Move Forward Logo

Advocacy

Move Forward Counseling Advocacy

Move Forward Counseling is partnering with Legislators, organizations, and businesses across PA to advocate for the passing of legislation that will help mental health professionals meet the demand for high-quality therapy for Pennsylvanians.  Access to, and education on, mental health support is critical to ending the stigma and helping people connect with professional care.

The Counseling Compact

Your voice matters in asking Legislators to vote YES to opening mental health counseling professionals’ licensure across state lines.

HB 409

House Bill 409 P.N. 377 of 2023 – 2024 Regular Session has passed the House vote and is now waiting to be moved out of the Senate Health Committee.  This portion of the bill is related to the “interstate compact” language.

How you can help

 

Contact Senate Health &
 Human Services Committee Chair, Senator Michele

 Brooks-R, and ask to have the bill moved out of committee and put onto the voting agenda. 

 
Senator Michelle Brooks

 

 

Also, consider contacting Senator Art Haywood-D, Health & Human Services Minority Chair, to request he help move the bill from committee to the voting agenda.
 
Senator Art Haywood

 

 

 


House Primary Sponsorship

 

Rep. John Galloway is the Prime Sponsor of HB 409.

 
 
Representative John Galloway

What is the Counseling Compact?

The Counseling Compact is an interstate compact, or a contract among states, allowing professional counselors licensed and residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without needing multiple licenses.

Please pass this on and share it with your colleagues and friends. Could you ask for their support?


August 2023 marks one year since the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the nationwide number established to help people in a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis. In just one year, nearly 5 million people have reached out to 988 for support.

988 is already impacting our communities and saving lives, but more work must be done to ensure everyone can get the help they need in a crisis. Congressmen Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure our communities have the resources necessary to implement 988 fully. Please take 30 seconds to urge your member of Congress to support this vital legislation today!

The 988 Implementation Act (H.R. 4851) would:

  • Fund local 988 call centers to ensure 24/7 access for anyone who needs help
  • Support the expansion of mobile crisis teams to help communities provide an in-person mental health crisis response instead of relying on law enforcement to respond
  • Expand awareness of 988 through awareness campaigns
  • Provide funding to build crisis centers, making sure people have a safe place to go in a crisis
  • Fund services for underserved populations to make sure people receive equitable, quality care that is inclusive
  • Ensure people have access to crisis care by requiring that all health insurance plans cover crisis services and support crisis workforce development

The 988 Implementation Act is critical legislation that will help us fully realize the potential of 988 to be the life-saving resource that people in crisis need.

But we need your voice to make it a reality. Reach out to your member of Congress today and ask that they cosponsor this vital piece of legislation.


House Bill 874: Support for Loan Forgiveness - Session of 2023

HB 874 provides for Commonwealth support for a Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Staff Member Loan Forgiveness Program and an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor Loan Forgiveness Program;  and imposes duties on the PA Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Please urge your members of Congress to support this vital legislation today!

The following Legislators introduced HB 874:

  • Dillon
  • Tartaglione
  • Kane
  • Fontana
  • Schwank
  • Costa
  • Brewster
  • Comitta


The Bill was referred to Education on August 16, 2023.

View or download HB 874.

pennsylvania counseling association logo

Pennsylvania Counseling Association

The Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) represents and advocates for all professionals and professionals in training at the regional, state, and national level as one of the largest state branches of the American Counseling Association with over 500 members, eight divisions, and three regional chapters.

Dr. Madeleine Stevens

Dr. Madeleine Stevens

Dr. Madeleine Stevens is the PCA Government Relations Committee (GRC) Chair and is now she focuses on the importance of legislative advocacy to strengthen the services that PA Counselors provide, with a call for PA Counselors to join the PCA.  Write to Dr. Stevens or visit the PCA website to learn more and how to join.

“The Interstate Counseling Compact will enhance PA counselors’ licensure portability while also increasing access to care for clients.  The PA Counseling Association supports legislation that promotes a strong, unified counseling profession, and we’re eager for PA counselors to join us!

Dr. Madeleine (Maddie) Stevens (she/her), Ph.D., LPC (Ohio), NCC, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology, Duquesne University

Matthew Nice

Dr. Matthew Nice

Dr. Matthew Nice is the President of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association. Write to Dr. Nice or visit the PCA to learn more about how to join PCA.

“The Pennsylvania Counseling Association supports the Interstate Counseling Compact, which ensures reciprocity across state lines for practicing counselors across Pennsylvania. Please join us on these initiatives!”

Matthew L Nice (he/him), Ph.D, LPC, NCC, ACS, President- Pennsylvania Counseling Association, Assistant Professor- Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Monthly Newsletter

To get our monthly newsletter with current openings and new office information sign up here.