Newsletters

Hold onto your Liberty Bells, folks — Iowa made it to the City of Brotherly Love! We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Allison Levine, IMHCA’s Legislative and Public Policy Chair,

Conversion Therapy is unethical, not empirical, and outright harmful. IMHCA opposes Conversion Therapy; here’s why we hope the Supreme Court upholds Colorado’s ban The Context The Supreme Court has heard

IMHCA had a very successful Mental Health Day on the Hill on Wednesday, April 2, in collaboration and partnership with several other mental health advocates from across the state including

Hello and Welcome to the 2025 Counseling Awareness Toolkit for the month of April. We are so excited to have you! Some important dates and information follow. Important Dates: April

HF 583 and SF 418 are bills that would remove gender identity as a protected class under Iowa’s civil rights code. There is a public hearing for HF 583 on

IMHCA Day On the Hill Talking Points See bill watchlist for a more detailed list below. Governor’s Rural Healthcare bill (HSB 191, SSB 1183): These bills merge all existing incentive

The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) is dedicated to meeting the professional needs of mental health counselors in Iowa in an intentionally inclusive manner. With this mission at heart,

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA Executive Director. Notes are from attending the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals meeting. These notes are not official from the DIAL

Download the PDF of this report: 2023-2024 IMHCA Annual Report (print).  

Annually IMHCA sends a survey to members and stakeholders to help the Legislative and Public Policy committee set legislative priorities for the year. Here are the highlights from that survey.

We have had a very successful quarter of events from welcoming new board members with a board retreat that was a DSM Airbnb getaway (Hot tub included!), walking with NAMI

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA Executive Director. Notes are from attending the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals meeting. These notes are not official from the DIAL

The IMHCA Board of Directors held a retreat over the past weekend (August 23-24) to plan for the next year. This weekend was successful! There was planning, connection, and relaxation.

Congratulations to IMHCA Executive Director, Courtney Ackerson as the recently elected American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) President-Elect! We are excited to have this connection to the national-level organization. IMHCA

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA Executive Director. Notes are from attending the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals meeting. These notes are not official from the DIAL

The key messages and weekly themes outlined below provide a foundation from which partners can develop messages that resonate with their specific audiences. Feel free to use the themes and

Hello and Welcome to the 2024 Counseling Awareness Toolkit for the month of April. We are so excited to have you. Some important dates and information follow. Important Dates: April

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA Executive Director. Notes are from attending the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences (IBBS) meeting. These notes are not official from the IBBS

IMHCA and ACA of Iowa had a very successful Day on the Hill on Tuesday February 20! Nearly 50 people participated in the day including members of both organizations and

IMHCA Compiled some frequently asked questions for our advocates. Let us know if you have any other questions we could add to this. Email imhcagovernment@gmail.com. How do I find my

If you are struggling with knowing where to start, here are some ideas to get you started. These are intended for general introductions to your legislators, so they do not

IMHCA wants our membership to be aware of new federal rules that outline the differences between 1099 positions and W2 positions. These are published by the US Department of Labor

IMHCA issued the following statements in response to Administrative Rules Review over chapters 31, 32, and 33 of Iowa Administrative Code. In response to ARC 7293C (https://rules.iowa.gov/Notice/Details/7293C) The Iowa Mental

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA Executive Director. Notes are from attending the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences (IBBS) meeting on 9/14/23. These notes are not official from

Info here.

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA Executive Director. Notes are from attending the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences (IBBS) meeting on 9/14/23. These notes are not official from

In August federal rules were proposed to update and strengthen the enforcement the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. As stated in the introduction to the proposed

Congratulations, Iowa Counselors! Way to go. We knew this was coming, but it is so nice to see it in print. The Counseling Compact authorizes both telehealth and in-person practice

Are you interested in getting more involved with IMHCA? Nominations are now being accepted for members in good standing for the IMHCA Board positions listed below.  If you are interested

IMHCA’s response to anti-LGBT Legislation There has been an unprecedented attack on LGBTQ+ rights during the 2023 Iowa legislative session. The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association recognizes the importance of

2023 IMHCA Awards IMCHA recognizes the service, dedication, and excellent work of LMHC’s and mental health advocates across the state of Iowa with three annual awards. We encourage you to

Your Action Is Needed Today On Non-Compete Agreements (HF 93)!! HF 93 will be considered by the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee on Thursday, March 30.  This is a

We are counting on your assistance in getting fair Medicaid reimbursement rates from Iowa Medicaid. In September 2022 IMHCA wrote to Iowa Medicaid to request a review of Iowa Medicaid

Under the Golden Dome The biggest news this week is the release of the governor’s 1,500+ page government reorganization bill.  Much of the bill includes the code changes to merge

Under the Golden Dome What an exciting week for IMHCA!  HF 93, banning noncompete agreements for mental health providers passed the House 95-0!  The bill now goes to the Senate

The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association response to HF 8, HF 9, and SF 83: On behalf of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association we are writing to express our

Under the Golden Dome Despite most of the attention on school choice, there has been action on other items important to IMHCA members this week.  Most notably, two of our

We have an upcoming board meeting on January 21, 2023 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM via zoom. IMHCA Members are welcome to attend. Members are able to share information at the

Under the Golden Dome The legislative session is off and running.  The governor outlined her priorities for this legislative session and her proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.  It’s

Drake University is conducting a study on mental health counselors’ perceptions and applications of somatic counseling strategies in mental health therapy.  Somatic approaches are sometimes referred to as body-based or

Hello IMHCA members! We have a national call to action. It is a lame duck session which is a post-election legislative session where the participants are voting during their last days

IMHCA has responde to questions about the request for Proposals for the Executive Director Position submitted in the alloted timeframe. Please use the following answers to assist in drafting a

ISSUED BY THE IOWA MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR   The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) is issuing a Request for Proposals as we explore

MEETING INFORMATION   Date and Time: September 8, 2022 – 9:00 a.m. Location: Access to this meeting is provided both virtually and in- person.           Electronic

Iowa Board of Behavioral Science Date and Time: June 9, 2022 – 9:00 a.m. Location: Access to this meeting is provided both virtually and in person. In Person: 5th Floor

Under the Golden Dome At 12:15 am on May 25, the 89th General Assembly adjourned sine die (to adjourn without picking a date in the future to meet).   The

Joint Statement of Collaboration American Counseling Association of Iowa (ACA of IA) and the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) As part of the 2022 Counseling Awareness Month, The American

Open Positions on IMHCA’s Board Are you interested in getting more involved with IMHCA? Nominations are now being accepted for members in good standing for the IMHCA Board positions listed below. If

The Iowa Legislature is not quite done for the year. Emily reported in our legislative update at the conference that we have a bit of a hold over school vouchers.

Under the Golden Dome The House has now moved 7 of the 10 budget bills.   The Senate has not started budget work but anticipate it happening quickly over the

Under the Golden Dome Last week was the second funnel deadline. This means a bill has to pass a chamber and a committee in the other chamber.  The only exception

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA past president and member of the IMHCA legislative committee, from the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences (IBBS) meeting on 3/10/2022. These notes

Under the Golden Dome   This week was relatively uneventful for issues important to IMHCA members.   The Revenue Estimating Council (REC) met to set the amount of growth expected in

DATE: 20 February 2022   The Iowa Mental Health Counselor’s Association Response to Bill HF 2416 and SSB 3146   On behalf of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association, we are

Under the Golden Dome This week marked the first funnel deadline.  A bill has to advance through a committee in either chamber to remain alive for further consideration.  This does

Under the Golden Dome Week three is a wrap at the Iowa Legislature.   The big news this week is the release of the Senate tax plan to reduce income taxes. 

Under the Golden Dome The legislative session started on January 10.  The first order of business is the governor’s state of the state speech in which she outlined her priorities

Newsletter started 1/3/2022. Updated 1/5/2022. Hello IMHCA Members, We are here to synthesize some information and provide resources in one place. This information does not take the place of legal

The following are notes from Courtney Ackerson, IMHCA past president and member of the IMHCA legislative committee, from the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences (IBBS) meeting on 12/9/2021 as an

October 25, 2021 RE: Pre-Notice for Rule Changes for IAC 645-31 due to 2021 Iowa Acts, House File 891   Tony Alden Bureau of Professional Licensure 321 E. 12th Street

Hello IMHCA Members: I, Courtney Ackerson, LMHC, IMHCA Past President, am writing to inform you of the Draft Pre-Notice Rule Changes that the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences and the

IMHCA held it’s annual board retreat on August 21st where we welcomed the new members and honored outgoing board members. Join us in saying a big thank you to our outgoing

Hello IMHCA members and mental health advocates!! Welcome to the  WEEK 19 updates. We have not had a formal update since week 16 because we have been following debates and

Week 16: IMHCA – 4/29/2021 1.   Need to know: Telehealth parity is alive two places SF 524: BH Telehealth & Psychiatric Bed Tracking HF 891: House Budget Bill Encourage your

4/21/2021   Week 15: IMHCA 1.   Need to know SF 524 Psychaitric Bed tracking (Formerly SSB 1227) A bill for an act establishing an inpatient psychiatric bed tracking system study committee

April 15, 2021 – Week 14: IMHCA There is not a lot of change from last week. Many of our bills have been moved to the “unfinished business calendar” which

April 7, 2021 – Week 13: IMHCA 1.   Bills that have passed this week – THIRD FUNNEL WEEK SF 587 – MH tax funding bill (Passed through Senate after Amendment!)

Hello all, Please email our Lobbyist, Renee Schulte, with immediate feedback requested by Wellmark. Review the powerpoint posted. Virtual Health Strategy – Provider 1-21 FINAL FEEDBACK In an effort to

Week 12: IMHCA – April 1, 2021 1.   Bills that have passed this week SF 524 – Is now the BH telehealth parity bill – NO, this Is not an

UPDATE to telehealth information written on 3/26/2021 from a meeting with Welmark on 3/25/2021 Status of Telehealth Reimbursement Parity Background:   Under the governor’s proclamation, all telehealth services are to

Week 10: IMHCA Bills that have passed this week HF 431 – Audio Only Telehealth A bill for an act relating to the provision of audio-only telehealth or telemedicine by

Thank you to those of you that attended and made the Day on the hill a virtual success! Thank you to the Legislative committee for their bright ideas!! Deb Brockington,

IMHCA Week 8 1.   Bills of the week A.     SF 524-Psychiatric Bed Tracking (Formerly SSB 1227):                  i.          This bill establishes an inpatient psychiatric bed tracking system study committee. DHS

2/23/2021 – IMHCA Week 7 1.   Bill of the week A.     HSB 225-Medicaid Reimbursement                   i.          The bill provides that if the Medicaid program, including any managed care organization contracting

Action Alert: HF 294 Passed the human resources sub-committee 1/27/2021 as HF 89. Introduced to the house on 1/28/2021. Has not yet been debated. With this call to action, we

2/18/2021 Week 6: IMHCA Bill of the week SF 354- Continuing education requirements- extensions Full Senate passed unanimously 2/17 Each licensing board may extend the deadline for completing continuing education

Hello IMHCA members! Sorry this was delayed this week. Enjoy! – Courtney Ackerson 2/11/2021 Week 5: IMHCA 1.   Bill of the week HF 372: Non-medical Switching & Continuity of Care-Support

2/4/2021. –  IMHCA Week 4  Bill of the week SF 178/HF 372-Non-Medical Switching: Support The bill provides that during a covered person’s eligibility under a health benefit plan inclusive of

Join us Friday Feb 12 from 10am-11am for a virtual Monthly Member Mingle. This FREE event will give you the opportunity to meet and network with other members from all over the state.

1/28/2021 – IMHCA Week 3 Bills of the week HF 88 Audio Only Telehealth: House file 88 passed unanimously through house committee on 1/26/21. Health-related professional licensing board authorizes the

State House News Week 2 HF 89: Telehealth Parity     House file 89 passed unanimously through house committee on 1/21/21.  1) It requires that insurance companies shall pay the same

Hello and welcome to the first legislative update! We will have weekly updates throughout the legislative session. First day back was Monday, January 11, 2021. It has been a busy

Hello IMHCA members, You are invited to join the next IMHCA board meeting. It will be Saturday, January 16th from 9am – Noon via Zoom. Topic: IMHCA Board Meeting Time:

ANNOUNCEMENT!! Annual Member Meeting You are invited! When: October 17, 2020 from 9am to noon Where: via Zoom, because everything is virtual now… Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86444887360?pwd=RE5MUHJ4K1R1T01IQ2U0ekd1MXh3dz09 Meeting ID: 864

Wow! What an ending!! The legislature was hard at work into the late hours this weekend and the session after they returned from a pandemic break was rapid! Multiple mental

**UPDATE** 5/26/2020 NEW PROCLAMATION FROM THE GOVERNOR TO LAST THROUGH June 25,2020. See whole proclamation here:https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-the-state-public-health-emergency-1 Extends coverage of telehealth services. ********************* Hello IMHCA members and interested parties!! We are

Re-opening and re-integration… what’s next?! Written 5/19/2020 You may be questioning what is next for your practice or response to Covid-19. There are so many considerations! Try not to be

If you are an active IMHCA member, we want to get to know you and connect you to your fellow members! IMHCA Member Spotlight      

Press release 5-2-20

Job Title President (Executive Committee Chair)   Job Purpose The President shall represent IMHCA to membership and the public for a 2-year term. The President works with all board members

  On 3/27/2020 Renee, IMHCA Lobbyist, has just finished listening to a call with Mike Randol, Medicaid Director. They have a telehealth workgroup working on all telehealth details including billing

Official telehealth coverage from the Governor! There is also a great deal of coverage issues in here for home health care, home- and community-based services. See newsletter here for the

This Newsletter was originally written on 3/18/2020 and is updated on 3/25/2020. Please see the attachment for  rule changes to IAC 635.32 regarding continuing education. This was from September when

Hello Valued Members, This page was last updated 4/27/2020. With the Covid-19 virus updates, we too want to keep you updated and in-the-know with the most current information. There are

Action Alert SF2393 Committee on Labor and Business relations https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=88&ba=SF2393 Passed sub committee 3/4/20  Sen Brown, R. Smith and Dotzler Contact Members of the Labor Committee to ask to amend.

IMCHA recognizes the service, dedication, and excellent work of LMHC’s across the state of Iowa with three annual awards. We encourage you to nominate yourself or someone else to recognize their

In 2020, the IMHCA Foundation Board will select three $1000 academic scholarships to be awarded to a graduate student member of IMHCA. The winners will be welcomed to the 2020

Bill watch list from 2/28/2020: Type Name Title Note telehealth parity HF 2192 A bill for an act relating to reimbursement rates for health care services provided to covered persons

Dear Members, The American Counseling Association of Iowa and the Iowa Mental Health Counselor’s Association have been collaborating about a number of bills proposed in the Iowa Senate.  As of

Legislative Update WEEK 6: DEAD OR ALIVE Hello all and welcome back to our legislative updates. We have FIRST FUNNEL WEEK Results! Renee has been hard at work tracking all

FIRST FUNNEL WEEK! Bill and Rule Tracker – Week 5 February 16, 2020 Lots going on last week at the Capitol. This week is the first funnel. So any bills not through a committee

Bill and Rule Tracker – Week 4 February 6, 2020 Welcome back IMHCA members! We have had a busy week also preparing for our strategic planning meeting coming up this

Bills and Rules Watch List – Week 3 Thursday, January 30th, 2020 Welcome back to your legislative update. There is a lot going on. Your legislative committee has been hard

Bill and Rules Watch List January 23rd, 2020 Type Name Title Note MH Excus+D3+A3:D12 SF 2067 A bill for an act providing for excused absences from school for student mental

Hello Members! There will be weekly updates in this legislative session from your Legislative Committee. Week one we were registered as undecided on the following bills as the session kicks

Advocate for Mental Health and Your Profession! Our Annual Day on the Hill Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm At the Des Moines Capitol Building   Agenda:

Immediate Need! IMHCA Open Board Position Continuing Education Chair Immediate Opening! The IMHCA Board has an immediate opening for our Continuing Education Chair. Are you interested in being an integral part

  IMHCA is excited to announce we have a new lobbyist representing us at the state level. At this time, IMHCA would also like to express our sincere appreciation for

Are you interested in getting more involved with IMHCA? Nominations are now being accepted for members in good standing for the Conference Committee Chair. This position is appointed by the

20/20: Honoring the Past and Looking Toward the Future Our 20th Anniversary Thursday, Sept. 3 & Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel 1800 50th St. West Des

View the full report here: IMHCA 2018-2019 Annual Report

IMHCA is accepting proposals for State Legislative Lobbyist Services. Please download the RFP for complete information. IMHCA Lobbyist RFP This additional document answers questions that have been posed to IMHCA related

International Opportunities in Psychology Have you always wondered how your skills are needed in other countries? We have many places that need your help: AFRICA KENYA: Sexual Abuse – almost

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Des Moines, Iowa, September 30, 2019 Iowa Counseling Organizations Issue Joint Response to Proposed Rule Changes by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences The Iowa Mental Health Counselors

We have just become aware that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) has drafted language into the SUPPORT Act implementation and are requesting comments from the public. The

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 14th Annual Conference Thursday, April 30th & Friday, May 1st 2020 Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel 1800 50th St. West Des Moines, IA 50266 All

Conference Exhibitor Registration

Call for Programs: Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 14thAnnual Conference Dates:Thursday, April 30, 2020 & Friday, May 1, 2020 Location:Sheraton Wes Des Moines Hotel, 1800 50thStreet, West Des Moines, IA,

MIND if we TALK Hello and welcome to the links for segments of “MIND if we TALK,” a television program dedicated to educating the public about mental health and service

Members, below is a memo from IMHCA dated August 26th with IMHCA’s points that were sent to the Board of Behavioral Sciences and after this member is a blog from

Episode one: Braodlawns – https://www.broadlawns.org/mental-health-services.cfm If you click the Psychiatric Urgent Care link, which is talked about in the episode, it will take you here: Urgent care –https://www.broadlawns.org/psychiatric-urgent-care-clinic.cfm This includes a

From The Iowa Board of Behavioral Science: Pre-Notice Rule Changes Prior to starting formal rulemaking action, the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science is seeking input from the public on draft changes

Hello IMHCA Members, Have you ever wondered what your board members are up to? Why do you pay dues to a larger organization? What does it take to run a

The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association Foundation and Ramona Wink are pleased to announce the launching dates and times of the first program of “Mind If We Talk”. “Mind If

News from the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association, another AMHCA affiliate: The Illinois Mental Health Counselors’ Association is sponsoring an upcoming 5-day Private Practice Boot Camp on September 11-15, 2019 in

At IMHCA’s 2019 annual conference, Tackling Tough Topics, IMHCA will be giving out 3 service awards and the IMHCA Foundation will be awarding 4 $500 academic scholarships! Please help us recognize deserving

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 2017-2018 FY Report by IMHCA Networking

Advocate for Mental Health and Your Profession! Our Annual Day on the Hill Wednesday, March 13, 2019 2pm-4pm Legislative Dining Room on the ground floor of the Capitol. We will

This is a brief description of each breakout session. For a full description with learning objectives and biographies of the presenters Breakouts (full) >> DAY ONE: Thursday, May 16, 2019 7:30 am

This is a full description of each breakout session with learning objectives and biographies of the presenters. For a brief description of each breakout session Breakouts (brief) >> DAY ONE: Thursday,

This board is being established to promote and grow the IMHCA Foundation. This foundation is a 501c(3) that represents the interests of and promotes educational opportunities to mental health professionals

Academic scholarships are awarded annually to a limited number of IMHCA members. In 2018, two $1000 academic scholarships were awarded to members who are graduate students in counseling. For 2019,

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 14th Annual Conference Thursday, April 30th & Friday, May 1st 2020 Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel 1800 50th St. West Des Moines, IA 50266 All

Senate Passes FY 2019 Conference Committee Funding Measure for Labor-HHS-DOD; House Next Last week, the main legislative action was that the Senate passed a major funding bill for three major

2019 Call for Programs NEW DEADLINE NOV. 29, 2018 Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) 13th Annual Conference Thursday, May 16th & Friday, May 17th 2019 Stoney Creek Hotel and

The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) Foundationis a federally exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to promote mental health awareness and education in Iowa.  In an effort to pursue this mission,

Please see the link below for more information about nominating yourself or another person for an open board position with IMHCA:   Open IMHCA Board Positions 2018

Ramona Wink is a graduate student at Drake, and it was her brainchild to create a television project for mental health. IMHCA is partnering with Ramona to make this a

Open IMHCA Board Positions Are you interested in serving your organization or do you know someone who would be a great fit for the IMHCA board? Nominations are now being

YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED – PROTECT INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT FOR TEMPORARY LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS Please see details at the bottom of this entry Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association Final Legislative

Open IMHCA Board Positions Are you interested in serving your organization or do you know someone who would be a great fit for the IMHCA board? Nominations are now being

IMCHA recognizes the service, dedication, and excellent work of LMHC’s across the state of Iowa with three annual awards. We encourage you to nominate yourself or someone else for these

IMHCA is pleased to be giving two (2) $1000 academic scholarships for a graduate student in counseling who is also a member of IMHCA. The deadline to apply is April

This is a brief description of all available breakout sessions.  For a full description with learning objectives and the biography of presenter(s) Breakouts (full) >> DAY ONE: Thursday, May 3, 2018  8:45

This is a full description of each breakout session with learning objectives and biographies of the presenters. For a brief description of each breakout session Breakouts (brief) >> DAY ONE: Thursday,

Good Afternoon, Integrative Counseling Solutions invite YOU to join us for two days of Sand Play Therapy Training with Dr. Terry Kottman on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd, 2017 at the Gold Star Museum & Training Center

2018 Call for Programs DEADLINE EXTENDED TO NOV. 30 Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) 12th Annual Conference Submission Deadline: Presentations must be received by November 30, 2017 Thursday, May

The Integrative Institute for Play Therapy is excited to announce this upcoming training in Adlerian Play Therapy. Saturday September 16 ,8-4 at Embassy West in West Des Moines. 8 CEs

A number of our presenters graciously provided their notes for us to post on our website. Please do not distribute or reproduce these in any way, they are solely for

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association Legislative Update – March 31, 2017     Under the Golden Dome The Legislature concluded its second funnel week, a time when all policy bills

IMHCA proudly endorses Iowa’s very own Kristy Brown, LMHC, NCC, CADC for the position of Midwest Region Representative with the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Kristy has been active in our

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Legislative Update – March 3, 2017 Under the Golden Dome The Legislature concluded its first funnel week, a time when all policy bills must have passed a

HSB 138 is officially dead! Thanks to all of you who emailed, called and attended the subcommittee.  Today, HSB 174 was introduced and includes a ban on any new licensure

UPDATE ON HSB 138; Feb. 24, 2017 There has been a flurry of activity related to the proposal to eliminate licensure for social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and

Attention Providers! Your license to practice is currently under attack! The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) has issued a call to action in opposition of HSB 138, a House Study

Join us at the capital on Monday, March 13th, 2017, starting at 2 PM! See additional details on our event page: https://imhca.net/events/day-on-the-hill/

Nominate someone for this award! More information and the nomination form is found on this page: https://imhca.net/2017-mental-health-champion-award/

IMHCA Scholarship Application Academic and conference scholarships are awarded annually to a limited number of IMHCA members. In 2017 one $1000 academic scholarship will be awarded to a graduate student

IMHCA Legislative Update February 3, 2017 Under the Golden Dome We are four weeks into the legislative session that has largely been defined by divisive issues, lack of civility and

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 11th Annual Conference The Well-Rounded Practitioner: Integrating Facets of Mental Health Holiday Inn Des Moines – Airport Conference Center Hotel; 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines,

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 11th Annual Conference & Exhibition Holiday Inn Des Moines – Airport Conference Center Hotel, Des Moines, IA Show Dates: May 4-5, 2017 Thank you for

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 12th Annual Conference May 3-4, 2017 Holiday Inn Des Moines – Airport and Conference Center 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321 515-287-2400 All 2018

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association 11th Annual Conference The Well-Rounded Practitioner: Integrating Facets of Mental Health Holiday Inn Des Moines – Airport Conference Center Hotel; 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA

IMHCA Foundation 5th Annual Golf Fundraiser   Iowa Mental Health Counseling Association needs your help!   IMHCA is hosting the 5th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser to be held on Saturday,

2017 Call for Programs Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) 11th Annual Conference Thursday, May 4th & Friday, May 5th 2017 Airport Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center 6111 Fleur

Our keynote speaker, and some of our breakout session speakers, graciously allowed us to provide their slides and/or presentation notes to you. We have attached them here. Keynote Slides Keynote Common

We had a wonderful 2016 Conference! Thank you to Sue Heitshusen, the entire conference committee, and our conference sponsors!

IMHCA Government Relations Committee Update; March 2016 See the picture from our “Day on the Hill” and read this update in a nice format by clicking the link to the

Legislative news – 02/03/2016 Managed Care Organizations Quick Update From Our Legislative Lobbyist Wednesday, Feb. 3, we made some progress in working with IME on issues related to timely reimbursement

Legislative news – 01/26/2016 January 24, 2016 Under the Golden Dome The second session of the two-year legislative cycle is largely focused on quickly resolving school funding for the next

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Legislative news – 11/14/2015; Managed Care Organizations for Medicaid The State of Medicaid Managed Care The confusion and uncertainty surrounding Iowa’s move toward full managed care for the state’s medical

Legislative news -04/07/2015 It has been a few weeks since I let you know where things stand legislatively. To say that this is a disappointing session is an understatement. The

Legislative news – 3/9/2015 March 6, 2015 – First Funnel Update Under the Golden Dome There is no “fun” in funnel week. That mantra drives both legislators and lobbyists as

Legislative news – 3/5/2015 Great job by all of you who attended the legislative day! The conversations that you had with key legislators helped to elevate the facts about mental

Legislative news – 2/19/2015 February 19, 2015 Under the Golden Dome It is two weeks to the first funnel deadline and action is heating up at the Capitol. Legislators are

Legislative news – 05/01/2014 The 2014 session ended (sort of), 9 days after the statutory adjournment deadline and much later than had been anticipated when it convened in January.  

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Legislative news – 03/28/2014   Under the Golden Dome It’s that time of year when nothing seems to be happening as the legislature moves toward adjournment.  Much of the work

Legislative news – 03/06/2014 Under the Golden Dome The winnowing of policy bills continues as the Legislature approaches the second legislative funnel.  By Friday, March 14, a bill must have

Legislative news – 02/21/2014 Under the Golden Dome Combine funnel week with an impending blizzard and you get chaos. That is the best description for this week at the Legislature.

Legislative news – 02/06/2014 Under the Golden Dome It takes a dedicated individual to keep track of all the subcommittee notices that fly from every direction.  The Legislature is on

Legislative news – 10/27/2013 As we approach the start of the 2014 Legislative Session, IMHCA is once again encouraging mental health counselors throughout the state to voice their support of

Legislative news – 06/04/2013 Legislative Session Ends Twenty Days Late In a split decision, the 2013 legislative decision ended officially on May 23.  The Senate adjourned sine die late on

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Legislative news – 03/29/2013 Legislative Update The House unanimously passed an amended version of a bill to create a state licensure program for addiction counselors.  The amendments made changes that

Legislative news – 03/07/2013 Legislative Funnel Report Involuntary Commitments: SSB 1192 (as currently numbered) implements the recommendations of the DHS/Judicial workgroup on streamlining commitment procedures. This bill includes language that

Legislative news – 02/21/2013 Impending Snowstorm Shortens Legislative Work Week In anticipation of a big snow event, both chambers cancelled nearly all work for Thursday to allow legislators time to

Legislative news – 05/11/2012 Legislature Adjourns Nearly Three Weeks Late On Wednesday, May 9, the Iowa Legislature adjourned after a flurry of activity and lots of waiting during the previous

Legislative news – 05/03/2012 Limping to the Finish LineThe Senate was in briefly to debate the standing appropriations bill on Monday but beyond that, neither chamber called members back to

Legislative news – 04/27/2012 Budget Deal is Elusive The final budget deal which is necessary to conclude the 2012 legislative session remains out of reach. This leaves the various budget

Legislative news – 03/09/2012 The Legislature continues its slow march to an early adjournment but veteran watchers of the process wonder if that will actually happen. The House and Senate

Legislative news – 02/27/2012 First Funnel Deadline Narrows Legislative Focus The first funnel deadline, the time by which a bill must have passed a committee in at least one chamber

Legislative news – 02/16/2012 Funnel deadline approaching The week before the first funnel deadline was dominated by subcommittees and the visit of the vice president of China. Work concluded early

Legislative news – 02/06/2012 IMHCA/IAMFT Day on the Hill – Monday, February 6 (TODAY!!) Please join other mental health counselors at the Iowa State Capitol today, Monday, February 6, 2012

Legislative news – 01/26/2012 Legislative Work Plods Along The first two weeks of the session provided little excitement unless you followed the issues of education reform or property tax reform.

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