ACA News

Senate Introduces the Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2021

Under current regulations, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers and psychiatric nurses are currently recognized to offer covered mental health services under Medicare.

ACA Responds to Violence, Harassment and Bullying Against Asian American Community

The American Counseling Association has a long history of speaking out against discrimination. Our advocacy for the profession and those served by our members must remain vigilant, especially in the face of murders such as these. Any type of hate, ...

The White House Administration?s Policy Agenda During the First 100 Days ? Part II of IV

The Biden-Harris Administration has reached the halfway point of the first 100 days of the Biden Presidency. As promised, the American Counseling Association (ACA) will continue to update our members quarterly during the first 100 days on the progress ...

President Biden Signs American Rescue Plan Into Law

Included within the bill, the Biden Administration will provide nearly $2.5 billion in funding to states and territories to address the nation?s mental illness and addiction crisis.

U.S. Senate Passes the American Rescue Plan Act

The Senate passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), as amended, through budget reconciliation, a process that required no Republican support but every Democratic vote.

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Seeks Nominees to the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans

Appointees will provide leadership to the VA by advising the Secretary and Congress on issues relating to Veterans health care, benefits and service to minority Veterans. This committee is also responsible for meeting directly with Veterans and ...

U.S. House of Representatives Passes the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021

The United States House of Representatives passed The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 in a 220-212 vote.

The White House Administration?s Policy Agenda During the First 100 Days - Part I of IV

We have already reached the 25-day mark of the first 100 days of the Biden administration. During this period, this administration has taken immediate action on several national issues.

ACA Partners with She Should Run to Unveil Pathways to Public Leadership

ACA will partner with She Should Run for Advocacy Power Hour on Thursday, March 11 at 3pm EST to motivate ACA members to explore the possibility of public office by identifying and tackling the barriers to elected leadership.

ACA Signs Historic Mental Health 7-Pillar Roadmap to Stem Crisis in Mental Health and Substance Use Care

Roadmap for Recovery Includes Focus on Early Intervention, Emergency Crisis Response, Leveling of Racial and Economic Inequalities in Health Care, Parity in Payment by Health Insurance Plans, Among Other Core Issues

House Energy and Commerce Recommends Behavioral Health Provisions

The House Energy and Commerce Committee's legislative recommendations for budget reconciliation includes mental health provisions that may be of importance to the counseling community.

ACA Announces President-Elect for 2021 ? 2022

Dr. Kimberly N. Frazier has been elected President-Elect of the American Counseling Association (ACA) for 2021 ? 2022.

Congress Unveils the Health Equity Access, Resources and Treatment (HEART) Package

The package includes nine bills that will address the racial health inequities exacerbated by the pandemic and targets relief for vulnerable and underserved communities.

Congress Introduces Legislation to Save School Counseling Jobs

This legislation would save nearly 4 million education jobs, spur economic growth in the midst of an economic crisis and help mitigate the impacts of students? learning loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representatives Mike Thompson and John Katko Re-Introduce the Mental Health Access Improvement Act

This bipartisan bill addresses mental health care gap for seniors by expanding the network of provider that can deliver mental and behavioral health services to Medicare beneficiaries.

SAMHSA Announces Fiscal Year 2021 Grant Funding Opportunities and Awards

SAMHSA announced that it will make over $57M available in grant funding opportunities and awards.

Biden Administration Unveils the American Rescue Plan

Behavioral Health is included in the proposal for the next iteration of COVID-19 relief.

House Ways and Means Committee Democrats Release Framework to Achieve Health and Economic Equity

During the 117th Congress, the Committee Democrats will use the pillars and policies presented in the framework to steer the Committee towards achieving health and economic equity.

Health and Human Services Extends the Public Health Emergency for the Fourth Time

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar has extended the Public Health Emergency declaration an additional 90 days from January 21 through late April, ensuring key resources are available nationally for fighting the COVID-19 virus.

World?s Largest Counseling Organization Denounces Attacks at US Capitol

The American Counseling Association opposes violence. We strongly condemn the rhetoric from the president and others that led to this despicable event, knowing that it threatens to incite similar acts in the future.