✯Counseling Compact Update✯

Dear MMHCA Members and Michigan Counselors,

A bill to adopt the Counseling Compact was introduced and passed last week by the House Health Policy Committee of the legislature. The bill now moves on to the House Rules Committee.

The following is the Resolution our Board of Directors prepared and presented to the Health Policy Committee and the bill's sponsors:

Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association Board Resolution 

Supporting Counseling Compact with Protective Safeguards

WHEREAS, the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA) represents the professional interests of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) throughout the state of Michigan; and

WHEREAS, MMHCA conducted a survey of over 12,000 counselors across Michigan, including MMHCA members, to assess attitudes and beliefs about the Counseling Compact; and

WHEREAS, approximately 60% of respondents (both members and non-members) supported implementation of the Counseling Compact, citing potential benefits including:

• Enhanced professional mobility and multi-state Privilege to Practice opportunities
• Improved continuity of care for clients who relocate or travel
• Increased access to mental health services in underserved areas
• Expanded career opportunities for Michigan counselors; and

WHEREAS, approximately 30% of respondents expressed concerns about the Counseling Compact, primarily related to:

• Potential market saturation by large national telehealth providers (e.g., BetterHelp, Headway)
• Potential negative impact on private practice sustainability
• Potential for insurance reimbursement rate decreases if market becomes saturated with Counselors
• Unknown regulatory requirements and implementation details; and

WHEREAS, MMHCA recognizes both the significant opportunities and legitimate concerns expressed by our membership and counselors across Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Michigan counselors can potentially benefit from professional portability while maintaining protections for local practice sustainability, client welfare, and market stability within the framework of Compact requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association Board of Directors:

1. SUPPORTS the passage of Counseling Compact legislation in Michigan with the addition of the safeguards listed below (2 though 5)

Based on the clear majority support from our membership and counselors across the state, and the demonstrated benefits for professional mobility and client access to care, and taking into consideration potential negative impacts of the Counseling Compact.

2. STRONGLY RECOMMENDS the inclusion of protective safeguards in Michigan's Counseling Compact legislation, including:

A. Sunset Provision

• Implementation of a three-year sunset clause requiring legislative review and reauthorization
• Mandatory assessment of the Compact's impact on Michigan counselors and clients before renewal
• Data collection requirements on market effects, reimbursement rate changes, and practice sustainability

B. Market Protection Measures

• Establishment of monitoring mechanisms to track the impact of multi-state corporate providers on local practices
• Requirements for transparency in corporate counseling platform operations within Michigan
• Preservation of Michigan's right to establish additional consumer protection standards

3. COMMITS to ongoing advocacy efforts to:

• Work with state legislators to incorporate these protective measures into Michigan's Counseling Compact sunset legislation
• Monitor implementation and impact on Michigan counselors and clients
• Provide regular updates and education to membership about Compact developments
• Advocate for insurance companies to honor Compact privileges and maintain fair reimbursement rates

4. ESTABLISHMENT of a Counseling Compact Monitoring Committee to:

• Track the effects of the Compact on Michigan's counseling workforce with support from the state
• Collect annual data on member experiences with multi-state practice
• Prepare recommendations for the three-year legislative review
• Serve as a resource for members navigating Compact participation
• Members of this committee will include LPCs, LARA personnel and representatives designated by the legislature

5. REAFFIRMS our commitment to:

• Supporting the professional growth and mobility of Michigan counselors
• Protecting the sustainability of private practice and independent counselors
• Ensuring high-quality mental health care for all Michigan residents
• Maintaining the integrity and standards of the counseling profession

Implementation Timeline

This resolution shall take effect immediately, with MMHCA directed to begin legislative advocacy efforts.

ADOPTED this 22nd day of August, 2025, by the Board of Directors of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association.

Chris DeBoer, MMHCA Board President  

For more information on the Counseling Compact, please see counselingcompact.org

If you have questions please email us at MMHCABOARD@MMHCANOW.ORG.

Thank you very much!! Please consider joining our organization at mmhcaNOW.org. Having a robust membership allows us to continue the important work we are doing for the profession and continue funding our vital lobbyists.

In Service,

MMHCA’s Volunteer Board of Directors

Christopher DeBoer, President

Krystin Sankey, Treasurer

Carol Berger, Secretary

Members at Large:

Dr. Stephanie Burns

Dr. Joy Creel

David Flowers

Dr. Katherine James

Dr. Larry Pfaff

Lauri Rowe

Amy Szaraz

Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski

Steve Wheeler

Links you may find useful:

Our website MMHCANOW.org

LINK to the Counseling Compact website

LINK to MMHCA’s LinkedIn group.

LINK to MMHCA's YouTube channel

LINK to MMHCA's FaceBook page. Please follow us!