On Thursday, July 23, 2009, 70 licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs/LPCs) representing LMHCs/LPCs across 30 states made visits to U.S. Senators Capitol Hill offices. AMHCA state chapter leaders met with health legislative assistants in their legislators Washington, DC offices to push for inclusion of S. 671's LMHC/LPC Medicare reimbursement language in the greater health care reform bill that will soon be introduced by the Senate Finance Committee. Forty U.S. Senators received visits from AMHCA's state leaders. AMHCA state leaders relished the opportunity to meet with their U.S. Senators and/or their staff members and discuss how their outpatient mental health services promote preventative mental and physical health as well as economic efficiency.
AMHCA leaders commented that the lobbying experience was "informative" and "fun" and enhanced their understanding of the civic process. Following AMHCA leadership meetings with Senate staff, Senator Johnson of South Dakota signed onto S. 671 as a cosponsor. Many members' offices expressed an interest in supporting S. 671 and including Medicare reimbursement of LMHCs/LPCs in the greater Senateís health care reform legislation.
AMHCA recognized three legislators for their commitment to mental health counselors and mental health awareness during its annual awards luncheon, held at the Washington Court Hotel on Friday, July 24, 2009. Senator Blanche Lincoln, the Senate sponsor for S.671, received the President's Award. Former AMHCA President Victoria Sardi presented Gretchen Alkema, Senator Lincolns chief health staffer, with the Presidents Award. Congressman Bart Gordon and Congressman Bob Filner appeared at the luncheon and were recognized by AMHCA Policy Committee Chair, Dan Holdinghaus, as "Legislator of the Year" for their use of Medicare legislation and Veterans Affairs legislation to promote the LMHC/LPC profession.