Counselors attend the NYMHCA State of the State Video Conference

A well attended event.

Nancy Harris
makes closing remarks
Rick Ferguson asks Judy about 3rd party reimbursement

Our February 14th chapter meeting featured a State of the State video-conference with Judy Ritterman, Executive Director of New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA). Over 35 students and counselors were honored to have Judy join us from Long Island. We communicated via a Skype video web cam connection. Judy and participants shared the latest information and concerns related to our profession and Judy answered our many questions with a depth of knowledge, frankness and humor.

Approximately16 years ago Judy led the statewide push and the education/ lobbying of our NYS representatives in Albany for the licensing of New York counselors. She continues to lead the way in the ongoing work of establishing Mental Health Counseling as a profession. Her work on our behalf supports the hiring of counselors in mental health agencies, advocating for changing state definitions and job titles, and securing third-party reimbursement for Licensed Mental Health Counselors in NYS. She gave us an up-to-date overview of our staff and lobbyist’ work with the NYS legislature, work with state and federal agencies and NYS commissioners.

Judy’s presentation made it clear that there is not simple or fast track to change the local, state and federal regulations and job classifications to fully include licensed mental health counselors. Participants asked many questions related to insurance reimbursement, possible legislation and employment barriers for MHC’s. Judy addressed issues that ranged from MHC graduates managing and earning their 3000 hours, when to apply for provisional licensure, communicating with HMO’S, preparation of materials and oneself for job interviews, and issues that MHC’s in private practice face.

A video of the video conference is being prepared. Stay tuned for the announcement of its availability.