VTMHCA - About VTMHCA

The Vermont Mental Health Counselors Association is the professional association for Clinical Mental Health Counselors licensed by the state of Vermont. Our purpose is to provide support, advocacy, and education for mental health professionals statewide. We are also committed to community education about issues related to mental health treatment, prevention, and general public awareness of the role of the mental health counselor. VTMHCA has been vital in representing the concerns of our profession to lawmakers, regulators, insurance companies, and government officials through representation on the Act 129 Board and the Council of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professionals.

VTMHCA partners with the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). Through this association, VTMCHA maintains a link to national and federal issues, such as:

Advocacy for LCMHC to be recognized as Medicare providers
Follow-through on legislation passed to allow LCMHC to be fully recognized by the Veteran’s Administration and Tricare
Educating Senators and Congress-people about the importance of mental health treatment on parity with physical health
AMHCA employs a full-time lobbyist who communicates with state chapters directly. Our national association wants Vermont’s input, and is an active presence on Capitol Hill.

VTMHCA is devoted to providing affordable, high-quality continuing education courses to professionals in the field of mental health. Twice a year VTMHCA sponsors lectures and workshops focused on clinical practice.

We invite you to click around on our web site, contact us with any questions, and consider becoming a member, whether you are an active professional, a student new to the field, or a passionate retiree!

Board of Directors

President - Kirke McVay

Past-President - Marshall Hammond

President-elect: vacant (this could be you!)

Acting-Treasurer - Barbara Nielsen

Secretary - vacant (your name here!)

Student Member - Laurie McMillan

Members at Large - Caryn Feinberg, and Susan Hall

Executive Director - Phil Prothero

Why Should You Join VTMHCA?

VTMHCA hires a lobbyist in order to keep abreast of legislative actions that impact our profession.
VTMHCA keeps members informed through monthly e-newsletters and legislative alerts.
Twice a year, VTMHCA provides quality professional development workshops with reduced rates for members.
VTMHCA has an Ethics Committee available to members at no charge.
VTMHCA actively educates state authorities, legislators, and lawmakers about the role of the counselor and the importance of the availability of effective mental health care to all in the state of Vermont whenever possible.
VTMHCA represents the concerns of Mental Health Counselors to lawmakers, regulators, insurance companies, and government officials through membership in the Vermont Psychological Association’s Direct Practice Commission (a bargaining group) and representation on the Council of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professionals.

Membership support gives Mental Health Counselors a voice in the decisions being made that directly impact our ability to continue to practice. You can make a difference! Click on the Join tab in the top menu to join or renew today!