OUR MISSION
Dedicated to meeting the professional needs of all mental health counselors in Iowa in an intentionally inclusive manner.
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.
Our values
Professionalism
We are committed to moving our profession forward. We regularly see opportunities for partnership and innovation for our organization. As leaders, we build and support the organizational structures that enable us, and subsequent leaders, to be effective and efficient.
Collaboration
We work collaboratively with our members and our partners to address issues of concern to clinical mental health counselors in our state.
Future Focus
We are professionals who conduct ourselves with integrity to advance the field of clinical mental health counseling. We support our members and those who benefit from the services our members provide.
QUALITY MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
ACROSS THE STATE.
Continuing Education
- Providing mental health counselors with continuing education opportunities to update and enhance their competencies.
- Forums for presentations and advancing the practice of counseling while helping professionals add to their resume/CV
- IMHCA hosts an annual conference
- IMHCA partners with other organizations and agencies to provide continuing education to mental health counselors.
Professional Support and Connection
- Providing a public forum and network throughout Iowa for counselors to address the social and emotional needs of their clients
- Networking events such as coffee mingles, book club, and live interviews with subject experts
- Timely updates to IMHCA members through email, newsletters, board reporting, and an annual report
- Awards to recognize outstanding professionals and active IMHCA members
Advocacy
- Distinguish the profession
- Promoting high standards of professional commitment to persons who seek mental health counseling services in Iowa
- Promoting attainable licensure and certification for counselors on state and national levels
- Increasing awareness of the role and function of mental health counseling and counseling services to the public
- Aligning mission, purpose and values with other professional organizations to advance mental health services
- Supporting research into mental health concerns, counseling interventions, and their effectiveness © 2026
Want to know More?
Would you like someone from IMHCA to support your event, join a coalition, or be present at an event? Let us know.