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.
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.
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 Brooks-R, and ask to have the bill moved out of committee and put onto the voting agenda.Â
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Rep. John Galloway is the Prime Sponsor of HB 409.
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:
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. |
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!
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The following Legislators introduced HB 874:
The Bill was referred to Education on August 16, 2023. View or download HB 874. |
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
Therapy is available online across Pennsylvania, with in-person therapy options at the Lancaster, Lebanon, Pittsburgh, Hershey, Lehigh Valley and York locations.
825 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
445 Mountville Drive, Lebanon, PA 17406
100 Keystone Ave, Suite 1, Emmaus, PA 18049
201 S. Craig St, Suite 1M, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
1410 E Market Street, York, PA 17403
Across Pennsylvania
Monday 7:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m.
Tues-Friday 8 a.m. till 5:30 p.m.Â
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