We are pleased to announce the launch of AMHCA’s blog. As many of you know the American Mental Health Counselors Association is the only organization dedicated to working exclusively for the mental health counseling profession. We are a growing community of more than 7,000 members and strive to make a critical impact on the lives of Americans by giving a voice to our profession nationwide and helping to serve clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) and their colleagues. Our mission is to enhance the profession of clinical mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education and professional development.
As Executive Director and CEO, I hope to bring special insights into the world of the Clinical Mental Health Counselor today, and the roles that CMHCs can play in this dynamic care delivery and financing environment due to health care reform and other policy initiatives. In my role here at AMHCA – and in my previous positions at NASMHPD and NAMI -- I have been dedicated to addressing the needs of clinical mental health counselors, improving the financing and delivery of mental health services at the national and state level, and addressing mental health issues across the lifespan.
Through the Blog-Roll we hope to provide strategic guidance and address issues that are important to the professionals we serve. I hope to connect on a more informal level with our members and audience about AMHCA news; specific program, policy, and clinical topics relevant to CMHC’s; and issues facing the profession in their practices -- and in the marketplace. We want to help you build your practice, identify new opportunities and help you navigate the dynamics and intricacies of both the clinical and practice issues. Our field – and the overall health care system -- is undergoing dramatic changes and we are here to help you adapt to new ways of working with clients and other professionals.
The clinical mental health counseling profession – due to its training and expertise – is in a prime position to expand its influence as a powerful professional force ready and willing to take care of the needs of anyone suffering from a mental illness.
I look forward to engaging you on a regular basis.