Stronger Together

Uniting clinical mental health counselors across the country

Professional Experience Article

The field of clinical mental health counseling is experiencing a surge in momentum which is contributing to various changes in legislation, increased access to services, and better treatment provision. The work provided by Clinical Mental Health Counselors (CMHCs) has never been so highly in demand as now. The global pandemic and steps towards social justice have required ongoing steps to create healing within individuals and building bridges between communities. The vast social problems and dilemmas have further placed emphasis on mental health treatment. A shift in paradigm is being experienced as the services provided by CMHCs are now viewed as crucial social tools to assist underserved communities.

The unique needs of each community and each state are passionately served by CMHCs who have devoted their lives to helping. The current bifurcation of laws from federal to state levels have caused a sense of disconnect between CMHCs in various states. With CMHCs focused on the needs of their local communities, this has caused an imbalance of national recognition of the work of CMHCs as this can vary by state and need As such, the national work being completed by CMHCs advocating for legislative changes truly impacts all of us regardless of state. Whereas in some states, CMHCs experience push back and imposed limitations from other helping professions, the strengths and freedoms of CMHCs in other states provides ongoing evidence of the excellent clinical work that is being done (and can be done) at the national level.

Local state chapters have been a driving force in the work with the Counseling Compact As opposed to waiting for national legislation, the Counseling Compact is working to unite CMHCs like never before forcing recognition of the healing and helping work which can be overlooked in some states Furthermore, the passage of the Medicare reimbursement for CMHCs and MFTs in the Omnibus package now allows over 200,000 clinicians to serve various populations who may otherwise have limited treatment options.

This wonderful work is truly only possible through the unity of CMHCs across states, working together to advocate for the profession With various voices, backgrounds, experiences, identities, etc. CMHCs are causing national change to help with this paradigm shift. The work done in each individual state is priceless and integral to communities. As laws continue to change, a CMHC providing treatment in Florida helps a CMHC in New York to advocate for state legislative changes to allow for diagnostic rights and privileges. Every CMHC in every state has an opportunity to contribute to this national legislation. Truly, CMHCs do not work in a vacuum. To continue this momentum, CMHCs in all states are asked to join together with their national organizations to amplify their voices in unity to help provide healing in this crucial time CMHCs are truly stronger together; and this ongoing momentum is proof of the value that CMHCs provide Please consider joining your national organization to further this momentum

Written By: Fredrick Dombrowski, PhD, LMHC, CASAC-M, LPC, LADC, NCC, CCMHC, MAC, ACS, BC-TMH, HS-BCP, ICADC, DCMHS

Fredrick Dombrowski is the AMHCA President and has extensive experience treating those living with co-occurring disorders since 1998 He has been a supervisor and director for multiple programs including inpatient, outpatient, and forensic treatment Currently a Department Chair at the University of Bridgeport, he is focused on experiential learning through a perspective of cultural humility and an equitable clinical care He has won several awards for his work with marginalized populations