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History Is Made: Arkansas Allows Counselors to Practice Across State Lines

As part of the historic interstate Counseling Compact agreement, Arkansas is the latest state that can now start granting privileges to licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines.

Advocate Against Proposed Medicare Payment Cuts for Counselors

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2027 Calendar Year Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. They propose reducing the conversion factor applicable to most mental health counselors who are non-alternative payment...

Advocacy Secures Victory for VA Community Care Providers

Due in part to your advocacy efforts, Optum has reportedly confirmed, in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs, that providers who received recoupment notices related to 2024 claims will not be required to repay the alleged overpayments.

�ֲ���ý Adds Insight Timer to Prestigious Strategic Partner Network

The �ֲ���ý (ACA) is pleased to announce Insight Timer as the newest addition to its Strategic Partner Network. Strategic Partner Network was built for organizations that align closely with ACA’s strategic plan, mission, and goals.

Call for Chapter Contributors for New Edited Work on Perinatal Counseling

The �ֲ���ý invites expressions of interest from counselors with expertise in perinatal mental health to contribute to Perinatal Counseling: Assessment, Psychotherapy, and Integrated Care, an upcoming edited volume.

Introducing the �ֲ���ýBooks Editorial Board

�ֲ���ýis proud to announce the formation of its inaugural Books Editorial Board. Representing a broad range of counseling expertise and professional perspectives, this five-member board will work closely with the �ֲ���ýpublications department to help...

Pennsylvania (PA) Counselors Advance Legislative Priorities During 2026 Hill Day

Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) members spent the day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. We met with state legislators and staff to advocate for policies that strengthen the counseling profession and improve access to quality mental healthcare.

Pennsylvania Becomes 39th State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law

The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues to move forward with Governor Josh Shapiro signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.

Beyond Resilience—The Next Frontier of Counselor Wellness

While resilience is a hallmark of counseling, an important question remains: What exactly are counselors being asked to be resilient against? For years, conversations about counselor wellness have appropriately focused on self-care, boundaries...

�ֲ���ýResponds to HHS Request for Information tied to Great American Recovery Initiative

�ֲ���ýsubmitted comments in response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ request for information for input on policy recommendations to strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery services for substance use disorders and mental illness.

Update on the RISE Final Rule and Professional Degree Designation

In late June, a D.C. Federal Judge temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from implementing the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule. Following that decision, the Department of Education released updated guidance...

Federal Court Blocks Student Loan Rule Affecting Counseling Students

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from implementing a new rule that would have restricted access to higher federal student loan limits for students in counseling and other graduate health professions.

�ֲ���ý Forms New Advisory Council

Alexandria, Va. (July 1, 2026) — Today, the �ֲ���ý (ACA) has seated its inaugural Advisory Council for 2026 to 2027, consisting of representatives from each of ACA’s 20 divisions and four regions, plus one student representative.

�ֲ���ý Elects FY2027 Board of Directors

Alexandria, Va. (June 30, 2026) — The �ֲ���ý (ACA) announced its new board of directors for fiscal year 2027. Terms for the new officers and directors-at-large begin on July 1, 2026 and end on June 30, 2027.

HHS Announces More Than $700 Million in Behavioral Health Funding

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced more than $700 million in behavioral health funding opportunities to address mental illness, substance use disorders and homelessness.

529 Plan Changes: How These Accounts Can Be More Beneficial for Counselors

H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law in July 2025. Among many other provisions, the changes to 529 plans could positively affect counselors and their financial situation.

History Is Made: Indiana Allows Counselors to Practice Across State Lines

Alexandria, Va. (June 8, 2026) — As part of the historic interstate Counseling Compact agreement, Indiana is the latest state that can now start granting privileges to licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines.

History Is Made: Georgia Allows Counselors to Practice Across State Lines

Alexandria, Va. (June 2, 2026) — As part of the historic interstate Counseling Compact agreement, Georgia is the latest state that can now start granting privileges to licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines.

Share Your Story: How Insurance Practices Affect Counselors and Clients

Insurers (including Medicaid managed care organizations) have been aggressively pursuing clawbacks, reimbursement reductions, downcoding, and other “cost-saving” approaches. This is enormously disruptive and harmful for the counseling community.

Legal Protections for Conversion Therapy Survivors in Colorado

Colorado HB26-1322, “Legal Protections for Conversion Therapy Survivors,” has passed the Colorado General Assembly and is currently awaiting action by Governor Jared Polis. Because the legislature adjourned May 13, 2026, the Governor...