Advocacy Updates

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Take Action: Federal Student Loan Caps Threaten Access to Counseling Programs
Nov 21, 2025|2 min read

As part of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Education (ED) could be making significant changes to federal student loan limits.
The Next Right Thing: How a Counselor Ended Up Running for Office
Nov 19, 2025|2 min read

By Annalisa Smithson, LPC, NCC I didn’t set out to run for office. I just kept saying “yes” to the next right thing. Six years ago, I decided to put my listening skills to good use by knocking on doors and advocating for candidates who shared my values.
Chiles v. Salazar Oral Argument Update
Oct 28, 2025|2 min read

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the Supreme Court heard the oral argument for Chiles v. Salazar. The case grapples with whether Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.
Federal Government Shutdown
Oct 1, 2025|2 min read

Congress struck down a proposal to continue to fund the government at current levels through the end of November. Because Congress was unable to pass a continuing resolution (CR) by September 30th, the Federal government has officially shut down.
An Update on Conversion Therapy Case Before the Supreme Court
Sep 10, 2025|2 min read

On March 9, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review  Chiles v. Salazar to rule on the constitutionality of Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors during the 2025-2026 term.

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Government Shutdown Ends

Nov 13, 2025|2 min read

After 43 days, the federal government will reopen. Congress has passed, and President Trump has signed, a Continuing Resolution (CR) that will fund the federal government through January 30, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

ACA Fights for Counselor Access to Mental Health Funding

Aug 22, 2025|1 min read

On July 17th, the Department of Education released new guidance on two of the largest Bipartisan Safer Communities Act mental health grants.

The Impact of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on Counselors and Mental Health Care

Jul 11, 2025|5 min read

On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill) into law. The legislation will have significant effects on education and health care in addition to other policy areas.

Indiana Counselors: Take Action to Stave Off Reimbursement Rate Cuts

Jul 8, 2025|1 min read

Anthem/Carelon collaboration has stoked concerns of a nearly 50% reduction in reimbursement rates for counseling services. Contact your lawmaker to ensure these reductions stay off the table.

Proposed Health and Human Services Budget

Jun 11, 2025|2 min read

On May 30, the Trump-Vance Administration released its proposed budget for the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department.

Executive Order on College Accreditation Process

Apr 29, 2025|2 min read

On April 23, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order (EO) and fact sheet directing an “overhaul” of the college accreditation process, stating that universities must maintain accreditation to receive federal financial aid.

Cuts to the Health and Human Services Department

Apr 3, 2025|2 min read

The Trump Administration has begun a reduction in force for the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). The Administration plans to lay off up to 10,000 employees across several agencies within the department.

Continuing Resolution Extends Telehealth Through September

Mar 20, 2025|1 min read

On March 14, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through September 30. This averted a federal government shutdown and largely maintains federal funding levels...

Artificial Intelligence Policy and Counseling

Mar 18, 2025|2 min read

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly and becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life. While it has the potential to revolutionize the counseling profession, enhancing both practice and accessibility, it also presents significant risks.

The U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Conversion Therapy Ban

Mar 13, 2025|3 min read

On March 9, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Chiles v. Salazar to rule on the constitutionality of Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy during the 2025-2026 term.

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When I engage in advocacy, I know that I am doing something that can lead to meaningful change, even when the road is long.
Jordan Westcott, Ph.D., NCC

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