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 gain greater access to professional care.
MFC participates in the Mental Health America of Lancaster County Legislative Committee to advocate for and stay informed on legislation that affects our ability to hire clinicians and provide mental health counseling services in PA. Our current committee representative is Darlene Oliver, LPC, CAADC on our Online Counseling team.
In an amazing win for the Counseling profession, Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 1564 into law on March 28th, 2024. The Pennsylvania legislature came together for this landmark decision in as a direct response to the ever-growing need for qualified mental health professionals in the commonwealth. Master-level clinicians can soon apply to be a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate (LPCA) through the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board!
What We Know So Far
The PA State Licensing Board (PALS) is working on the details. The application for the LPCA so far requires a Master level clinicians to fill out an application, a $75 application fee, Child Abuse CE, Criminal history Check, Databank Report, Educational Transcripts, Letter of Good Standing (LOGS), Resume of Supervisor(s), and a Supervision Plan. We anticipate the board to start accepting applications within the next few months.
View or download the application or go to the state licensing board website:
For more information, please contact the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors at (717) 783-1389.
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 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
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
Techniques
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
For Employers
Session Formats
