In this edition readers will find:
- Working Mothers of Young Children Feel Pressures the Most
- Relevant Research: Depression in Mothers Goes Untreated
- ACA Conference: Vast Array of Sessions for Mental Health, Private Practice, and Community Agency Counselors
- Counselor Licensure: Critical Events on the Path to Victory
- Worth Reading: Top Military Officer Calls for Improved Mental Health Services
- ACA Private Practice Pointers: Expect Coverage Changes January 1
- House Health Care Bill Includes Counselor Medicare Coverage; Senate Bill Doesn't
- HHS Proposes HIPAA Enforcement Strengthening, Invites Comment
- Inside JCD: Winter Edition Features International Counseling
- Reliable Resource: One-Stop Federal Grant Locator
- For Your Professional Library: Skill Development in Substance Abuse Counseling
- About ACAeNews for Mental Health, Private Practice, and Community Agency Counselors
Visit our website:
www.counseling.org
ACA blogs, written by
counselors, for counselors:
my.counseling.org
Working Mothers of Young Children Feel Pressures the Most
Women now make up almost half of the U.S. labor force, up from 38% in 1970. The public approves of this trend, but the change has come with a cost for many women-- particularly working mothers of young children, who feel the tug of family responsibility much more acutely than do working fathers, according to an October Pew Social and Demographic Trends nationwide survey. Most working moms would prefer to work part time, but relatively few do. About four in ten working moms say they always feel rushed, compared with about one fourth of working dads and stay-at-home moms.
Relevant Research: Depression in Mothers Goes Untreated
Nearly two thirds (65%) of U.S. mothers with depression don't receive adequate treatment, a new study has found. The analysis of national data on 2,130 mothers with depression by University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health researchers also found that working mothers were less likely to receive adequate treatment, possibly because long work hours make it difficult for them to find time to seek treatment. The research was reported in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research in October.
Black, Hispanic, and other minority mothers are least likely to receive adequate treatment and mothers with health insurance are three times more likely to receive adequate treatment than those without insurance. The study concluded that mental health services offered via health insurance providers and those available via employee assistance programs can help these mothers get screened and treated. Depression in mothers can have a major impact on the entire family, especially on the health and well-being of their children, the researchers noted. Treating depression in mothers can improve the long-term health of their families.
University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Medicine and Public Health News Release...
Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research Abstract...
ACA Conference: Vast Array of Sessions for Mental Health, Private Practice, and Community Agency Counselors
Question: What professional development event has:
- More than 500 sessions in 31 specialty, setting, and issue categories?
- A balanced mix of introductory and advanced programs?
- A new program category: Disaster Mental Health?
- An opportunity to earn up to 20 continuing education credits at no cost other than a $15 processing fee?
Answer: The 2010 ACA Conference & Exposition, March 18-22 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A review of the program reveals the following categories:
- Addictions, Offenders, and Correction Counseling
- Assessment, Testing, and Program Evaluation
- Best Practices
- Career Development and Employment Counseling
- Child and Adolescent Counseling
- College Counseling
- Counselor Education and Supervision
- Counseling Theory
- Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling
- Creativity in Counseling
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- Disaster Mental Health
- Ethics and Legal Issues
- Gerontological Counseling
- Graduate Student Issues
- Group Work
- Human Development Across the Lifespan
- International Issues
- LGBT Issues
- Military Issues
- Multicultural Issues
- Private Practice
- Professional Issues
- Psychopharmacology
- Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Issues
- Research
- School Counseling
- Sexuality
- Social Justice
- Spirituality and Religion
- Technology in Counseling
Session descriptions and presenter information for all Educations Sessions are now available online. Register online or call 800-347-6647. Register by Monday, November 30 and save up to $55!
Already registered? Consider adding a Pre-conference Learning Institute to further expand your professional development for 2010.
Complete Advance Registration Brochure...
Counselor Licensure: Critical Events on the Path to Victory
When counselor licensure became law in California in early October, it culminated three and a half decades of advocacy work by the profession to enact legislation important to the public and the profession. A number of critical events occurred along the way:
1972 - Virginia counselor John Weldon determined to be practicing outside state's psychology licensure law. Court ruled that legislature had created problem by violating his right to practice counseling as his chosen profession.
1973 - First licensure committee created by the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES).
1974 - ACA (then the American Personnel and Guidance Association) published position statement on counselor licensure.
1975 - ACA established the Licensure Commission.
1976 - Virginia enacts first state professional counselor licensure law.
1980 to 1993 - Number of states passing licensure laws grew from 3 to 39.
1982 - National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) incorporated.
1986 - American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB) was formed.
1994 - ACA endorsed model legislation for licensure in remaining states.
1994 to 2008 - Numerous states amend licensure laws to conform to ACA model and additional states enact licensure laws.
2009 - Counselor licensure law signed in California. Licensure laws exist today in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Worth Reading: Top Military Officer Calls for Improved Mental Health Services
"Shame on us if we don't figure it out this time around" said Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at a September forum on the nonphysical injuries of war reported in ArmyTimes. Mullens was referring to how the Defense and Veterans Affairs Departments handled mental health wounds following the Vietnam conflict. He stated that thousands of troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries and mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder must have access to improved treatment so they can resume their normal lives.
ACA Private Practice Pointers: Expect Coverage Changes January 1
January 1 marks the date that most counseling client's insurance/manage care coverage, deductibles and eligibility requirements can start or change. 2010 is likely to be a year of change as some states, for example, are considering mandating coverage for autism and other disorders. The Mental Health Parity and Addictions Act of 1998 became effective on October 3, 2009 and regulations will be forthcoming from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services on its implementation. Many insurance/managed care companies may change how mental health care is covered, in terms of pre-authorization, medical necessity and/or "serious vs. non serious disorders." Private practice counselors are encouraged to read provider newsletters, emails, and any recent contract addendums for proposed changes, as well as, call the companies before January 1 to ensure your practice will be compliant with any new changes. Also watch Private Practice Pointers for continuing updates.
As a service to members, ACA has partnered with Robert J. Walsh, NCC, LCPC, and Norman C. Dasenbrook, LCPC, to offer a series of bulletins on various private practice topics. This series includes timely information on starting/expanding/ending a private practice, informed consent, managed care and insurance companies, and strategies for enrolling on provider panels and responding to claim denials
ACA Private Practice Pointers...
House Health Care Bill Includes Counselor Medicare Coverage; Senate Bill Doesn't
On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an historic health insurance reform bill--H.R. 3962, the "Affordable Health Care for America Act"--including language establishing Medicare coverage of licensed professional counselors for the provision of medically-necessary outpatient mental health services. The Medicare coverage provision, which also applies to marriage and family therapists, is included in Section 1308 of the bill. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), H.R. 3962 would reduce the federal deficit by $109 billion over the next ten years, and would expand coverage to 96% of Americans. The legislation was passed by a vote of 220-215.
ACA applauds the House of Representatives for passing this legislation. ACA has long sought to establish Medicare coverage of counselors' services, and has consistently supported expanding health insurance coverage. Counselors can identify their Representative at the House of Representatives website at
The Senate is beginning to hold votes on its own version of health insurance legislation. Unfortunately, the legislation does not include Medicare coverage of counselors.
Counselors are encouraged to contact their Senators to ask them to cosponsor S. 671 -- the "Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act" -- to show support for covering counselors under Medicare. To date, only 14 Senators have signed on to the legislation as supporters of S. 671:
Senator Blanche Lincoln (AR) sponsor
Senator Mark Begich (AK)
Senator Barbara Boxer (CA)
Senator Dan Inouye (HI)
Senator Dick Durbin (IL)
Senator Carl Levin (MI)
Senator Jeff Bingaman (NM)
Senator Byron Dorgan (ND)
Senator Sherrod Brown (OH)
Senator Ron Wyden (OR)
Senator Jeff Merkley (OR)
Senator Tim Johnson (SD)
Senator Patty Murray (WA)
Senator John Barrasso (WY)
If your Senator is on this list, thank him or her! If not, ask them to cosponsor S. 671, and remind them that this is neither expensive nor controversial; the Senate passed Medicare coverage of counselors in both 2003 and 2005. The more cosponsors we can get on S. 671, the greater our chances of convincing legislators to include Medicare coverage of counselors in the final health care legislation approved by Congress.
For more information or for questions, contact: Scott Barstow, Director of Public Policy and Legislation at 703.823.9800 x234 or sbarstow@counseling.org
HHS Proposes HIPAA Enforcement Strengthening, Invites Comment
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an interim final rule with request for comments to strengthen its enforcement of the rules promulgated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which was enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, modified the HHS Secretary's authority to impose civil money penalties for violations occurring after February 18, 2009. These HITECH Act revisions significantly increase the penalty amounts the Secretary may impose for violations of the HIPAA rules and encourage prompt corrective action.
If you are considered a "covered entities" by HIPAA rules, you may wish to study the final rule and offer comment. This interim final rule with request for comments is the first of several steps HHS is taking to implement the HITECH Act's enforcement provisions. The remaining provisions, which have yet to become effective, will be addressed in the next few months in forthcoming rulemakings. Additional information...http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/.
Inside JCD: Winter Edition Features International Counseling
The winter, 2009 edition of ACA's Journal of Counseling & Development will have a strong international flavor. Guest editor Thomas H. Hohenshil's special section includes articles examining counseling in China, Botswana, Lebanon, Malaysia, Italy, Mexico, and Denmark. The winter edition is scheduled for mailing the end of December.
In addition to the strong mix of international articles, mental health, private practice, and community agency counselors may be interested in reading the following:
The Path From Identity Commitments to Adjustment: Motivational Underpinnings and Mediating Mechanisms
by Koen Luyckx, Seth J. Schwartz, Bart Soenens, Maarten Vansteenkiste and Luc Goossens.
Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Mixed Research in the Field of Counseling and Beyond
by Nancy L. Leech and Anthone J. Onwuegbusie
A Phenomenological Exploration of the Experience of Dual Career Gay and Lesbian Couples
by Leslie W. O. Ryan and William P. McFarland
Trouble Ruminations About Parents: Conceptualization and Validation with Emerging Adults
by Seth J. Schwartz and Gordon E. Finley
Cognitive Complexity Among Practicing Counselors: How Thinking Changes with Experience
by Darcy Haag Granello
A Mixed Methodological Analysis of the Role of Culture in the Clinical Decision-Making Process
by Danica G. Hayes, Elizabeth A. Prosek, and Amy L. McLeod
Reliable Resource: One-Stop Federal Grant Locator
Interested in having research, training, or program development support from one of 25 federal agencies and needing an efficient means of determining if such support is available? Grants.gov is a one-stop place to find and apply for federal grants. A recent posting, for example, identified grants to expand substance abuse treatment capacity in targeted areas of need, a program that will fund up to 12 programs to a maximum of $400,000. Learn more about available grants and determine the eligibility of your institution, organization, or agency by using the search function at Grants.gov.
Grants.gov Basic Search page...
For Your Professional Library: Skill Development in Substance Abuse Counseling
Developing Clinical Skills for Substance Abuse Counseling
by Daniel Yalisove
This handbook teaches the basic concepts and skills necessary for effective substance abuse counseling. In Part I, Dr. Yalisove discusses counselor roles and the principles of substance abuse counseling. He then provides a synopsis of several key substance abuse theories as well as his own Building Session Goals and Strategies method and the Eight Stage Process of Counseling approach, all of which are practical, compatible means for learning and mastering clinical counseling skills. Part II illustrates applications of these approaches in clinical situations using experiential exercises, role-plays, and clinical scenario examples. Chapters on group work, counseling clients with dual disorders, family counseling, and working with diverse client populations follow, with a helpful chapter on creating client treatment plans and writing clinical reports rounding out the book. Dr. Yalisove's practical approach to developing critical thinking and counseling skills makes this an ideal supplemental text for addictions courses.
2010 | 232 pgs
Order #72895
ISBN 978-1-55620-307-7
List Price: $44.95
ACA Member Price: $29.95
About ACAeNews for Mental Health, Private Practice, and Community Agency Counselors
ACAeNews for Mental Health, Private Practice, and Community Agency Counselors is one of four electronic newsletters that are published three times per year each by the American Counseling Association for the benefit of members working in these unique settings. It is disseminated as an opt-in subscription enewsletter and is a free benefit of ACA membership.
The other three special focus enewsletters are:
- ACAeNews for School Counselors
- ACAeNews for Counselor Educators
- ACAeNews for Counseling Students and New Professionals
Any reference to a product, service or activity or listing of a website in this publication does not imply endorsement by ACA. Any views and opinions are those of the sponsoring organization and may or may not be shared by ACA.
Direct comments, questions and submissions to Frank Burtnett. All submissions will be subject to review by ACA for accuracy, timeliness and relevance to the readership and may be edited.
Lynn E. Lynde, President
llinde@loyola.edu
Richard Yep, CAE, Executive Director
ryep@counseling.org
Debra Bass, Director of Marketing and Communications
dbass@counseling.org
Frank Burtnett, NCC, NCCC, ACAeNews Editor
fburtnett@counseling.org
Don Kenneally, Internet Development / Production
dkenneally@counseling.org
ACA Website: www.counseling.org
Copyright 2009, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone: 703-823-9800. Email:fburtnett@counseling.org. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce anything contained in this newsletter as long as the American Counseling Association is identified as the original source of the information.
Unsubscribe Information
You have received this message as a service of your ACA membership. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please visit http://www.counseling.org/EmailRemoval or email acamemberservices@counseling.org with the subject line "REMOVE". Please allow 72 hours for removal.
CONTACT INFORMATION
American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304
800.347.6647 | 800.473.2329 (fax)
Copyright 2009, American Counseling Association, All Rights Reserved.