NYMHCA History

NYMHCA is the professional organization that represents the interests of practicing mental health counselors, and students in New York State.

NYMHCA was founded in 1979 as a state chapter of American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). 2019 was our 40th year advocating for mental health counselors in New York!

In 2002, NYMHCA was largely responsible for the passing of a bill that licensed mental health counselors in New York State.

We then worked with the State Education Department’s Office of Professions to develop regulations governing the practice of our profession before the first licenses were issued in 2005.

NYMHCA promoted the passage of legislation that extended the time of limited permits from 3 years to 4 years in response to the need of new graduates for extra time to find jobs and complete their 3,000 hour post-graduate experience.

NYMHCA worked to pass legislation that gave LMHCs a continuing education requirement for licensure renewal. The requirement makes mental health counselors more competitive in the mental health services marketplace and demonstrates our commitment as professionals to regularly add to our skills as practitioners.

NYMHCA continues our work to build working relationships with legislators and state agencies that will assist us in passing legislation vital to our profession.

In addition to lobbying and advocacy work, the MHCGR provide opportunities for mental health counselors within the Greater Rochester area and beyond to connect, learn, and grow.

Our meetings include opportunities for:

High-quality, low-cost CEU presentations.

Networking with professionals who are committed to the flourishing of the mental health profession.

Sharing your voice, opinions, and concerns.

Promoting opportunities for social justice and equity within the mental health counseling profession.

And more!