Governance

Governance

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is an independent non-profit, membership owned and operated association.

The vision of AMHCA is to position clinical mental health counselors to meet the health care needs of those we serve while advancing the profession.

The mission of AMHCA is to advance the profession of clinical mental health counseling by setting the standard for collaboration, advocacy, research, ethical practice, and education/training/professional development.

AMHCA association bylaws are the rules and regulations enacted by the association to provide a framework for its operation and management. The bylaws define elections, titles, terms of office, and responsibilities of the AMHCA officers of the association, as well as certain responsibilities of the chief executive officer. The bylaws also specify the qualifications, rights, and liabilities of membership, and the powers, duties, and responsibilities of state chapters and affiliate associations/organizations as well as grounds for dissolution of a chapter, the removal of an officer of the AMHCA, or the revocation of a membership. Standing committees are also identified as are certain fiduciary processes, obligations, and limitations.

Board of Directors

The elected officers of AMHCA are President, President-Elect, Past President, Treasurer, four (4) Regional Directors, and one (1) Director elected at large. These officers must be members in good standing of the AMHCA and their affiliated state chapter of AMHCA, where applicable, with evidence of past leadership, involvement, or contribution to the AMHCA.




Credential Certification Board

The AMHCA Credential Certification Board is composed of experienced clinical mental health counselors. The board should always be comprised of at least a minimum of six members. All members of the board will be members of the American Mental Health Counselors Association who hold at least one Diplomate Specialist credential from AMHCA. The President of AMHCA appoints the Chair of the board. Since the Credential Certification Board functions as a peer review panel, all efforts will be made to select board members that represent the diversity of mental health counseling clinical practice settings, e.g. geographic setting, academia, private practice, social, federal, state or privately owned agencies, etc. Board members function on a volunteer basis; there is no remuneration for services.




Committees and Task Forces

The committees of the AMHCA shall consist of standing committees and such special committees as may be deemed necessary by the Board. Each committee shall report to the Board Member Committee Liaison, in writing, the salient activities, financial information and progress of the committee as indicated in the annual committee guidelines.

Task forces and ad hoc committees may be established as deemed necessary to conduct the affairs of the AMHCA on a time limited or task-focused basis. The task force or ad hoc committee chair and members shall be appointed by the President and each member's term shall last no longer than the appointing President's term in office.