About Our Advocacy

Government Affairs and Public Policy

Our Government Affairs and Public Policy team advocates for ACA members and the counseling profession on a range of issues, including

Medicare reimbursement,
the Counseling Compact and
Increased funding for school counseling and mental health services.

Adding your voice makes our message stronger. Join us by contacting your representatives on issues that matter to you using our Action Center resources.

Join Us for 2024 Hill Day

May 15-16, 2024
Washington, DC

ACA Hill Day provides comprehensive training focused on equipping professional counselors with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to meet with their representatives in Congress and advocate for the profession.

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Advocacy Training

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VIDEO: Federal-Level Advocacy - Steps for Counselor Legislative Engagement

VIDEO: State-Level Advocacy - Steps for Counselor Legislative Engagement

Become an Influential Legislative Advocate

Make a difference with your legislative advocacy by participating in an ACA-specialized legislative advocacy training. Whether in-person or virtual, these sessions are tailored for ACA Branches, Divisions, Regions and Colleges/Universities. Participants will learn essential skills and strategies to effectively advocate for mental health policies and regulations at the state and national levels.

Elevate your impact, influence change and champion the rights of clients and practitioners alike with ACA's legislative advocacy training.

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Advocacy News

Biden Administration Proposes Increased Funding for Mental Health Services

Mar 20, 2024|3 min read

The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans by providing for effective health and human services

Health Resources and Services Administration FY2025 Proposed Budget

Mar 15, 2024|2 min read

This week, the White House released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 proposed annual budget. On Wednesday, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) held a briefing that outlines the agency’s plan to tackle the mental health crisis ...

Department of Education FY2025 Proposed Budget

Mar 13, 2024|1 min read

On March 11, 2024, the Department of Education (DOE) held a briefing detailing the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. The DOE requests $82.4 billion in discretionary budget authority for FY2025,

President Biden Highlights Mental Health Care in the State of the Union

Mar 11, 2024|2 min read

During the 2024 State of the Union address, President Biden made mention of mental health care. In his comments, the President unveiled elements of his administration’s strategy to address a mental health crisis of isolation and loneliness.

The White House Convening on Equity

Feb 21, 2024|2 min read

The White House held a forum on the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication toward advancing equity. One year after President Biden signed the Executive Order, the Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

Administration Announces New Program: the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model

Jan 19, 2024|1 min read

On Thursday January 18, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) held a behavioral health stakeholder meeting...

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The most significant benefit of my membership in the American Counseling Association (ACA) lies in its remarkable efforts to enhance the credibility of counselors in the field. The ACA's successful initiatives, such as advocating for counselors to be recognized as Medicare providers and working on the counseling compact, have greatly contributed to this.
Eric Rodgers, LPC

Contact Our Advocacy Team

advocacy@counseling.org