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Providing

Support and Advocacy

for Mental Health Counselors across Iowa

The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association is dedicated to advancing the counseling profession through advocacy, education, and professional support. We promote high standards of ethical and effective care, foster collaboration among mental health professionals, and work to ensure that individuals and communities across the state have access to qualified, compassionate counseling services.

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WORKING TO PROMOTE QUALITY
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL PEOPLE

The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA), a chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), is dedicated to promoting quality mental health services and distinguishing the counseling profession’s identity. We accomplish this through continuing education, professional connection, and advocacy. IMHCA also works closely with professional organizations, the state legislature, and regulatory agencies to maintain high standards of care in line with our ethics and values.

WE OFFER SUPPORT IN MULTIPLE WAYS, INCLUDING:

Conference

A state-wide conference providing continuing education on practical topics and networking opportunities

Lobbying

State lobbying efforts for legislation affecting mental health counselors and their clients

Newsletter

A quarterly newsletter reporting current issues related to the profession

Networking

Networking with other mental health professionals across the state of Iowa

Networking

A golf tournament fundraiser to support scholarships for students entering the mental health field

Become a Member

One simple way you can begin support mental health professionals in Iowa is to become an IMHCA member. By joining, you will immediately be able to connect with over 200 other mental health counselors throughout the state of Iowa; you will also help IMHCA advocate for increased opportunities through lobbying and other efforts to support appropriate policies for mental health professionals.

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Legislative Updates

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Legislative Update – May 2, 2025

May 6, 2025
The legislature went into overtime as of May 2. On May 2, the statutory deadline for the end of the legislative session and the end of daily per diem payments
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Lobbyist Update April 22, 2024 – Final Week

April 22, 2024
Under the Golden Dome The 2024 legislative concluded early Saturday morning (4:30 a.m.), three days past the scheduled deadline.  The early part of the legislative session was dominated by the
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Bill Tracker

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Bill Tracker – End of Session 2025

May 22, 2025
Under the Golden Dome Final Legislative Update May 16, 2025 After a marathon 22-hour session, the 2025 legislative session finally ended on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 a.m. almost two
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Bill Tracker April 9, 2025 – Second Funnel

April 10, 2025
Under the Golden Dome 2nd Funnel Report April 9, 2025 The list of priority bills cleared a bit after the second funnel deadline.  However, this does not mean a bill
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Join a Committee

There are many ways to become involved in IMHCA and a committee is a great way to support programming directly. Help develop, explore, and build on what IMHCA has to offer its members!

  • LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
  • MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
  • NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
  • CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE
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IOWA MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION (IMHCA)

20TH ANNUAL

CONFERENCE

MAY 6-8TH, 2026

Registration open!

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Events

May 6 - May 8
May 6 - May 8
All day

20th Annual Conference

Sheraton West Des Moines
May 7
May 7
All day

Annual Board Meeting at the IMHCA Annual Conference

No Venue Found
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Want to Know MORE?

For more information about the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association, its programs, membership, or resources, we encourage you to reach out to us. 

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