2025

Jan 15, 2025 12:31 pm

2025 Michigan Counselor Update

To All Michigan Counselors and MMHCA Members,

You recently received our end of 2024 List of Achievements. We are writing to update you on 2025. It is already turning out to be better than we anticipated.

In the first two weeks of 2025 the MMHCA Board continued significant work on each of the following:

MDHHS Relationship - We met with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Medicaid Leadership to develop an ongoing relationship with them regarding Medicaid systems and best practices for counselors. This should increase resources and understanding for members regarding accepting Medicaid insurance. Look for helpful information regarding Medicaid very soon.

NASW-Michigan - Teaming up with Social Workers to address insurance claw-backs currently having no time limit in Michigan. We established timelines and are taking steps to create claw-back legislation and include other statewide professional groups in that effort. Our lobbyist and the NASW-MI lobbyist are combining efforts on this initiative.

Meridian Medicaid Leadership - We met again in January and are making progress developing education and training programs to help counselors more effectively accept and bill Medicaid in Michigan.

LLC/LLPC legislation - We are working to get the LLPC title reinstated. We have begun the process to get the change reintroduced in the new session of the state legislature.

Counseling Compact - Expanded work on the Counseling Compact. Not only are we participating in Counseling Compact Commissioner meetings, but we also met with a Texas Counseling Board member to discuss the Counseling Compact and issues related to the Compact. President Chris DeBoer and TX Counseling Board member Sean Shahkarami completed the first of a series of talks we are publishing to further inform counselors about important information related to the Compact. Watch for a video on this topic within the next two weeks.

More information will be coming on these topics and more as they are developed. We believe 2025 is going to be an excellent year for counselors in Michigan!

We hope you will consider joining us in our efforts to support and uplift Michigan counselors. Currently there are nearly 12,000 counselors licensed in Michigan. Together we can accomplish great things!

MMHCA is a member driven, nonprofit, volunteer run organization. If you are not a current member, we welcome you to join our community and mission by clicking here and becoming a member. If you are already a member thank you. Your involvement has made MMHCA's current accomplishments possible!

Please contact us at MMHCABOARD@mmhcanow.org with any questions.

Respectfully,

Chris DeBoer, President

Dr. Katherine James, Past President

Krystin Sankey, Treasurer

Carol Berger, Secretary

Dr. Joy Creel, Member at Large

Dr. Larry Pfaff, Member at Large

Lauri Rowe, Member at Large

Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski, Education & Outreach Chair

MMHCANOW.org

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