Utah Mental Health Counselors Association About GBAB

Evaluation of Discrimination toward Mental Healthcare Professionals

Jim Macedone — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:17:30 GMT

My name is Emily Zoorob and I'm a second-year medical student at Texas Tech's School of Medicine. I'm working with a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine on a survey project seeking to understand how discrimination experienced by mental healthcare professionals affects their mental health and their working conditions. The survey also asks questions about workplace factors built to help these individuals with situations where they may face discrimination.

The study consists of an online survey that may take up to 15 minutes to complete. Participants may view a copy of their own responses upon completing the survey. However, if you choose to participate, no compensation will be given to you. To participate, you must be a mental health professional with certification who has at least some regular interaction with patients seeking mental health treatment. The survey is only available in English. All responses you provide are completely voluntary and anonymous.

If you have any additional questions or comments about this study, please contact Jacqueline Hirth, PhD, MPH at: Jacqueline.hirth@bcm.edu or Emily Zoorob at emily.zoorob@ttuhsc.edu.

Here is a link to the survey: https://redcap.research.bcm.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=A93379KX8CYYLXXR

How discrimination experienced by mental healthcare professionals affects mental health

Jim Macedone — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:10:10 GMT

If you have any additional questions or comments about this study, please contact Jacqueline Hirth, PhD, MPH at: Jacqueline.hirth@bcm.edu or Emily Zoorob at emily.zoorob@ttuhsc.edu.

Here is a link to the survey: https://redcap.research.bcm.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=A93379KX8CYYLXXR

Leadership Behaviors and Awareness of Privilege and Oppression in Counseling Leaders

Jim Macedone — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:00:36 GMT

I am a third-year doctoral student at Old Dominion University. My research team and I are conducting a study on Leadership Behaviors and Awareness of Privilege and Oppression in Counseling Leaders.

You are eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

At least 18 years old
Have a master’s degree in a counseling field
Currently in a leadership position or role in a professional counseling organization at a university, state, regional, national, or international level

Leadership positions or roles include but are not limited to: President, Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Position-Elect, Past-Position, Committee Position, Emerging Leader, Doctoral Graduate Student Representative, Faculty Advisor

If you are eligible and interested, we request that you complete an anonymous Qualtrics survey, which includes informed consent, demographic questions, the Dynamic Leadership in Counseling Scale–Self-Report, and the Awareness of Privilege and Oppression Scale–2. The survey should take approximately 10-20 minutes.

Being in this study is optional. If you want to participate, click this link to start the survey:https://tinyurl.com/CounselingLeadershipStudy

We would also appreciate your assistance in disseminating this email and/ or the attached flyer to other leaders in your organization.

The Institutional Review Board at Old Dominion University has approved this study (IRB Protocol #2301538-1). Please contact the principal investigator, Dr. Jeffry Moe, at jmoe@odu.edu with questions about this study. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, you can contact the ODU Social & Behavioral Human Subjects Research Exempt Committee Chair, Dr. Randy Gainey, at rgainey@odu.edu or 757-683-4794, or the Old Dominion University Division of Research and Economic Development, at 757-683-3460.

Thank you for your assistance and time,

Catalina Kraft, M.A., NCC, Resident in Counseling (VA)

Doctoral Student | Old Dominion University

ckraf001@odu.edu

Peighton Corley, M.S.Ed., Resident in Counseling (VA)

Doctoral Student | Old Dominion University

pcorl002@odu.edu

Jeffry Moe, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, CCMH

Faculty Member | Old Dominion University

jmoe@odu.edu

Catalina Kraft, M.A., NCC (she/ her/ hers)

Doctoral Student | Graduate Assistant | Resident in Counseling (VA)

Department of Counseling & Human Services

Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA 23529

The Experience of Leadership: A Phenomenological Analysis

Jim Macedone — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:25:46 GMT

My name is Kayla Kemp and I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Iowa’s Counselor Education and Supervision program. You are invited to participate in my research study titled The Experience of Leadership: A Phenomenological Analysis on the Leadership Experiences of Masters-level Counseling Students. The purpose of the study is to explore the counseling-related leadership experiences of master’s-level students who are involved with their state-level counseling associations. Through this study, I hope to learn more about how leadership is experienced by counseling graduate students and why they elected to get involved in counseling-related leadership roles during their time in graduate school. The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Iowa.

You are eligible for this study if you are currently enrolled in a master’s-level CACREP-accredited counseling program and are involved with a state-level counseling association in a role beyond membership, meaning you hold a position or title that allows you to influence association-level decisions. You are also eligible if you graduated from a master’s-level CACREP-accredited counseling program within the last year and were involved with a state-level counseling association in a role beyond membership during your training.

This study will be conducted through a one-on-one interview between the researcher and participant. During the interview, you will be asked to share about your leadership experience with your state-level counseling association, including your role, duties, and motivations for pursuing the leadership role. The interviews may last 45 to 90 minutes. Participants who complete the initial interview will be sent a $40 Visa e-gift card, and those who also complete a follow-up checkpoint with the researcher will be eligible for an additional $10 Visa e-gift card.

If you are interested in participating, please click the link below and complete the questionnaire. If you meet the study criteria, the researcher will follow up with you shortly. If you know of anyone who fits this criterion and is interested in this study, please feel free to forward them this email.

Link to study participation questionnaire: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cxdvaLzFMX2S6k6

For additional information about this study, please contact Kayla Kemp at kayla-kemp@uiowa.edu or Dr. Laura Gallo at laura-gallo@uiowa.edu.

Thank you,
Kayla Kemp, MA, tLMHC (she, her)

Improving Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Monitoring: A Collaborative Approach in the Division of Professional Licensing.

Jim Macedone — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:14:30 GMT

Dear Healthcare Professional Community,

The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) is dedicated to ensuring public safety while also supporting the well-being of licensed professionals in our state. A significant aspect of this commitment involves addressing Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) within the healthcare professional (HCP) community.

As you know, SUDs can affect a substantial percentage of healthcare professionals, often presenting unique challenges and fears about seeking to help due to potential impacts on their licenses and careers. DOPL has a multifaceted, supportive approach to this issue, emphasizing both public protection and providing pathways to recovery for professionals.

We would like to launch a new five-part article series titled "Improving Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Monitoring: A Collaborative Approach in the Division of Professional Licensing." The first article in the series introduces DOPL's programs involved with SUDs, including Investigations, Licensing, Enforcement, the Utah Controlled Substance Database (CSD) and the Utah Professionals Health Program (UPHP), as well as highlights the formation of our new SUD & Prevention Workgroup.

The goal of this series is to:

Increase understanding of DOPL's processes related to SUDs.
Break down the stigma surrounding SUDs.
Encourage professionals to seek assistance to reduce negative impacts on their licenses.

We believe this series would be highly valuable and relevant to your members, offering crucial information and fostering a more supportive environment for HCPs. We would be grateful if you would consider featuring this series, starting with the attached introductory article, in your upcoming newsletter or on your website.

Please find the introductory article attached for your review. We are open to discussing how this collaboration can best serve your association and its members.

Sincerely,

Connie Kitchens, PhD - Public Heath Policy Manager, Utah Controlled Substance Database

Connie joined the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing in fall 2021. She has many years of experience in public health, with much of it being tied to substance abuse prevention. She taught Public Health full-time as an assistant professor at two colleges. Dr. Kitchens has been the leader for many grants and programs throughout her career and currently has three grants that help fund projects with the Controlled Substance Database and Public Health consulting.

Kelli Jacobsen, MSW, LCSW - Program Manager, Utah Professionals Health Program

Kelli joined UPHP as the program manager in 2020. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 and has primarily worked with adults with substance use disorders in various clinical settings. Kelli’s prior experience includes working as a therapist and program director for an outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinic in Oklahoma, as a therapist at the University of Utah, Assessment and Referral Services, and in private practice. In her current role, Kelli oversees the daily operations of UPHP, manages program development, and provides clinical direction alongside the medical director. She integrates her clinical background and dedication to destigmatizing substance use disorders in her work with healthcare professionals. Outside of work, Kelli enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking, and adventuring in the mountains and desert.

Quantitative study to examine supervisee perception of power dynamics

Jim Macedone — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:55:22 GMT

My name is Jessica Stovall. I am a PhD candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I am conducting a quantitative study to examine supervisee perception of power dynamics within individual and triadic clinical supervision as a potential predictor of supervisee nondisclosure. This study may help inform counselor and clinical supervisors in training professional counselors.

If you are a master’s level counseling student or a provisionally licensed counselor actively under clinical supervision, please consider contributing to my study. Participants can complete the survey linked below to contribute to my study. Responses will be confidential and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Thank you for considering volunteering your valuable time to this study.

I appreciate is you would also consider announcing this study to others who may qualify.

Survey Link: https://qualtricsxm7s5zdxynl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6lNIkK9T4txK9QW

cultural awareness and the perception of advocacy needs among counseling professionals

Jim Macedone — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:08:42 GMT

We’re a research team from Old Dominion University, and we’re diving into an exciting research project exploring cultural awareness and the perception of advocacy needs among counseling professionals. Your insights could make a meaningful impact!

You are eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

Are at least 18 years old
Identify as at least one of the following:
1. Master’s level counseling practicum student
2. Master’s level counseling internship student
3. Licensure-seeking counselor
4. Licensed counselor
5. Counselor educator

If you are eligible and interested, we request that you complete an anonymous Qualtrics survey which includes informed consent, demographic questions, and the advocacy needs assessment. The survey should take approximately 20-30 minutes.

Here is the link for the survey: https://tinyurl.com/CounselingAdvocacyNeeds

We would also appreciate your assistance in disseminating this email and/ or the attached flyer to master’s students, counselors, and counselor educators in your program.

The Institutional Review Board at Old Dominion University has approved this study (IRB Protocol #2262133-1). For general questions about this research study, please contact the faculty supervisor, Dr. Jeffry Moe at jmoe@odu.edu. If you have any questions about your rights as a participant, please contact Dr. John Baaki, the Chair of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies (DCEPS) Human Subjects Review Committee at Old Dominion University, at jbaaki@odu.edu or 757-683-5491.

Research study on counselor trainees’ identity management

Jim Macedone — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:48:48 GMT

My name is Norma L. Day-Vines, and I am professor in the School of Education at Johns Hopkins University. I am conducting a research study on counselor trainees’ identity management in relation to discussing social and cultural issues in therapy. I am inviting you to participate in a survey study.

The goal of the study is to improve training for future mental healthcare professionals by better understanding the relationship between their social attitudes and broaching behavior. If you complete the survey, you will have a chance to win a $25 gift card after completing the survey.

The survey should take no more than fifteen minutes. Participation in this study is voluntary and your identity as a participant will remain anonymous during and after the study. The data will contain no information that can personally identify respondents. Results will only be reported on group levels and solely used for research purposes.
Once you click on the survey link, you will be redirected to an information page. Please read it through carefully. After the information page, an informed consent statement will be presented to respondents. I kindly request that you read it thoroughly and contact me in the case you have any questions or concerns.

Only school or clinical mental health counselors (in training) who have completed or are currently completing internship can participate.

Please contact me at norma.dayvines@jhu.edu if you have any questions.

If you are interested in participating, follow this link to the Survey:
Take the Survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://jhuedu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lqGIWZe0YUAK7I?Q_DL=2qNE8b0qqVQeoj5_3lqGIWZe0YUAK7I_CGC_uBam5CkU15EIsW0&Q_CHL=email

Thank you for your participation,
Dr. Norma L. Day-Vines

Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle (EBTCS) Research study

Jim Macedone — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:26:16 GMT

Differential diagnosis for certain symptoms related to mood, anxiety, and eating behaviors can often be challenging to determine. The Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle (EBTCS) is conducting a research study exploring whether symptom characteristics influence clinicians’ diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations for several mental health conditions. Our hope is that data collected from this study will help us learn more about the reliability of clinicians’ diagnostic impressions for certain disorders, which in turn may inform efforts for clinician training and the refinement of psychiatric diagnostic systems.

Study participation involves completing an online survey via SurveyMonkey. Most individuals take between 10-15 minutes to complete the survey. All data is completely anonymous. Names or other unique identifiers are not collected in connection with study data.

The study procedures include: (1) providing demographic data and information about work settings and activities, and (2) reading two clinical vignettes and providing diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations for each vignette.

Risks for participating in the study are minimal. Participants can choose to enter a drawing with the chance to win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards. The drawing will take place once data collection has been completed.

Interested licensed mental health professionals can click below to be taken to the study consent form and survey, or can contact Ariel Ravid, PhD, ataravid@ebtseattle.com.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3SHPGYK

Survey Password: Study2024

Thank you for considering participating in this study!

Ariel Ravid, PhD and Travis Osborne, PhD

Co-Directors of Research

Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle (EBTCS)

Behavioral health workforce audit

Jim Macedone — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:05:34 GMT

The Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor General is conducting a performance audit of the behavioral health workforce in Utah. To document provider feedback and insights on the workforce, we have created a short survey for professional association members to complete. The survey is anonymous and asks questions about challenges and successes within the workforce. We hope you will participate in the survey and share your insights on the mental health counselor profession in Utah. Below is the link to the UMHCA survey. If you are able, please complete the survey by 12/23. Thank you!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UMHCA-OLAG

Please do not hesitate to reach out to McKenzie Cantlon at mcantlon@le.utah.gov if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to your participation.

	McKenzie Cantlon
Lead Performance Auditor \| Utah State Legislature
	Mobile 716-698-3490 Office 801-538-1033
	mcantlon@le.utah.gov
	W315 State Capitol Complex Salt Lake City, UT 84114
olag.utah.gov

research study request

Jim Macedone — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:47:03 GMT

My name is Kyler Lehrbach and I am a doctoral candidate at Temple University working with Philip Kendall, PhD. We are currently looking for mental health service providers to participate in a dissertation project.

My study is examining the decision making of mental health service providers regarding accepting health insurance. Our hope is that findings improve insurance reimbursement rates for mental health services.

The survey is available at this link: https://redcap.link/projectaccess

The survey will take less than 20 minutes to complete, all responses will be keptconfidential and used solely for research purposes, and participants will be compensated $5 for their time.

Eligible participants are those who:

practice under a license of LCSW/LMSW/LICSW, LMFT, LPC, LMHC, or PhD/PsyD
work in private practice
see at least 50% of clients out-of-network (i.e., do not accept insurance for the majority of their caseload)
conduct 10 hours of client facing therapy per week
see individual clients for 50% or more of their caseload
have the ability to decide whether they accept insurance for their clinical work

If you require any further information about the study or the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me at access@temple.edu. This study had been approved by Temple University IRB (#31833). Additionally, if you would like to receive a summary of the study findings once they are available, we would be more than happy to provide that to you.

Research Study

Jim Macedone — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:59:57 GMT

My name is Ellen Dotas, and I am a doctoral candidate at James Madison University in Counseling and Supervision. I am currently seeking participants for a research study that focuses on crisis counselor burnout and self-efficacy. I am doing two studies. One is a quantitative study that explores these issues and also looks at whether someone had any prior training in crisis intervention before they started working in that field. The IRB Protocol number through James Madison University is IRB-FY25-309.

Eligible participants will be counselors who:

· have a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, and

· work or (have worked within the past two years) in a crisis counseling position in a hospital emergency department or on a community mental health agency crisis team.

The second study involves an interview. I am looking for several counselors who, after completing the initial surveys, might then be willing to participate in a virtual interview that explores the lived experiences of counselors who work in hospital emergency departments. Counselors who work in this role have a very important place in mental health support for communities. They have often been underrepresented in research. This study aims to focus on their lived experiences and the challenges and rewards of that work.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in this study/studies and meet the above criteria, please follow this link:

Follow this link to the Survey:
https://jmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0d2FvpqiBTF9T3U

You will then be redirected to the demographic page, consent form, and survey questions. It will take approximately 30 minutes or less to complete.

For those who would then be interested in participating in the qualitative interview, at the end of the survey is a question about participating in that study. If you would like to participate in a one-time virtual interview to share your experience in this area, please complete the last question and I will then follow up to schedule a time to talk and will send appropriate consent for at that time. The interview will take approximately 45-60 minutes. You may withdraw from participation at any time in the interview without penalty. Participants who withdraw will also be allowed to ask that any recordings be deleted. I am very interested in the experiences and perspectives of those who have done this work. The IRB number for that study is: IRB-FY25-234.

I hope you will consider participating in this research. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at dotaser@dukes.jmu.edu.

Thank you for your consideration,

Ellen R. Dotas, LPC, MEd

Dissertation Project Survey

Jim Macedone — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:58:55 GMT

My name is Kyler Lehrbach and I am a PhD student in clinical psychology at Temple University under Dr. Philip Kendall. I am currently looking for mental health service providers to participate in my dissertation project.

I have attached information about the survey (i.e., text describing the study and including the survey link). In short, I am looking for licensed mental health service providers who do not accept insurance for the majority of their caseload to fill out a survey that will take less than 20 minutes to complete. All responses will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes. Participants will be compensated $5 for their time.

Dissertation Study Assistance Needed

Jim Macedone — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:14:19 GMT

“Are you a mental health professional-in-training in the USA or a mental health professional working in the USA?

We are looking for mental health professionals-in-training in the USA and mental health professionals working in the USA to complete a 15–20-minute online survey about their training and experiences in delivering e-therapy.

We are interested in hearing from both those who do and do not use e-therapy.

Be entered to win 1 of 20 $25 USD Amazon gift cards for your participation.

Follow the link below or scan the QR code for more information or to participate!

You can reach us at (506) 458-7924 or anxietylab@unb.ca

Principal Investigator: Emma Giberson (UNB)

Supervisor: Dr. Janine Olthuis (UNB)

REB#: 2024-070”

Emma Giberson (She/Her) | BSc (Hons), MAPRE

PhD Clinical Psychology Graduate Student

University of New Brunswick | Fredericton Campus

Room 16B, Keirstead Hall

Counselors and Cybersecurity Technology Acceptance and Use – Doctoral Dissertation Study Invitation

Jim Macedone — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:56:35 GMT

Counselors and Cybersecurity Technology Acceptance and Use – Doctoral Dissertation Study Invitation

You are invited to participate in my doctoral dissertation study entitled “Counselors and Cybersecurity Technology Acceptance and Use.”

The University of the Cumberlands Institutional Review Board has provided approval for this study.

This study aims to examine the motivational constructs that predict cybersecurity technology acceptance and use among Licensed Professional Counselors (and equivalent). Much of the healthcare industry's cybersecurity research focuses on large healthcare systems, such as hospitals or state-run healthcare organizations; almost none have focused on the cybersecurity practices of mental health professionals. It is hoped that the results of this study will help LPCs safeguard themselves, their clients, and their practices against cybersecurity threats.

You may participate in this study if you are:

At least 18 years of age.
A Master’s or Ph.D.-level graduate, or current resident, of a CACREP-accredited counseling program.
Currently working as a Licensed Professional Counselor (or equivalent) within the United States.

This study uses an anonymous survey that is expected to take 5-15 minutes to complete. No personally identifiable information will be collected by the study, your answers will not be shared with anyone, and the researcher will not contact you about your answers. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at any time.

If you would like to participate, please click the link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/counselorsandcybersecurity

Jeff Yeutter

Black History Month

Jim Macedone — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:38:37 GMT

Ideas for Black History Month from Cultures Connecting:

In addition to honoring the past, Black history month is also about the present. Here are some ideas for Black History Month:

In Our Communities

At Work

At School

Honoring the Past and Building the Future with Cultur X

"The world started to show that this is really needed...what's happening across the country, trying to covertly just kind of remove [Black] history that happened and wash over it and it was like, no. it's our history. It's our responsibility to tell ourselves what happened, where we were at, where we're at presently, and where we can go...The mission essentially is honor the past, build the future, create legacy. "

In celebration of Black History Month, we are bringing you an interview with Ché and Brea Davis, co-founders of Cultur X, conducted by Jerod Grant, former Cultures Connecting consultant.

Cultur X is a social impact fashion brand pushing Black culture forward. They do this by embedding QR Codes in their designs that link people with the stories of Black cultural icons and legends, with the goal of fostering a strong sense of identity and pride among its wearers. Ché sees Cultur X as a movement, aiming to inspire action by weaving storytelling, history, and social impact into every piece.

Watch the interview below to hear the inspiring story of Cultur X's origin.

Final Call: Equity Leaders Workshop

Our Equity Leaders workshop is next week! If you are leading DEIBelonging efforts, this workshop is an opportunity to share strategies, problem solve, and network.

Date: February 8th & 9th

Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm PST

Location: Virtual

Ticket sales end Monday. Register today!

Learn More & Register

It's the first of the month which means looking at the dates from our Diversity Calendar. Want your own copy of the calendar? You can download it here.

01-02: Imbolc (Neo-Pagan)
03: Setsubun-sai (Shinto)
10: Tết (Vietnam)
10: Lunar New Year (Asia)
14: Valentine's Day (International)
14: Ash Wednesday (Christian)
14-31: Lenten Season (Christian)
19: Day of Remembrance (Japanese Incarceration) (U.S.)

February 10th is Lunar New Year, which is celebrated across Asia including China, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Vietnam.

2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon which symbolizes boldness, expansion, creativity, and energy.

Many people call this holiday Chinese New Year but it is celebrated all over Asia. "Lunar New Year" should be used in lieu of "Chinese New Year" as a more inclusive term.

Judy Lee, our Support & Projects Manager, is curating an art exhibition in February on the theme "From the Margins" at the Fishbowl, a QTBIPOC artists gallery and studios in Seattle.

The show features 19 artists and is centered on marginalized voices to make conscious and visible their experiences.

The Opening Reception is on Friday, 2/2 at 5-8pm at 323 2nd Ave W. in Uptown. The Closing + Artist Talk (moderated by Judy) will be on 2/23 at 6-8pm.

Upcoming DEIB/Social Justice Events

For details on these and other events, workshops and conferences, visit our Events Calendar. If you have an event you would like us to share, please reach out to us!

2/01: Alianza Americas: Contextualizing the Migrant Narrative
2/01: Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice Lecture Series
2/01: Have You Eaten AANHPI Group Art Show Opening
2/01: Always Prepared-Building the Road for Equality
2/01: Black History Month Film "Agents of Change"*
2/01: NAMI LGBTQ+ Support Group (Weekly)
2/02: From the Margins Group Art Show
2/03: Wing Luke Museum Lunar New Year
2/04: Nice Racism Online Book Group
2/04: Breaking White Silence: Working for White Literacy
2/05: The Sum of Us: How Racism Hurts Everyone
2/07: Tamara Payne: The Life and Legacy of Malcom X
2/06: Untold APIDA Joy: Celebrating Lunar New Year in K-12
2/08: Cultures Connecting Equity Leaders Workshop
2/08: White Women in Nonprofits Cohort
2/08: CARW Monthly Connection Circle
2/09: Ijeoma Oluo with Michele Storms
2/10: A Black History Month Poetry Slam
2/10: Have You Eaten Lunar New Year Festival
2/11: Aware-LA: Unmasking Whiteness
2/13: NAMI BIPOC Support Group
2/15: SURJ Abolition Action Hour
2/15: Community-Driven Planning in Action-Voices from the Field
2/15: The Tender Work: Acknowledging White Responsibility
2/15: Peace Peloton Columbia City Gras Night Market
2/15: Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams

...and more!

Mental Health Resources in Spanish

Jim Macedone — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:43:13 GMT

We are thrilled to announce the release of three new valuable resources to enhance mental health support for Spanish-speaking communities:

Culture, Community, and Connection: 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit - The BIPOC Mental Health Month campaign and toolkit were designed to provide culturally responsive mental health information to highlight three core pillars of culture, community, and connection and how integral they are to BIPOC communities. The toolkit includes factsheets, worksheets, shareable images, and more that can aid community discussion and guide individuals to helpful resources.

Selfies, Social, and Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth: 2023 Back to School Resources - The Back to School campaign and resources were developed to help increase understanding of how online activity affects the mental health of children and teens. The factsheets, shareable images, and other materials in the toolkit can be used to help manage the challenges of virtual spaces and empower youth to make informed decisions for their mental health and well-being.

New Mental Health Resources Hub in Spanish: Our Spanish-language resources hub provides a comprehensive collection of mental health materials to assist individuals, families, and others in accessing valuable mental health resources for the Spanish-speaking community.

We invite you to download our campaign materials, explore the resources on our website, and share them within your communities. Together, we can foster mental health awareness and support for all.

-Posted from Mental Health America

Multicultural Advocacy and Competency Committee

Jim Macedone — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 15:23:43 GMT

Something historic just happened.

In a groundbreaking development, UMHCA proudly announces the formation of its Multicultural Team, a dynamic and dedicated group committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the organization and beyond. This bold step reflects UMHCA's unwavering commitment to embracing and celebrating a multicultural presence, recognizing the immense value that multiculturalism brings to innovation, collaboration, and our overall organizational success.

Led by visionary Adriana C. Zarate, the Multicultural Advocacy and Competency Committee will spearhead transformative efforts across UMHCA's efforts. Their primary focus will be to ensure equitable representation, amplify underrepresented voices, and implement inclusive policies that create an environment where all employees thrive and feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

Our significant investment in DEI reaffirms UMHCA's dedication to creating an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can flourish, leveraging their varied experiences to drive innovation, creativity, and competence. With the formation of this new committee, UMHCA boldly stands at the forefront of embracing the transformative power of diversity and leading the way towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

2023 Legislative Update

Jim Macedone — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:40:23 GMT

UMHCA Legislative Updates April 2023

UMHCA’s Legislative & Public Policy Committee (LPPC) was extremely active during the recent legislative session and continues to advocate for our profession year-round both in Utah and nationally. This year some major legislative changes occurred and we want you to understand the impact of these changes in your work and professional development. Please reach out to lppc@umhca.org if you have any questions and if you would like your voice heard as we prepare for the 2024 legislative session and continue to work with legislators join our committee!

House Bill 166

The Utah Legislature passed House Bill 166 which amends the Mental Health Professional Practice Act that governs the licensing for Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselors (ACMHCs). The amended act has two primary provisions:

ACMHCs hours required for direct supervision with an approved supervisor have been reduced from 100 hours to 75 hours
The minimum time requirement of two years prior to obtaining full licensure has been eliminated, DOPL is adding a rule to an 18-month time frame

HB 166 Impact for ACMHC’s

Decreasing the supervised practice time to less than 2-years and 75 supervision hours is one of the lowest standards for full licensure in the United States. ACMHCs and ACMHC supervisors should be aware of the following:

Supervisors are not required to sign off to recommend full licensure for any ACMHC who has not demonstrated the ability to practice competently and ethically. This is an ethical and liability responsibility of the supervisor to protect the safety and health of the public.
Supervisees may request more time with supervised practice from their supervisor if they do not yet feel prepared for independent practice.
ACMHCs should be aware that if they apply for full licensure before two years or with less than 100 hours of supervision (de facto national standards) there may possibly be untended consequences. Currently, it is likely that this decrease may impact the ability to be eligible to bill for Medicare reimbursement and commercial insurance, participation in the Counseling Compact, Privilege to Practice, and portability of licensure to other states.
- Medicare Reimbursement: The Federal Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R.432) passed by Congress allows Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) and Mental Health Counselors to be reimbursed under Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will establish the rules and requirements for those eligible to bill for Medicare reimbursement for both those over 65 and those with Medicare eligibility disabilities. The current draft indicates that CMHC’s eligible to be Medicare providers must have 2-years of supervised practice. The rules will be established this year so that the law can be implemented on January 1, 2024.
- The Counseling Compact has been passed in Utah and several other states. The Counseling Compact Commission this year is likewise establishing the rules and requirements for fully licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors to participate in the Privilege to Practice across state lines. It is likely that some states will require 2-years of supervised practice.
- To be eligible and paneled with Tricare 100 hours of supervision and 2-years of supervised practice are required.
- Many states require 2 years of supervised practice prior to full licensure. If you are considering relocating or becoming licensed in another state, UMHCA recommends that you contact the licensing body of that state.

Supervisor Considerations. Supervisors of ACMHCs should review the ethical and legal liabilities for approving full licensure for any individual who is not fully qualified to practice competently and ethically. Supervisors are not under any state injunctions to prematurely approve ACMHCs if there are public health or safety concerns. Supervisors should also consider completing a supervisor training program.

HB 166 Summary. UMHCA strongly urges ACMHCs and supervisors to consider the impact of these changes to full licensure under the Mental Health Professional Practice Act as well as any rules that DOPL may subsequently publish.

HB 228 Unprofessional Conduct Amendments

Further defines conversion therapy for minors and what “conversion therapy” includes. The therapist’s intent must NOT be to change a sexual identity or sexual attraction of a minor client. As long as the intent is NOT to change, a therapist should feel safe to discuss options with the client that align with the clients’ values and wants.

It is imperative that we as therapists seek supervision when we feel unclear or unqualified when meeting with particular clients. We are lucky in the state of Utah to have such an array of therapists willing and able to meet with our LGBTQ+ community. So, whether it’s reaching out to a fellow professional to seek supervision on issues or referring to a more qualified professional, our ethical obligation is to provide the best quality care to our clients.

SB 16 Transgender Medical Treatments and Procedures Amendments

This bill takes away ALL gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender adolescents. Therapists will no longer have medical options to help their clients or refer them to. It will be imperative that therapists seek supervision if they are unclear on how to support a transgender minor client. We will still be able to talk with our clients about their mental health as related to their gender dysphoria and will need to explore other options with them to address their needs. These options may include topics such as gender expression (hair, makeup, name), resources for parents, support groups, or voice training.

Learn more about the legislative work UMHCA is engaged in at our upcoming annual conference on May 11^th & 12^th. Also, the LPPC’s Jessica Black, LCMHC will be presenting the UMHCA Brown Bag next week (April 12^th) on Legislative 101.

DSM-5-TR is here

Jim Macedone — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 02:17:35 GMT

DSM-5-TR is here

The DSM has been revised and is available. Some may wonder what the changes are to the "texts revisions." Best bet? Read it for yourself. Still, some of us like a summary and here are a few options for you to understand what the new revision contains.

According to medscape, "The American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), which is not a full revision, only includes one new condition, Prolonged Grief Disorder." and "the goal of the Text Revision was to allow a thorough revision of the text, not the criteria," Paul Appelbaum, MD, chair of the APA's DSM Steering Committee, told Medscape Medical News."

Here are some links to help you with more...

HB 283 information

Jim Macedone — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 04:51:10 GMT

The LPPC committee would like to draw your attention to a bill of particular import on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee roster. HB 283 - Mental Health Professional Licensing Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Thurston, proposes the reduction of clinical hours required for licensure among CMHCs, MFTs, and CSWs from 4,000 to 3,000. There are no amendments to any other licensure requirements for mental health professionals at this time. If you would like to review the full text of this bill, you may access that here. This bill was passed in the House and transferred to the Senate on 2/15/2022.

Learn more here

Support Pledged to Counseling Compact

Jim Macedone — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:03:01 GMT

Dear Mr. Logsdon:

The Utah Mental Health Counseling Association (UMHCA) fully endorses passage of the Counseling Compact by state legislatures. UMHCA advocates for over 1200 licensed clinical mental heatlh counselors in Utah who are licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders.

UMHCA endorses the Counseling Compact because it provides for:

 Greater individual and family access to mental health services offered by licensed counselors

 Consistently high standards of public health safety in the participating

states

 Continuity of care for patients when patients or counselors relocate or travel to other states

 Military personnel and spouses to maintain their licenses to practice when relocating

 Increased mobility for fully licensed clinical mental health counselors

 State licensure that is preserved and strengthened in the respective participating states

After reviewing the proposed Counseling Compact legislation, UMHCA recommends compact adoption. The compact maintains standards of public safety while adhering to state ethical and legal mandates. UMHCA urges its members to engage state legislators in supporting the passage of the Counseling Compact.

If I can be of further support, please contact me:

Sincerely,

Anna Lieber, CMHC, NCC/CCMHC

Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor

Jim Macedone — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 23:55:26 GMT

UMHCA Statement For Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor

The Utah Mental Health Counseling Association (UMHCA) Board is deeply saddened by the death of Isabella “Izzy” Faith Tichenor, age 10, who died by suicide on November 6, 2021. According to her mother, Izzy was the victim of ongoing racially and disability-based bullying at her school. This tragic event occurred several weeks after a report from the Department of Justice identified a consistent pattern of racial harassment toward Black and Asian American students within Izzy’s school district.

UMHCA is an organization committed to addressing disparities in the access to and quality of mental health care services for individuals who have been marginalized based on historical and ongoing systemic injustice, like racism. Tragedies like Izzy’s death amplify the importance of our profession in providing mental health support and suicide prevention resources for individuals, families, and communities who are often under-served and experience a lack of safety in their neighborhoods due to prejudice and hate. Izzy’s suicide also punctuates the compounded stress the global pandemic has on the lives for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who are disproportionately affected by the confluence of racism in the economic, education, medical, and mental health systems.

The leadership at UMHCA sends our heartfelt condolences to Izzy’s family. We wish to recognize our BIPOC colleagues who are numerically underrepresented in the state of Utah and who are deeply affected by the racial injustices they and their BIPOC clients experience; it is a collective trauma. We send our support to our Black colleagues and communities who are grieving and who must mourn the loss of another Black life. UMHCA wants to encourage all Clinical Mental Health Counselors to seek out the educational, professional, and ethics training needed to provide culturally responsive services to their BIPOC clients. As a professional community, we must work together to cultivate cultural fortitude and multicultural competencies, which will allow us to courageously support and advocate for our clients as well as for our colleagues. UMHCA is committed to creating opportunities for multiculturally oriented dialogue, professional development, and resources with these priorities in mind.

Here are some resources and training opportunities:

Liveonutah.org

•https://utahsuicideprevention.org

•https://healthcare.utah.edu/uni/programs/safe-ut-smartphone-app/

•https://zerosuicide.sprc.org/about

•www.sprc.org

•https://suicidology.org/

•http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

•https://afsp.org

•https://veterans.utah.edu/training-workshops/

•https://livethroughthis.org/

•https://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/calm-counseling-access-lethal-means

•https://www.nctsn.org/

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means - Utah (CALM-Utah)

o Flyer attached.

o www.train.org/utah

· Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)

o Flyer attached.

o Registration: https://utahdhs.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ewE3gomcwtJpaD4

· Trauma-Informed Approach Training

o Trauma Informed Approach Training | DSAMH

New Supervision Rules

Jim Macedone — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:16:39 GMT

Mental Health Professional Practice Act rule changes effective November 10, 2020. The rule changes impact: Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapist, Substance Use Disorder Counselors, and Social Workers.

Utah State Bulletin: https://rules.utah.gov/publicat/bull_pdf/2020/b20201001.pdf

Key Changes:
1. Supervisors & supervisees are required to enter into a supervision contract and must be kept on file with the supervisor.
2. Supervisors are required to submit a Verification of Supervision for Post Graduate Mental Health Practice Hours from to the Division. https://dopl.utah.gov/cmhc/verify_supervised_experience.pdf
a. The form can be found on DOPL dopl.utah..gov SW, CMHC, MFT and SUDC website’s by going to “Licensing”, then “Additional Forms”
3. Regardless of how long you have been supervised, you will need to turn in this form to the Division
4. DOPL will inform the Supervisor via letter that the form has been received and the supervisor may proceed with supervision. If the supervisor does not qualify, DOPL will contact both the Supervisor and Supervisee.
5. There are new profession-specific Supervision for Post Graduate Mental Health Practice Hours forms (on DOPL website)ACMHC https://dopl.utah.gov/cmhc/cmhc_supervision_for_post-graduate_mental_health_practice_hours.pdf
6. Previous hours obtained under supervision before the rule change will be accepted. Supervision hours documented on the old form prior to the rule change will still be accepted.
7. Clinical Mental Health Counselors are now required to take the NCE & NCMHCE exams for full licensure.
National Counselor Examination (NCE). The registration and administration of this exam is processed through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To register for this exam, please visit the link below
Exam Registration
NCE Candidate Handbook
National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE). The registration and administration of this exam is processed through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To register for this exam, please visit the link below
· Exam Registration

· NCMHCE Candidate Handbook
8. All Continuing Education can be found in the Mental Health Professional Practice Act Rule.

MHC Bill passed by Congress

Jim Macedone — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 15:21:27 GMT

In a recent posting by AMHCA, they state:

Congress Passes Landmark VA Mental Health Counselor Bill

September 24, 2020

Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved S. 785, sending a major VA mental health and counseling bill to President Trump for signature. The bill is the most significant new legislation for the counseling profession in over a decade and a tremendous advancement for mental health counselors working for the federal government, and particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This historic legislation directs the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to create the first ever federal government classification for mental health counselors, referred to as an Occupational Series. The Series will allow counselors to work in federal government agencies under the title of mental health counselor instead of generic Series that apply to many professions. Social workers and psychologists have had their own Occupational Series for decades and it is past time counselors have the same level of recognition. Creation of an Occupational Series for mental health counselors has been a top federal priority for national counseling organizations for many years and is a hard won success.
S. 785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, also takes several steps to increase the hiring, training, and advancement of mental health counselors within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill requires the Comptroller General of the United States to prepare a study on staffing levels of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. The study will identify “impediments to carry out the education, training, and hiring of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists”, as well as a “description of the objectives, goals, and timing of the Department with respect to increasing the representation of such counselors and therapists.” The bill also creates scholarships for counselors interested in working for the VA Readjustment Counseling Program.AMHCA lobbying firm, Bergman Strategies, worked closely with Members and staff from the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees to develop and advance this important legislation. AMHCA was the only counseling organization to help shepherd this bill through both chambers, but partnered with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy / California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

S. 785 was introduced by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC). These Senators are long-term champions for increased recognition of mental health counselors, Senator Moran having introduced the original House bill that opened the VA to the profession in 2006. The SVAC passed the bill in December 2019, but the bill really started to gain steam when it passed the Senate on August 5, 2020.

AMHCA and AAMFT/CAMFT lobbyists had been working with the House Veteran Affairs Committee (HVAC) on companion legislation, but efforts intensified after Senate passage. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced H.R. 8145 on September 1, a standalone bill that matched the counselor components in S. 785. The legislation was included in a September 10 hearing and September 17 markup. House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) and his staff showed strong commitment to the counselor legislation and ensured that it was maintained throughout the process.

S. 785 will be sent to President Trump for signature. The legislation requires creation of the counselor Occupational Series within one year from enactment. There is no timeframe for the Comptroller report on VA staffing, but it must be reported to the House and Senate Committees within 90 days of completion.

The passage of legislation to create an Occupational Series for mental health counselors is a tremendous success for the counseling profession and AMHCA is proud to have played such a pivotal role in its achievement. The Series will increase federal government recognition and hiring of mental health counselors. S. 785 will also expand employment and training of mental health counselors within the VA, a long-term priority of the association. AMHCA wants to thank Senators Tester and Moran, as well as Representatives Takano, Brownley, and Hayes for their commitment to this important legislation.

"The Perfect Storm" report

Jim Macedone — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:32:02 GMT

ABOUT THE REPORT AMHCA.ORG CONTACT

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE

Beyond a Perfect Storm – How Racism, Covid-19, and Economic Meltdown Imperil Our Mental Health

Based on the AMHCA report, nearly 41 percent of adults nationally are reporting that they are suffering from a mental health disorder -- or about 103 million adults in the U.S.

Download the Report for Free

Enter your information and we will send you the report.

DOWNLOAD NOW

What you'll find inside

Read AMHCA's Press Release

"The confluence of events this year has created a 'perfect storm' that has swamped the mental health and well-being of all people, and especially those who identify as Black Americans," said Angele Moss-Baker, President of the American Mental Health Counselors Association and one of the report's co-authors. "The resulting tsunami of mental health concerns requires a comprehensive and integrated policy response with intentional, culturally responsive policy and practices to reduce the negative impacts of racial trauma, discrimination, and oppression while promoting short- and long-term mental health and well-being."

Mental Health Disorders by State

Jim Macedone — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:30:19 GMT

AMHCA released a major report today on the number of Americans reporting mental health distress over the last few months. Please see our new study – Beyond A Perfect Storm – How Racism, Covid-19, and Economic Meltdown Imperil Our Mental Healthand our press release on the study.

Based on the AMHCA report, nearly 41 percent of adults nationally are reporting that they are suffering from a mental health disorder -- or about 103 million adults in the U.S.

The AMHCA study is based on surveys developed by the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers for Disease and Prevention, and the National Center for Health Statistics. For more information, please see the link below to a key table through the Census Bureau Pulse Survey.

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/mental-health.htm

Please scroll through the chart and you will find specific information by your state as well. For your convenience, we also have listed the percentage of adults reporting mental health disorders by AMHCA State Chapter below.

For more information about the study, please contact me at 703-548-4474

State % Reporting Mental Health Disorders

AL 33.9

AR 43.5

CT 35.1

DC 36.1

FL 40.5

GA 40.0

IA 37.8

ID 45.5

IL 43.2

IN 42.0

KY 26.6

LA 43.1

MA 35.2

MD 39.3

ME 37.8

MI 40.7

MO 37.9

MS 48.0

MT 36.0

NC 39.5

ND 33.8

NH 40.7

NJ 37.6

NM 47.5

NY 41.1

OH 37.1

OK 44.1

PA 31.8

RI 44.5

SC 42.3

SD 35.4

TN 43.6

TX 35.5

UT 37.8

VA 38.3

VT 33.2

WA 43.8

WV 37.0

Joel E. Miller
Executive Director and CEO
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)

Bill will expand access to mental health services

Jim Macedone — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:24:07 GMT

For Immediate Release
Jan. 31, 2019

CONTACT:
Barrasso Press Office (Barrasso) – (202) 224-6441
Miranda Margowsky (Stabenow) – (202) 224-1437

Barrasso, Stabenow Introduce Bipartisan Mental Health Access Improvement Act

Bill will expand access to mental health services for our nation’s seniors.

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) reintroduced the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S. 286). The bill would allow America’s seniors access to marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) through Medicare. By providing these mental health professionals the opportunity to participate in the Medicare program, this bill expands the number of mental health providers available to our nation’s seniors.

“As a doctor, improving access to mental health care is an important personal priority of mine. I am proud to once again join with Senator Stabenow to introduce the Mental Health Access Improvement Act,” said Barrasso. “This bipartisan legislation expands the number of mental health providers working in the Medicare program. This will make it easier for our nation’s seniors, especially those living in rural areas, to get the care they need closer to home.”

“One in five Americans struggle with some kind of mental illness and older Americans are no exception,” said Stabenow. “Our bill makes it easier for seniors to have access to the mental health care they need.”

U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA-05) and John Katko (R-NY-24) introduced the companion bill to S. 286 in the House of Representatives.

In the United States alone, 20 percent of individuals ages 55 and older experience some type of mental health concern. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, there are more than 5,000 Mental Health Professionals Shortage Areas in the United States, and half of all counties in the U.S. have no practicing psychiatrists or psychologists. Seniors in rural communities are the most adversely affected by these shortage areas.

The Mental Health Access Improvement Act lifts restrictions on certain mental health professionals that bar them from billing Medicare. This will increase access to existing mental health professionals and allow them to treat America’s seniors.

Utah Mental Health Counselors Association

Studies/Research

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 01:36:37 GMT

Anxiety, depression as predictive of poor future health as obesity, smoking (December 18, 2018).Study findings published in Health Psychology indicated that anxiety and depression symptoms predicted greater incidence of nearly all medical illnesses and somatic symptoms.
Discovery of the first common genetic risk factors for ADHD (November 30, 2018) ScienceDaily. — Important step in understanding biological underpinnings of ADHD.
Older adults' abstract reasoning ability predicts depressive symptoms over time (November 30, 2018) ScienceDaily. — Age-related declines in abstract reasoning ability predict increasing depressive symptoms in subsequent years, according to data from a longitudinal study of older adults in Scotland.
Adolescent brain development impacts mental health, substance use (November 30, 2018) ScienceDaily. —New findings offer promising avenues for early therapeutic interventions in young people.
Keep it complex: Study shows that previous research oversimplified Schizophrenia symptoms (November 30, 2018) (ScienceDaily) — Negative symptoms in schizophrenia can be so disabling that they interfere with a person's ability to attend school, begin a fulfilling career, and even live independently. Scientists suggest a new way to classify the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which may influence research and treatment in years to come.
Deep-Brain Recordings May Show Where Unhappiness Lives (November 30, 2018) -Scientific American - New recordings of electrical activity in the brain help reveal the underpinnings of bad moods.
Should Childhood Trauma Be Treated As A Public Health Crisis? (November 30, 2018) — (NPR) New research highlights the link between childhood trauma and mental illness and addiction in adulthood, leading some researchers to call it an issue as pressing as any infectious disease.
An Entirely New Type of Antidepressant Targets Postpartum Depression (26Oct18) A novel drug is intended to help women who suffer from depression after childbirth
Breastfeeding might benefit babies by reducing stress. (12Oct18) “Exclusively breastfed 5-month-old babies who were exposed to a stressful situation had lower levels of cortisol and were less likely to have a fight-or-flight stress response, compared with those who weren't breastfed, researchers reported in Pediatrics. The findings suggest that maternal bonding during breastfeeding may increase babies' resilience to stress and other maternal nurturing behaviors, such as holding and cuddling, may be beneficial, even among those who were formula-fed, said Dr. Robert Wright, who wrote an accompanying editorial.”
Key Findings in Kaiser Health Tracking Poll. (12Oct18) . 1) A candidate’s position on continuing protections for people with pre-existing health conditions is the top health care campaign issue for voters, among a list of issues provided. 2) When it comes to the Supreme Court and possible future court cases, once again, continued protections for people with pre-existing conditions weighs heavy on the minds of the public. 3) Almost six in ten (56 percent) Americans say they think President Trump and his administration are trying to make the ACA fail while one-third (32 percent) say they are trying to make the law work. 4) As of July 20, 2018, 14 states have not expanded their Medicaid programs and three states are considering expansion.
Report: World Faces $16T Cost From Mental Illness. (12Oct18) Failure to take action against a mental health crisis that affects every country could cost the world $16 trillion by 2030, according to a study by a task force of medical experts, advocates and patients. The "Lancet Commission" report cites expenditures for health care and the toll of lost productivity, education deficits, and outlays for public assistance and law enforcement.
The OC Tanner Report: Separate Praise from Feedback. (12Oct18) Research by O.C. Tanner’s Global Culture Report finds that 42% of employees who received recognition from their leaders also received a message of “here’s how you can do better” within that same communication. Communicating with employees this way sends mixed messages, leaving them to wonder if your praise is genuine. Further, when recognition is paired with a suggestion for improvement, it sets up an atmosphere of “conditional” praise, in which the receiver wonders what, exactly, he or she must do to earn recognition that’s “worthy” of your notice.
Report: Younger Vets are an Exception to Lower Suicide Rate . “The rate of veterans ages 18 to 34 dying by suicide increased in 2016 even as the rate for veterans overall declined, the Department of Veterans Affairs reported. The VA credited "great strides in crisis intervention" overall.”
Arising Needs: Study: 20% in College Think of Harming Themselves. “A survey of more than 67,000 US college students found more than 20% reporting experiences so stressful during the past year that that they raised mental health issues, including thoughts of suicide. "There are some stresses that are exceeding the capacity of students to cope," said lead researcher Cindy Liu of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.”
Study Results: For Adolescent Girls, Brain Function May Influence How Life Events Affect Depression. “A new study finds that recent life events can influence depressive symptoms differently in adolescent girls, depending on how the brain responds to winning and losing. The findings, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, suggest that a strong brain response to winning boosts the beneficial impact of positive experiences on symptoms, whereas a strong response to losing intensifies the detrimental impact of negative experiences on symptoms.”
Study Results: Irregular Bedtimes Add Health Risks. “An analysis of sleeping patterns for almost 2,000 adults found those who had irregular bedtimes had higher body mass index readings, blood sugar levels, blood pressure and A1C, compared with those who had more regular sleeping patterns, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. People with irregular sleep patterns also had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, depression and stress.”

Opioid Crisis

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 01:35:37 GMT

Judge dismisses opioid crisis lawsuits against drugmakers (07Jan18) By The Associated Press. A Connecticut judge has dismissed lawsuits against Purdue Pharma and two dozen other drug companies brought by 37 cities and towns in the state, which blame them for the opioid crisis and seek to recoup millions of dollars spent on emergency response and other services.
Should Fatal Opioid-Related Drug Overdoses Be Classified as Suicides? (November 30, 2018) (Scientific American.) — New research suggests it is time for a categorization change.
The Myth of What’s Driving the Opioid Crisis. (26Oct18) "Doctor-prescribed painkillers are not the biggest threat." As an addiction psychiatrist, I have watched with serious concern as the opioid crisis has escalated in the United States over the past several years, and overdose deaths have skyrocketed. … I have also watched a false narrative about this crisis blossom into conventional wisdom: The myth that the epidemic is driven by patients becoming addicted to doctor-prescribed opioids, or painkillers like hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin) and oxycodone (e.g., Percocet).
THE SO-CALLED 'OPIOID OVERDOSE CRISIS' EXPLAINED (26Oct18) "In the U.S. and in countries politically influenced by it, authorities are proclaiming the existence of an 'opioid overdose crisis' or simply an 'opioid crisis'. However, as with all things related to policy concerning drugs other than alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, it is pure fabrication designed to justify and help perpetuate a human-rights abuse, the 'War on Drugs'."
The truth about the US ‘opioid crisis’ (26Oct18)– "Prescriptions aren’t the problem The overdose epidemic is unmistakable. But it’s driven by illicit use of drugs. If moral panic results in more patients in pain, that would be a disaster."
Children, families in need get nods in opioid bill: (12Oct18) An agreement between the House and Senate regarding a sweeping opioid response bill last week contains a number of provisions, mostly modest, promoting the welfare of children and foster youth, according to The Chronicle of Social Change. Small boosts to family reunification and family-focused residential substance abuse treatment also emerged.
Biopsychosocial Approach to Pain Management (12Oct18) “Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, cancer, and heart disease combined and has been cited as the number one reason to seek medical care in the United States. Medications including opioids remain important resources for pain management, but therapeutic techniques utilized by clinical social workers as part of interdisciplinary approaches to pain management are also effective. Learn about therapeutic techniques clinical social workers can use to help patients manage pain.
Up and Coming: Congressional Appropriators Propose Increase in HHS Budget to $90B . “Congressional appropriators have proposed to raise HHS' budget by $2.3 billion to $90.5 billion this year, which includes $3.8 billion in funding to fight the opioid abuse crisis. The spending package would allocate $1.5 billion of the opioid funding to state response grants, while community health centers will receive $200 million to fund their behavioral, mental health and addiction treatment services.” Number of Opioid Abusers Fell Slightly Last Year . “Figures from the HHS' National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed the number of people who misused or were addicted to opioid painkillers dropped to 11.4 million last year from 11.8 million in 2016 and 12.7 million in 2015. Hydrocodone and oxycodone were the most commonly abused opioid drugs, and most opioid users got their drugs free from friends or relatives, but 34.6% got them from a physician, the survey found.”
Up and Coming: Congress Finalizes Opioid Legislative Package . “House and Senate lawmakers finalized a major opioid legislative package late Monday, and it won't include a technical change to Medicare Part D's "doughnut hole" language pushed by pharmaceutical firms. The final package includes a measure by Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, that would temporarily lift restrictions on use of Medicaid funds for inpatient addiction treatment.”
Current Trends: Standard Drugs to Address Opioid Crisis. “At a time when the U.S. government is trying to deal with a nationwide opioid epidemic, many jails across the country are only now rolling out medicines to help inmates overcome addiction. And most of those jails dispense only one of the drugs currently available.” “Medication, when paired with counseling and social support, is considered the standard treatment for opioid addiction. Three medications treat addiction to opioids. Methadone and buprenorphine diminish opioid withdrawal symptoms and can reduce cravings. Naltrexone blocks the effect of opioids and also treats alcoholism.”

Ethics

Dennis Alan Tucker — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 01:43:14 GMT

Practice Ethics: How Many Years Does a Therapist Keep Records? “The NASW Insurance Trust strongly recommends retaining clinical records indefinitely. Remember: statutes of limitations for professional liability are based on when the injured party first realizes or should have realized that the practitioner caused harmed. As this could mean decades after the alleged malpractice, disposing of files—ever—is potentially risky."

Suicide Awareness

Dennis Alan Tucker — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 01:41:37 GMT

Big Brother? Facebook Increasingly Reliant on A.I. To Predict Suicide Risk(November 17, 2018) — (NPR) A year ago, Facebook started using artificial intelligence to scan people's accounts for danger signs of imminent self-harm. Facebook Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis is pleased with the results so far.

Need for Counselors

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 01:33:15 GMT

Employers Say 'Mental Illness, Substance Abuse at 2 -year Peak.' (12Oct18) Mental illness and substance abuse issues are at the highest level they've been in two years, according to 60 percent of U.S. employers in a new study released by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Nearly 40 percent of organizations said that their employees are very or extremely stressed, and 39 percent said stress levels are more elevated now than two years ago.
Arising Needs: School Districts Struggle to Fill Mental Health Positions. “The school psychologist shortage rages on, with one federal study predicting deficits of more than 10,000 full-time psychologists by 2025. But districts have been exploring nontraditional options to provide comprehensive care to all students. The shortages are significant and severe, to the point where we’re in somewhat of a potential crisis,” says Eric Rossen, director of professional development and standards at the National Association of School Psychologists.”
Arising Needs: Texas Needs Thousands More Special-ed Teachers. “Now that Texas has removed the cap on special-education enrollments, the state will need an estimated $3 billion in additional funding and almost 9,000 new teachers to serve an estimated 30% increase in the number of students who need support and services. Already facing a teacher shortage, the state is offering grants to schools that need special-ed teachers for additional student evaluations.”
Arising Needs: Teens are Anxious and Depressed, and Turn to School nurses for help. But Most Illinois Schools Don't have One. “To meet the new demands, school nurses are offered extra training in mental health as well as resources from the National Association of School Nurses. They are adding relaxation rooms to the typical beds in the nurse’s office, and they have had to develop detailed cooperation plans with school guidance counselors and social workers, who are trained to handle such issues but, for better or worse, are not always the first stop for students seeking a nurturing response in a school building.”
Bills & Counseling: Merkley proposes mental health counselors in all public schools. “Marking National Suicide Prevention Week, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., announced the introduction of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act, new bicameral legislation they said would help fill the critical unmet need for school-based mental health services providers in elementary and secondary schools in America.” Co-sponsors bill to 'fill critical unmet need'.

Medicaid/Medicare

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 01:32:14 GMT

NAMI Excited With New Opportunities To Improve Medicaid Mental Health Care (11/30/2018) —Secretary Alex Azar, U.S. Health & Human Services, announced that the Administration will allow states to apply for Medicaid waivers to pay for mental health treatment in inpatient settings known as IMDs, or institutions of mental disease.
The New Medicaid/Medicare Card. “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is issuing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries. Whereas each Medicare card formerly included the beneficiary’s Social Security number, each new card will use a unique Medicare number, also known as a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). The MBI is randomly assigned and does not replace an individual’s Social Security number.”
S.D. Seeks to Impose Medicaid Work Requirements on Parents, Caretakers. “South Dakota has submitted a request to the Trump administration seeking approval for a program that would require some parents or caretakers who are covered by Medicaid to devote at least 80 hours per month to work, courses or other activities. If the program moves forward, South Dakota would become the first state to require the traditional Medicaid population to meet work requirements.”
Up and Coming: CMS: Medicaid Spending to Reach $1T by 2026 . “The CMS Office of the Actuary forecasts Medicaid spending to increase an average of 5.7% annually from $580.9 billion in 2016 to $1 trillion by 2026, with total enrollment expected to reach about 82.3 million. Expenditures for premiums and payments to health insurers are expected to rise by an average of 7.8% per year to $578 billion from 2017 to 2026, according to the report.”

Multicultural

Dennis Alan Tucker — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 01:27:07 GMT

Proposed Immigration Rule Change: Public Charge (November 30, 2018) On October 10, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule related to public charge in the Federal Register. The proposed rule is not current law. We are many steps away from a final rule and its implementation. We are currently in a comment period for the proposed rule that ends December 10, 2018. All interested individuals and organizations have until that date to submit comments. DHS must then review and consider all submitted comments before the rule becomes final. The final rule will then be published in the Federal Register. We expect it to be many months before publication of a final rule. Even after publication, legal challenges could delay implementation.

LGBTQ

Dennis Alan Tucker — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 01:23:41 GMT

1. Legal Attempts to Define Gender. (November 30, 2018) WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is considering narrowly defining gender as a biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth, the most drastic move yet in a governmentwide effort to roll back recognition and protections of transgender people under federal civil rights law.1

Local Mental Health

Dennis Alan Tucker — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 23:22:53 GMT

North Ogden VA facility helping with mental health counseling for veterans (November 30, 2018) NORTH OGDEN, Utah — (KUTV) — Layton Police said a man involved in a situation that led to a S.W.A.T. situation Tuesday morning had a history with the military. The man, 43-year-old Jarrett Lichenstein, took his own life, police said. Those who work at the Veterans Affairs facilities want veterans to know help is available. Walk-up counseling is available at the Salt Lake facility and at a new satellite center in North Ogden closer to where the S.W.A.T situation unfolded.
Childhood anxiety: How Utah schools are addressing rising mental health challenges (November 6, 2018) —AMERICAN FORK — The first day of school brought some challenges for Valerie Norton’s daughter. The third grader, who had never before demonstrated signs of anxiety, began having daily meltdowns.
Utah teen mental health issues are on the rise November 1, 2018 —SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Teen mental health issues are on the rise, according to a new report released by the Utah Department of Health.

Mental Health Counselor Parity

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:34:30 GMT

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: 10 Years Later. (26Oct18) This October marks the tenth anniversary of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), one of the signal achievements in the effort to expand access to mental health treatment. While both counselors and patients have benefited from expanded insurance coverage, there is still work to be done to successfully implement this legislation.
Mental Health Parity: CMHCs Can Be Hired By VA. “It is still a common thought that CHMCs cannot work at the VA. This thought may even be perpetrated by hiring managers at the VA. However, this is not the case. As long as you are a CMHC from a CACREP accredited program, you are eligible to work as a mental health specialist at the VA. Below, see how you can combat misinformation:”
Mental Health Needs: Increased Need for Greater Parity for Mental Health Counselors . “Using Virginia as an example, as access to Medicaid increases, a need for additional mental health professionals becomes apparent. Many states, are in need of more mental health professionals that are able to see Medicaid patients. Join UMCHA and see how you can help the fight for CMHCs to be allowed on Medicaid/Medicare panels.”

Insurance Pay

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:31:10 GMT

NEW ICD-10-CM CODE CHANGES to Avoid Reimbursement Denials(26Oct18). "Effective October 1, 2018, several code changes to the International Classification of Diseases-10-Edition-Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), will be implemented by the National Center for Health Statistics, a federal agency who created the files under the authorization of the World Health Organization."
Billing for couples Counseling? (26Oct18). "In practice, insurance companies require that a client be identified as primary and be assigned a diagnostic label even though you are seeing a couple or family. I us ually bill the first session as a diagnostic (cpt 90791). After that, it depends whether the insurance company allows the code for family therapy (cpt 90847)."
Some Insurers Don't Pay for Hour Long Sessions. (12Oct18). “There are insurers who will not pay for and/or limit 90837 sessions. They will only reimburse for 90834 or lower. If you are paneled with these insurers you would have to get special advance authorization for hour long sessions.”
Social Workers Informed to Used “New Codes” for Insurance Billing Purposes.(12Oct18) “New ICD-10-CM Code Changes for Clinical Social Workers -- (below Link) informs clinical social workers of new diagnostic codes that became effective October 1, 2018
How to Use 90837 Codes (hour session) without Insurance Backfire. “90837 in Private Practice -- This document discusses the use of 90837 and how one may avoid an overpayment request when using this code.

ICD 11 and/or DSM-6

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:29:40 GMT

ICD 11 AND/OR DSM-6

Is sex addiction real? Maybe Not, Therapists Say. “Claiming a sex addiction may be a go-to for misbehaving celebrities and politicians, but from a science perspective there isn't enough study to prove sex addiction is real, according to a professional organization of sex educators and therapists.”
Gaming addiction classified as disorder by WHO. 'Its 11th International Classification of Diseases (ICD) will include the condition "gaming disorder". The draft document describes it as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour so severe that it takes "precedence over other life interests".' There is no such diagnosis in the DSM-5.
WHO declares sex addiction a mental disorder. “Known as compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, it is defined as an inability to control intense sexual urges leading to people neglecting their health despite often deriving no pleasure from being intimate, according to a report issued by the WHO.” “The updated ICD (11) is scheduled to be presented to all WHO member states at their annual assembly in May 2019. It is aimed the new classifications will come into effect in 2022, to allow countries time to plan and prepare medics.” There is no such diagnosis in the DSM-5.

HIPAA Compliance

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:27:03 GMT

HIPAA COMPLIANCE

Top 10 HIPAA Violations and How to Avoid them. (26Oct18) As a practicing physician, the responsibility of ensuring Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance—for yourself and all staff members—rests squarely on your shoulders. HIPAA violations can incur substantial fines for an offending practice, as well as sanctions and loss of license to practice medicine for individuals. Yet, violations are common and often inadvertent.
Use of Icloud for Clinical Storage.(12Oct18) Many clinical social workers have questions about relying on the cloud to protect patients’ health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The use of the cloud allows a clinical social worker to access information on more than one device (computer, tablet, etc.) and enables group practices to share information across providers to promote continuity of care and standard business practice. Follow these best practices to maintain privacy and security standards when using the cloud in your practice.

Distance Counseling

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:24:30 GMT

DISTANCE COUNSELING

Telemental / Telemehvavioral Health. “Telemental health has gone mainstream. Also referred to as “telebehavioral health,” “e-counseling,” “e-therapy,” “online therapy,” “cybercounseling,” or “online counseling,” telemental health is the provision of remote mental health care services (using modalities including videoconferencing, computer programs, and mobile applications) by a variety of different mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists.”
Telebehavioral Health. “The SAMHSA-HRSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-Health Resources and Services Administration) Center for Integrated Health Solutions Telebehavioral Health Training and Technical Assistance Series can help safety net providers and rural health clinics understand and adopt telebehavioral health services. The implementation of telehealth services for mental health and substance use allows for increased access to these services, particularly in rural or underserved areas.”
Standards for Technology (in Social Work Practice). “2017 Standards of Practice with Technology states practitioners need jurisdictional approval in both the state they and the client are in. This seems to include clients that travel frequently (work, dual residency). It goes further to specify the practitioner is responsible for knowing the jurisdictional laws where the client is reference emergency situations as well (reporting, abuse, suicide, etc.) .”
Updated NASW Ethics. The 2017 revision includes 19 new changes that address ethical responsibilities when using technology.

Utah Mental Health Counselors Association About GBAB

Evaluation of Discrimination toward Mental Healthcare Professionals

How discrimination experienced by mental healthcare professionals affects mental health

Leadership Behaviors and Awareness of Privilege and Oppression in Counseling Leaders

The Experience of Leadership: A Phenomenological Analysis

Improving Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Monitoring: A Collaborative Approach in the Division of Professional Licensing.

Quantitative study to examine supervisee perception of power dynamics

cultural awareness and the perception of advocacy needs among counseling professionals

Research study on counselor trainees’ identity management

Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle (EBTCS) Research study

Behavioral health workforce audit

research study request

Research Study

Dissertation Project Survey

Dissertation Study Assistance Needed

Counselors and Cybersecurity Technology Acceptance and Use – Doctoral Dissertation Study Invitation

Black History Month

Mental Health Resources in Spanish

Multicultural Advocacy and Competency Committee

2023 Legislative Update

UMHCA Legislative Updates April 2023

DSM-5-TR is here

DSM-5-TR is here

HB 283 information

Support Pledged to Counseling Compact

Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor

New Supervision Rules

MHC Bill passed by Congress

"The Perfect Storm" report

Mental Health Disorders by State

Bill will expand access to mental health services

For Immediate Release Jan. 31, 2019

Other Topics

Studies/Research

Opioid Crisis

Ethics

Suicide Awareness

Need for Counselors

Medicaid/Medicare

Multicultural

LGBTQ

Local Mental Health

Mental Health Counselor Parity

Insurance Pay

ICD 11 and/or DSM-6

HIPAA Compliance

Distance Counseling

For Immediate Release
Jan. 31, 2019