed to a legislative package extending Medicare physician payment rates at current levels through the end of 2012. Congress was unable to reach agreement on a permanent solution to the "doc fix" issue, though, which means that barring more action, Medicare physician payment rates will drop by 27% percent on January 1, 2013. Given the effects that would have on beneficiaries and providers, Congress isn't likely to let that happen, and so legislation to postpone the cuts, at least temporarily, is expected to be passed sometime in a lame-duck session after the November elections. This legislative package will be the next vehicle we have for attaching language to establish Medicare coverage of licensed professional counselors.Last year Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced S. 604, the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2011, to establish Medicare coverage of both licensed professional counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists. So far, only nine Senators have joined them as cosponsors of this bill:Senator Mark Begich (D-AK)
Senator Jeff Bingman (D-NM)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND)
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Senator Dan Inouye (D-HI)
Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD)
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)We would like to have two or three times as many Senators cosponsoring this bill! ACA asks counselors to contact both of their Senators to ask them to cosponsor S. 604. The more cosponsors we can get on S. 604, the better our chances of getting a seat on the train at the end of the year, when Congress moves legislation to address the physician payment rate issue.We would also like to have a House bill introduced as a counterpart to S. 604. We urge counselors to contact their Representative to ask them to consider introducing legislation like S. 604. For more information on how you can help advocate on this issue, please feel free to contact Art Terrazas with ACA at aterrazas@counseling.org, or at 800-347-6647 x242.
3-21-2012
| private_practice_explored_muskegon041412.doc |
| starting_your_own_practice.pdf |
2-23-2012
2-7-2012
Please join MMHCA in its second annual gathering for LLPCs/LPCs in the Kalamazoo area. Last year we sponsored a breakfast. We spelled out the difficult issues facing counselors. A lot has happened since then to add to the urgency of coming together.
Also check out the workshop on ethics hosted by MMHCA. See the flyer below.
| mmhcainvitationregionalmeeting_rev3.2.12.doc |
| mmhca_ethics_workshop_2.18.11.docx |
2-6-2012
Photos from the workshop. 60 counselors were in attendance! Stay tuned for future workshops.
2-1-2012
Friday's workshop is BOOKED to CAPACITY
We are excited to be hosting another workshop this Friday! We are unfortunately booked to capacity and are unable to accept more registrations. Stay tuned as we plan to keep offering more workshops as a member benefit. Cheers!
1-31-2012
Room Change for workshop - see flyer below.
Friday's workshop is BOOKED to CAPACITY
We are excited to be hosting another workshop this Friday! We are unfortunately booked to capacity and are unable to accept more registrations. Stay tuned as we plan to keep offering more workshops as a member benefit. Cheers!
1-31-2012
Room Change for workshop - see flyer below.
1-23-2012
Dear MCA Members:
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Dr. Jennifer (Bramer) Correll has passed away. Jennifer was the president of the Michigan Counseling Association from 1995-1996 and had been an active volunteer and leader for the association for since the mid-1970’s until she and her husband Dan moved to Florida. (Many of you will recall that Dan was also active in MCA, serving as the MCA treasurer for many years.) While in Florida, Jennifer worked for Argosy University as a Professor and Director of the Counselor Education Program.
For those of you who had lost touch with Jennifer, she was diagnosed with cancer this past August and was undergoing aggressive treatment for it. Ironically, on the same day of her death, Jennifer had learned that the PET scans had determined that the treatments had been successful and that there were no longer any signs of cancer in her. Unfortunately, she learned of this news while in the hospital with pneumonia and she died shortly thereafter as a result of an artery that burst during a cough.
In the process of her fight against cancer, Jennifer had established a website to share this journey, and her page is still open. Her family invites you to sign the guestbook on this website as they will be creating a bound book of the guestbook statements. You are invited to visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/journeywithjennifer to share your memories and express your condolences.
Information about the funeral services to be held in Florida will be posted on this website shortly. There will also be a memorial service for Jennifer’s friends, family and colleagues in Michigan. The Michigan reception will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Country Club of Lansing. It is located at 2200 Moores River Drive; Lansing, MI 48911. (Message from Past President Dr. Suzanne Dugger (Formerly Hobson).
Dear MCA Members:
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Dr. Jennifer (Bramer) Correll has passed away. Jennifer was the president of the Michigan Counseling Association from 1995-1996 and had been an active volunteer and leader for the association for since the mid-1970’s until she and her husband Dan moved to Florida. (Many of you will recall that Dan was also active in MCA, serving as the MCA treasurer for many years.) While in Florida, Jennifer worked for Argosy University as a Professor and Director of the Counselor Education Program.
For those of you who had lost touch with Jennifer, she was diagnosed with cancer this past August and was undergoing aggressive treatment for it. Ironically, on the same day of her death, Jennifer had learned that the PET scans had determined that the treatments had been successful and that there were no longer any signs of cancer in her. Unfortunately, she learned of this news while in the hospital with pneumonia and she died shortly thereafter as a result of an artery that burst during a cough.
In the process of her fight against cancer, Jennifer had established a website to share this journey, and her page is still open. Her family invites you to sign the guestbook on this website as they will be creating a bound book of the guestbook statements. You are invited to visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/journeywithjennifer to share your memories and express your condolences.
Information about the funeral services to be held in Florida will be posted on this website shortly. There will also be a memorial service for Jennifer’s friends, family and colleagues in Michigan. The Michigan reception will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Country Club of Lansing. It is located at 2200 Moores River Drive; Lansing, MI 48911. (Message from Past President Dr. Suzanne Dugger (Formerly Hobson).
1-17-2012
FREE WORKSHOP!!!
| rodriquez-kitkowski_ce.pdf |
1-17-2011
Workshop focuses on Assessing Suicide.
Workshop focuses on Assessing Suicide.
| assessing_and_managing_sucide_risk.pdf |
1-11-2012
Another workshop coming up!
1-10-2012
Workshop on ethics! Down load the flier for more information.
Workshop on ethics! Down load the flier for more information.
| ethics_presentation.pdf |
1-7-2012
Mental Health Professional
Contingent Position at Macomb County Jail
Master’s degree in a behavioral/social science field from and accredited college or university.
Coursework and professional experience that indicates knowledge of mental health counseling, group and individual psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, psychological assessment techniques, crisis intervention, and mental health consultation. Licensure in the state from the appropriate state licensing board. Must maintain CPR certification & any other certifications (such as First Aid) required by the contract.
Please send resume
to: KHedtke@correctcaresolutions.com
Mental Health Professional
Contingent Position at Macomb County Jail
Master’s degree in a behavioral/social science field from and accredited college or university.
Coursework and professional experience that indicates knowledge of mental health counseling, group and individual psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, psychological assessment techniques, crisis intervention, and mental health consultation. Licensure in the state from the appropriate state licensing board. Must maintain CPR certification & any other certifications (such as First Aid) required by the contract.
Please send resume
to: KHedtke@correctcaresolutions.com
9-22-2011
Free Continuing Education event for members. Not a member? Join today: http://www.michigancounselingassociation.com/member-application.html
Free Continuing Education event for members. Not a member? Join today: http://www.michigancounselingassociation.com/member-application.html
| francis_ce.pdf |
9-19-2011
NBCC would like you to be aware that the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is currently looking for two counselor educators and one counselor practitioner to serve on its Board of Directors.
Interested individuals must submit their completed application packets by October 15, 2011.
For more information about CACREP and this opportunity, please visit http://www.cacrep.org/detail/news.cfm?news_id=43&id=1.
9-16-2011
You're invited to the Michigan Mental Health Counselor Association's annual meeting - see document below
| mmhca_invitation_annual_meeting_10.1.11.docx |
8-25-2011
6-22-2011
TLC 2011 Childhood Trauma Practitioner's Assembly - July 12-15, 2011
Discount available to MCA members!
| tlc.mca_2011_assembly.pdf |
6-20-2011
Would you like to help us promote MCA? If you said YES! then please consider printing out one of these posters and posting them around the office or your college or university (obviously, with permission) Thanks!
Would you like to help us promote MCA? If you said YES! then please consider printing out one of these posters and posting them around the office or your college or university (obviously, with permission) Thanks!
| graduate_student_poster.pdf |
| poster_-_mca_promotion.pdf |
5-24-2011
It is that time again to start gathering information/articles for the June MCA Quest Newsletter If you have anything that you feel should be advertised in the newsletter, such as upcoming workshops, conferences, etc...please feel free to send them to me. Possible articles needed for this issue are mental health/private practice counseling, school counseling, college/university/career counseling, counselor education,advertising products/services, supervision, continuing education trainings, NCE helpful information, book/article reviews on counseling related areas, legislation, group counseling, research/psychological testing, ethics, licensure, ACA information, chapter/division updates, family/couple counseling, children/adolescent counseling, substance abuse/addiction counseling, spiritual/religious counseling, leadership, graduate student/new professional/seasoned professional/emeritus professional information, insurance reimbursement, information regarding employment, or anything else that you feel is appropriate or relevant to the counseling field that should go into the newsletter. The deadline for articles/information is June 5, 2011.
contact me at maddyfan@earthlink.net
Jodi Barnes, MA, LLPC, QMHP~Quest Newsletter Editor
It is that time again to start gathering information/articles for the June MCA Quest Newsletter If you have anything that you feel should be advertised in the newsletter, such as upcoming workshops, conferences, etc...please feel free to send them to me. Possible articles needed for this issue are mental health/private practice counseling, school counseling, college/university/career counseling, counselor education,advertising products/services, supervision, continuing education trainings, NCE helpful information, book/article reviews on counseling related areas, legislation, group counseling, research/psychological testing, ethics, licensure, ACA information, chapter/division updates, family/couple counseling, children/adolescent counseling, substance abuse/addiction counseling, spiritual/religious counseling, leadership, graduate student/new professional/seasoned professional/emeritus professional information, insurance reimbursement, information regarding employment, or anything else that you feel is appropriate or relevant to the counseling field that should go into the newsletter. The deadline for articles/information is June 5, 2011.
contact me at maddyfan@earthlink.net
Jodi Barnes, MA, LLPC, QMHP~Quest Newsletter Editor
5-10-2011
LDL CANCELED...
We regret to inform you that Legislative Day in Lansing this year has been
canceled due to very low registration. It was advised by our state
lobbyist and Legislative committee to cancel this event and plan to hold another
LDL next year. If you registered for this event, please expect an email
from Shirley Mack notifying you that it is canceled.
LDL CANCELED...
We regret to inform you that Legislative Day in Lansing this year has been
canceled due to very low registration. It was advised by our state
lobbyist and Legislative committee to cancel this event and plan to hold another
LDL next year. If you registered for this event, please expect an email
from Shirley Mack notifying you that it is canceled.
5-3-2011
Listen to our radio interview with Cecilia Skidmore on WGVU!!!
Listen to our radio interview with Cecilia Skidmore on WGVU!!!
5-1-2011
Legislative Day in Lansing! This is a very important event that we
encourage every counselor in the state of Michigan to come out to show their
support of professional counseling. You will have the opportunity to meet your
Representatives and Senators and discuss with them why Licensed Professional Counselors are important. LDL is held on May 13th. Please see flier below on how to register
| ldl_flier2011....doc |
4-21-2011
Conference on Bullying. Check flier for details
| bullyingprevention_may23-2011conf.pdf |
4-18-2011
CASTING CALL!!! We're looking for a "go-getter" with energy and vision to play the role of president for the Michigan Counseling Association. Previous acting experience is not required. If you're passionate about the field of counseling and would like to help make a difference for all counselors throughout the great state of Michigan then please apply.
CASTING CALL!!! We're looking for a "go-getter" with energy and vision to play the role of president for the Michigan Counseling Association. Previous acting experience is not required. If you're passionate about the field of counseling and would like to help make a difference for all counselors throughout the great state of Michigan then please apply.
| officer_candidate_nomination_form.docx |
4-11-2011
Continuing educational opportunities available this summer through Oakland University. Click here to learn more!
4-7-2011
JOB OPENING! APPLY NOW!!!
JOB OPENING! APPLY NOW!!!
| position_announcement_revised_32311.doc |
4-5-2011
Advanced Clinical Supervision Workshop held by MMHCA.
Held on May 13th. See flier below.
| mmhca_advanced_clinical_supervision_05-13-11.docx |
3-23-2011
Another Conference!
Autism Symposium: Quality of Life, Adolescents and with ASD/Aspergers Syndrome
May 12-13th
Another Conference!
Autism Symposium: Quality of Life, Adolescents and with ASD/Aspergers Syndrome
May 12-13th
| 2011_qol_flyer_revised_march_181.pdf |
3-14-2011
CONFERENCES!!! Please see the multiple fliers below to learn more about the upcoming conferences.
CONFERENCES!!! Please see the multiple fliers below to learn more about the upcoming conferences.
| march_19_2011_csi_wca_bullying_conf_flyer.pdf |
| april_1_2011_porter_chair_what_about_the_kids_conference_flyer.pdf |
| mamfc_spring_conference_registration.pdf |
| april_25_2011_msca_flyer.pdf |
| may_21_2011_masgw_csi__workshop_flyer.pdf |
3-8-2011
LDL? Are you talking about cholesterol? No, we're talking about Legislative Day in Lansing! This is a very important event that we encourage every counselor in the state of Michigan to come out to show their support of professional counseling. You will have the opportunity to meet your Representatives and Senators and discuss with them why Licensed Professional Counselors are important. For more details please download the flier found below.
LDL? Are you talking about cholesterol? No, we're talking about Legislative Day in Lansing! This is a very important event that we encourage every counselor in the state of Michigan to come out to show their support of professional counseling. You will have the opportunity to meet your Representatives and Senators and discuss with them why Licensed Professional Counselors are important. For more details please download the flier found below.
| ldl_flier2011....doc |
2-17-2011
Beginning on March 1, 2011 I will be conducting an 8 week class on the
basics of private practice. This class is designed for anyone interested in
learning and understanding more. Whether you are getting ready to graduate
and trying to decide on a career path, or a seasoned professional who may be
considering private practice, this class is for you.
For more information go to: www.lakesidefamilycounseling.com . Under the
"join our team" tab, there is a link at the bottom right hand corner of the
page that will take you to more detailed information. I look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Laurel Layher
Beginning on March 1, 2011 I will be conducting an 8 week class on the
basics of private practice. This class is designed for anyone interested in
learning and understanding more. Whether you are getting ready to graduate
and trying to decide on a career path, or a seasoned professional who may be
considering private practice, this class is for you.
For more information go to: www.lakesidefamilycounseling.com . Under the
"join our team" tab, there is a link at the bottom right hand corner of the
page that will take you to more detailed information. I look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Laurel Layher
2-11-2011
Bullying Conference held at EMU on 3-19-2011. Download the flyer below to learn more!
Bullying Conference held at EMU on 3-19-2011. Download the flyer below to learn more!
| bullying_conf_flyer.pdf |
12-22-2010
MCA headquarters will be sporadically checking messages over the holiday break. Please anticipate a delayed response. We anticipate to be back in full service by January 5th.
Thank you
MCA headquarters will be sporadically checking messages over the holiday break. Please anticipate a delayed response. We anticipate to be back in full service by January 5th.
Thank you
12-17-2010
Dear Valued MCA member,
The Michigan Counseling Association's Executive Board would like to extend the warmest holiday greetings to you. In the spirit of the holidays that have passed and those that are to come, we would like to reflect on some things that we are grateful for. We are very grateful for your continued trust and patronage in MCA, the success of our recent conference, and the financial recovery that MCA is slowly beginning to feel. As we look to the new year we await excitedly for new ideas, commitments and continued strength in an organization that has impacted us all.
Happy Holidays,
Jim Bauer
Garbette Garraway
Monty Davenport
Dear Valued MCA member,
The Michigan Counseling Association's Executive Board would like to extend the warmest holiday greetings to you. In the spirit of the holidays that have passed and those that are to come, we would like to reflect on some things that we are grateful for. We are very grateful for your continued trust and patronage in MCA, the success of our recent conference, and the financial recovery that MCA is slowly beginning to feel. As we look to the new year we await excitedly for new ideas, commitments and continued strength in an organization that has impacted us all.
Happy Holidays,
Jim Bauer
Garbette Garraway
Monty Davenport
11-22-2010
Those who are interested in nominating a fellow counselor for their commitment to counseling please see attachment below.
Those who are interested in nominating a fellow counselor for their commitment to counseling please see attachment below.
| 2011_mca__nomination.doc |
11-11-2010
The Shoreline Counseling Association Chapter is planning on a spring workshop for area counselors on the topic of Testifying in Court. They would like to have someone from the MCA who has experience with court testimony, counselor rights in court, confidentiality issues, depositions, etc. who could attend this workshop for them to help their area school and community counselors gain a better understanding and confidence with this issue. If you have experience in this and are willing to help please contact:
Shelly Wiewiora, MA, LPC shellyakw@msn.com
The Shoreline Counseling Association Chapter is planning on a spring workshop for area counselors on the topic of Testifying in Court. They would like to have someone from the MCA who has experience with court testimony, counselor rights in court, confidentiality issues, depositions, etc. who could attend this workshop for them to help their area school and community counselors gain a better understanding and confidence with this issue. If you have experience in this and are willing to help please contact:
Shelly Wiewiora, MA, LPC shellyakw@msn.com
11-10-2010
The 4-bill package, HB 4597 - 4600, was voted out of the House Health Policy
Committee today on a bipartisan vote. The goal is to move the bills out of
the House today to get them to the Senate before time runs out this year.
Keep writing your legislators and tell them to vote for mental health
parity, HB 4597-4600! Stay tuned...
Noah Smith, Capital Services (MCA LOBBYIST)
The 4-bill package, HB 4597 - 4600, was voted out of the House Health Policy
Committee today on a bipartisan vote. The goal is to move the bills out of
the House today to get them to the Senate before time runs out this year.
Keep writing your legislators and tell them to vote for mental health
parity, HB 4597-4600! Stay tuned...
Noah Smith, Capital Services (MCA LOBBYIST)
10-26-2010
MCA received notice regarding the following job posting
MCA received notice regarding the following job posting
| position_announcement_revised_102510.doc |
10-6-2010
NBCC Scholarship!
The NBCC Foundation is pleased to announce the 2010 military and rural
scholarships. These scholarships provide financial support to
counseling students who commit to serving these two greatly
underserved populations upon graduation. The scholarship program
plays an integral role in our mission to promote mental health through
the advancement of professional counseling and credentialing. Ten
scholarships--five military and five rural--will be awarded in early
2011.
The excitement for the 2010 scholarships is amplified by the success
of the 2009 scholarships. The 2009 scholarship recipients have plans
to improve the mental health climate in their communities--from
counseling veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to providing
counseling services in rural areas devastated by suicide and economic
hardship. The NBCC Foundation is delighted to aid these promising
counselors and encourage their aspirations to make a difference for
the underserved.
If you would like to learn more about the NBCC Foundation scholarships
or make a donation, please visit our Web site at www.nbccf.org.
NBCC Scholarship!
The NBCC Foundation is pleased to announce the 2010 military and rural
scholarships. These scholarships provide financial support to
counseling students who commit to serving these two greatly
underserved populations upon graduation. The scholarship program
plays an integral role in our mission to promote mental health through
the advancement of professional counseling and credentialing. Ten
scholarships--five military and five rural--will be awarded in early
2011.
The excitement for the 2010 scholarships is amplified by the success
of the 2009 scholarships. The 2009 scholarship recipients have plans
to improve the mental health climate in their communities--from
counseling veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to providing
counseling services in rural areas devastated by suicide and economic
hardship. The NBCC Foundation is delighted to aid these promising
counselors and encourage their aspirations to make a difference for
the underserved.
If you would like to learn more about the NBCC Foundation scholarships
or make a donation, please visit our Web site at www.nbccf.org.
10-5-2010 - VA recognition of LLPC/LPC
Dear MCA Members,
Please see the attached document detailing the most recent actions taken by the Veterans Administration to recognize Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPC's/LPC's), specifically in the creation of the job classification for counselors. This latest action reflects the continued efforts by ACA, MCA, other national and state organizations, and individuals working to ensure that LPC's are recognized providers of mental health services for veterans, and are cause for celebration among counselors.
Nancy Calley & Lisa Hawley
MCA Licensure Committee Co-Chairs
Dear MCA Members,
Please see the attached document detailing the most recent actions taken by the Veterans Administration to recognize Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPC's/LPC's), specifically in the creation of the job classification for counselors. This latest action reflects the continued efforts by ACA, MCA, other national and state organizations, and individuals working to ensure that LPC's are recognized providers of mental health services for veterans, and are cause for celebration among counselors.
Nancy Calley & Lisa Hawley
MCA Licensure Committee Co-Chairs
| va_qualifications.pdf |
9-29-2010
Many members have asked about the recent changes MCA has made to our Headquarters and to our website. The changes that we have made with our Headquarters, phone system and website were done to balance our budget and to allow us to better focus your hard earned membership dues on preserving our legislative initiatives by reducing our overhead by over $7,764 per year. Our budget projections indicate that unless these changes were made, over 41% of your dues would be going toward headquarter administrative operations alone. Furthermore, at the rate that we were paying (even after negotiating down) our old headquarters we simply would not be able to continue to have a lobbyist. MCA’s leadership understands that times are tough for everyone and we are working very hard to make every dollar count.
Here is the breakdown of our savings:
Some quick notes and reasons why we made these changes:
In keeping with the spirit of MCA changing we continue to add and update our website. We hope that you stay up to date and see a direct result of your membership dues by reading the legislative updates presented by the MCA lobbyist under the “LOBBYING EFFORTS” tab on the left side of the screen. Other ways to see the benefits of being an MCA member are highlighted under the “Benefits of Membership” tab.
Legislative issues ARE IMPORTANT to us all and how they affect our careers and our licenses as counselors, it is critical that you join us today.
We hope that you are enjoying our new changes.
MCA Executive Board
Montie Garraway
Monty Davenport
Jim Bauer
Many members have asked about the recent changes MCA has made to our Headquarters and to our website. The changes that we have made with our Headquarters, phone system and website were done to balance our budget and to allow us to better focus your hard earned membership dues on preserving our legislative initiatives by reducing our overhead by over $7,764 per year. Our budget projections indicate that unless these changes were made, over 41% of your dues would be going toward headquarter administrative operations alone. Furthermore, at the rate that we were paying (even after negotiating down) our old headquarters we simply would not be able to continue to have a lobbyist. MCA’s leadership understands that times are tough for everyone and we are working very hard to make every dollar count.
Here is the breakdown of our savings:
- HQ savings of $4,500 this fiscal year
- Phone services savings of $1,392 this fiscal year
- Website savings of $960 this fiscal year
- New credit card processing service, savings of $1,032 this fiscal year
- An estimated $1,100 will be saved this fiscal year in postage because we are using e-mails as our primary mode of communication. Also, instead of sending mass mailing for membership renewals with paper envelopes and membership forms we will send an email to members with a link that allows members to renew online!
Some quick notes and reasons why we made these changes:
- HQ – the cost was too much money for us to continue with this service with our past provider. If we did not change we would be in further debt, possibly discontinue having a lobbyist and potentially having to declare bankruptcy due to ebbs and flows of membership numbers.
- Phone – we are currently using a free service through Google. You’ll notice that the procedure when you call us is different but we think it is for the better. In the past we had two phone lines which meant two monthly bills. While, it was nice to provide a 1-800 number for our members the sad fact is that too few people called it to justify the cost, and given our initiative to balance the budget this choice made sense.
- Website – After much searching and pricing we were able to find a web service that allows US to change and manipulate the website. Our website may not be very flashy but we are trying to keep it neat and clean and updated frequently. Our old web administrator charged $50.00 an hour to update our website, which meant that we really had to be deliberate about what and when we could update. We are happy to say that we no longer have this problem. If you would like to learn more about how our website is updated please visit weebly.com.
- Credit Card – By using Google-checkout we are saving over $1,000. While there was much work done to get our website and Google-checkout set up we think it was a great change that needed to happen. We believe that by allowing our members to pay online for conferences and their membership we are serving your needs more appropriately. Using Google-Checkout made sense due to their customer security and wonderful charging rates, which means once again that your membership dollars are being spent more wisely!
In keeping with the spirit of MCA changing we continue to add and update our website. We hope that you stay up to date and see a direct result of your membership dues by reading the legislative updates presented by the MCA lobbyist under the “LOBBYING EFFORTS” tab on the left side of the screen. Other ways to see the benefits of being an MCA member are highlighted under the “Benefits of Membership” tab.
Legislative issues ARE IMPORTANT to us all and how they affect our careers and our licenses as counselors, it is critical that you join us today.
We hope that you are enjoying our new changes.
MCA Executive Board
Montie Garraway
Monty Davenport
Jim Bauer