Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association

01/05/2026

✯ January 2026 Events + Counseling Updates ✯

*The following was sent by email to all members on 1/5/2026 and all active links are included in that message.*

Dear MMHCA Members,

We hope you had a joyful and peaceful Holiday season. It's a New Year! Thank you for being part of our community.

*Following are MMHCA exclusive member events for January 2026. Please join us!*

✯ Peer Consultation Group ✯

Our monthly Peer Consultation Group for all members is led by our Treasurer, Krystin Sankey, and available as a free benefit to MMHCA members. This group will meet next on Tuesday, January 13th, 12-12:45pm. Those planning to attend must register for the session in advance. Register through the email you were sent.

✯ Supervisor Consultation Group ✯

Our monthly Consultation Group for Counseling Supervisor members meets Thursday, January 15th, 12-12:45pm. This group is available as a free benefit only for MMHCA Supervisor and Counselor Educator members and is led by Dr. Larry Pfaff. Those planning to attend must register for the session in advance and must be a Supervisor Member. Register through the email you were sent.

✯ Private Practice & Medicare Q & A ✯

Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski will be conducting an “Ask Me Anything: Medicare & Private Practice Billing AND Starting a Private Practice. This workshop will be held Thursday, January 29th, 12-12:45pm. Ask questions about Medicare billing, private practice and incident-to billing, EMDR 90837 CPT Code use, documentation requirements, Medigap, Advantage, Enrollment and more! Members planning to attend must register for the session in advance. Register through the email you were sent.

✯ Counseling Profession Updates ✯

*You are welcome to attend any of our Board meetings. They are the fourth Friday of each month and the zoom link is the same each month. Please join us at 10 am on January 23rd if you like to attend using this LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89207032331

*The Michigan Board of Counseling and the Disciplinary Subcommittee meet next on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10am. Following is the zoom link for the meetings.

1-16-2026 Counseling Full Board Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82136623705?pwd=S9629FPmEuuWNweLR7kzDYn7P9uCTm.1

*We will be attending the Counseling Compact Executive Committee meeting on January 14th and the full Compact meeting on February 25th. We are also presenting on the Counseling Compact at the Building Bridges Conference on March 21, 2026. Use this LINK: https://michigan-counseling-conference.ce-go.com/2026-conference to attend the Building Bridges Conference which is from 9am - 4pm at the Oakland Center at Oakland University. We will update you on developments about the Compact as they become available.

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

In Service,

MMHCA’s 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
Amy Szaraz
Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski
Steve Wheeler

Link you may find useful:

http://mmhcanow.org/
http://www.youtube.com/

Welcome to MMHCA, Michigan’s leading organization empowering mental health counselors through advocacy, professional development, and valuable resources. Join us to advance the counseling profession and promote mental health awareness in our communities.

12/22/2025

✯ 2025 End of Year Reflections ✯

Dear Colleagues and Friends of MMHCA,

✨ Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season! ✨

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on the many stressors encountered by all, along with the ongoing challenges of working with insurance systems and navigating the rapid expansion of large corporate health platforms. Through it all, we at MMHCA remain anchored by the strength of this community and our shared ability to create positive influence and meaningful impact within our profession and the communities we serve.

To current members we’re deeply grateful for your continued support and commitment. Your engagement makes so much of our work possible, and we truly value all that you contribute. Thank you for being an essential part of this community.

To those who are not yet members, we’re glad you’re connected with us and hope this update gives you a clear sense of the work we are doing on behalf of Michigan’s counselors and the broader mental health community.

Following are MMHCA Highlights for 2025.

✯ Cooperative Efforts with other professions ✯

One of our goals is to collaborate with professionals across the mental health field to amplify the impact of our advocacy including the following:

We have Biweekly meetings with the leadership of the National Association of Social Workers - Michigan Chapter (NASW-MI) where we partner to work cooperatively on legislative and mental health issues. This group, along with the Coalition (see below), is especially interested in limiting the number of years insurance companies can claw back reimbursements (as currently in MI there is no limit on the number of years.)

We are Members of and helped found the Michigan Mental Health and Healthcare Coalition (Michigan Psychological Association, Michigan Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers - MI Chapter, MI Care Council, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Michigan Association of School Social Workers, and MI Speech Language and Hearing Association). This group shares information, supports each other’s advocacy efforts, and has some common goals (e.g. limiting the number of years insurance companies can claw back payments and advocacy work as a group i.e. the recent letter we all signed to Representatives in Washington letting them know the importance of the DOE designating our professions as “professional”.)

✯ Advocacy ✯

MMHCA’s all-volunteer board directs a large portion of your membership dues to retain and partner with our lobbyists, Martin Johnston and Kevin Korpi at Acuitas, on legislative and advocacy efforts. We meet at least 4 times each month.

Our Board testified before the House Health Policy Committee regarding the interstate Counseling Compact and restoring the LLPC designation.

Our Board built relationships with legislative staff through regular meetings to ensure our profession’s voice is represented.

✯ Member Benefits ✯

Monthly board meetings on the fourth Friday of each month, open to all. Information Sharing, Advocacy updates, and Networking

Our YouTube Page (), sharing educational videos and Board meetings

Monthly groups available free to members:
- Counselor Peer Consultation group
- Medicare and Private Practice Consultation group
- Supervisor Consultation group

✯ Important News from the Past Year ✯

For anyone accepting Medicaid, please be sure you are aware of the changes detailed in the Michigan Mental Health Framework: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/mihealthylife/mental-health-framework

HB4591 - The House Bill about the Counseling Compact has passed the House and is now going to be heard in the Senate Health Policy Committee. We are working with the Chair of this committee. You can read more about the Counseling Compact: https://www.mmhcanow.org/counseling-compact

HB4981 - The House Bill to restore Limited Licensed Counselors’ title to Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) has passed the House Health Policy Committee and now needs to be heard in the Rules Committee. Our Board gave testimony at the hearing: https://youtu.be/K6xcy7oETw0

If you have questions, suggestions, or wish to connect with board members, please email us at MMHCABOARD@MMHCANOW.ORG.

To our members - thank you again for your dedication and partnership.

To our colleagues who are not yet members—we warmly invite you to join MMHCA. Your voice strengthens our advocacy, your presence expands our community, and your membership directly supports the work that protects and advances our profession. You can learn more or join at MMHCANOW.ORG.

In Gratitude and Continued Service,

MMHCA’s 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
Amy Szaraz
Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski
Steve Wheeler

12/21/2025

The Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association is a member of a broad coalition of behavioral health and healthcare organizations that has sent a joint letter to Michigan’s Congressional Delegation in Washington urging inclusion of all mental health providers (including master’s level professionals) to a proposed federal definition of individuals that hold a “professional degree.”

At a time when Michigan is facing increased need for mental health care, protecting access to education for mental health providers is essential to protecting access to care for our communities. MMHCA stands with our fellow mental health and healthcare professionals in advocating for efforts that strengthen Michigan’s capacity to meet growing mental health needs.

12/20/2025

✯ For Immediate Release – 12/20/2025 ✯

We are disappointed by the Federal Appeals Court’s December 17 decision issuing a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking Michigan’s ban on conversion therapy. Extensive research shows that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity are ineffective and can cause serious psychological harm, especially for minors.

This ruling is not about restricting speech. It concerns the regulation of professional conduct in healthcare and child protection. Licensed mental health providers are required to use evidence-based treatments and to avoid practices known to cause harm. Conversion therapy bans were enacted to protect the public, just as states regulate other harmful or unethical medical interventions.

Over twenty states currently prohibit licensed professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors. Major medical and mental health organizations nationwide have long affirmed that conversion therapy lacks scientific support, and poses significant risks and documented harm. We remain committed to advocating for evidence‑based care and protecting the well‑being of all individuals, especially minors.

As noted by Judge Bloomekatz in dissent, psychotherapy is not simply speech but a form of medical treatment that states have the authority to regulate. When therapists assume this trusted role, treatment decisions must be guided by established standards of care and empirically supported practices and not by political or religious beliefs.

This decision does not change our ethical standards or professional values. While courts interpret the law, we remain committed to ethical, evidence-based mental health care and will continue to advocate through legislative, regulatory, and educational channels.

In Service,
MMHCA’s 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
Amy Szaraz
Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski
Steve Wheeler

MMHCABOARD@MMHCANOW.ORG
MMHCANOW.ORG

12/17/2025

Mental Health Legislation Update: The Michigan House Health Policy Committee today heard testimony on SB 413 affecting Limited License Psychologists. This change to the Psychology licensing law would allow Michigan’s approximately 4,000 limited license psychologists (LLPs) to practice independently within their current scope by removing the requirement for lifetime doctoral supervision. This doesn't directly impact counselors but we wanted everyone to be aware of this possible change in the future.

12/17/2025

Free Holiday Gift from MMHCA! Today, Wed. 12/17 through Sunday 12/21, you can download a free Kindle version of the latest book by MMHCA Board member Dr. Larry Pfaff. Below is the link to download your free copy. Happy Holidays from MMHCA!

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

12/02/2025

There isn’t just “one right way” to structure a mental health practice, but each model has its own meaning.

A W-2 employment relationship centralizes systems and support.
A true 1099 arrangement is a business-to-business relationship.

Both can work well when used in the right context.

In our new guide, we walk through:

✔ What a W-2 structure typically provides
✔ What a true independent contractor arrangement actually looks like
✔ Questions to help you evaluate which model fits your practice or career

This resource is written for both practice owners and clinicians.

Explore the full side-by-side guide here:
https://www.mmhcanow.org/private-practice-q-a

12/02/2025

“The Question That Started Everything”

It started with a simple question:
“Can a clinic use the ReMax model for therapists?”

For many practice owners, the structures they use today were built with good intentions, that is, following what others appeared to be doing, or what made sense at the time.

But the landscape has changed.

Michigan clinicians and owners are navigating a mix of evolving rules, different interpretations, and business models that weren’t designed for mental health work.

MMHCA has created a new guide to help owners and clinicians understand how worker classification actually works, what the two common arrangements mean, and how to think about the future of your practice.

Based on an MMHCA member's request, we would like to help bring clarity, support, and sustainable structures.

Read the full guide here:
https://www.mmhcanow.org/private-practice-q-a

Members, have questions? Comment below or join our next Medicare & Private Practice Q&A on December 16.

12/02/2025

You built your practice doing what felt right. You hired clinicians the way everyone else seemed to, as 1099 contractors.

They use your EHR, see clients you refer, and work from your office. It's worked fine for years.

But lately, something's nagging at you. A colleague mentioned an audit. You saw something online. And now you're wondering: is this actually how it's supposed to work?

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

We've put together a new guide on understanding worker classification in mental health practices, written for both practice owners and clinicians. It's a resource to help you understand how these arrangements work so you can make informed decisions.

https://www.mmhcanow.org/private-practice-q-a

Have questions? Comment below, and we can discuss.

Current MMHCA members can join our next Medicare & Private Practice Q&A on Tuesday, December 16th, 12-12:45pm: (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-m1EDaBWR_K8JrXfuhfq9A?utm_source=sendfox&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=december-2025-member-events #/registration).

For guidance specific to your situation, we encourage you to consult an employment attorney or CPA. The page includes links to low-cost consultations, free mentorship programs, and official resources.

You can also reach the board anytime at MMHCABoard@MMHCAnow.org.

11/28/2025

✯ IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR COUNSELORS & STUDENTS ✯

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed new rules that would only change federal student loan limits starting July 2026.

This Proposal:
-Does Not affect state licensure, nor will it put counselors out of business
-Does Not change scope of practice for counselors
-Does Not de-legitimize counseling work
-Does Not affect Medicare, TriCARE, Medicaid, or private insurance reimbursements

Under the proposal:

✯ Only certain doctoral-level programs (medicine, law, clinical psychology, etc.) count as “professional degrees” for student loan purposes.
✯ Master’s-level counseling programs would NOT qualify, meaning students could borrow only $20,500 per year (max $100,000).
✯ With Grad PLUS loans eliminated, students may need to seek private loans to cover remaining costs.

This Proposal is NOT final. Public comments are required before rules are issued. Please:

✯ Submit a comment when the portal opens.
✯ Share your experience with student loans and how these limits would affect future counselors.
✯ Stay tuned: We’ll post updates and direct links as soon as the comment portal is open.

If you are not a MMHCA member, please consider becoming one by joining here: https://michiganmentalhealthcounselorsassociation.app.neoncrm.com/forms/newmembership.

Thank you!

FAQs

Q1. Did DOE say counseling is “not a professional degree”? No. The issue is about how DOE categorizes programs for loan limits under the new law.

Q2. Does this proposal change licensure, scope of practice, or professional standing? No. It does not affect:
- State licensure requirements
- Scope of practice
- Professional title
- Clinical authority
- Recognition under state law

Q3. Will this affect insurance reimbursement? No. Insurance reimbursement is determined by CMS, TriCARE, commercial insurers, and state laws—not DOE loan classifications.

Q4. Why is this change happening now? Because OBBBA eliminated Grad PLUS loans and created new borrowing caps. DOE must define who qualifies for the higher “professional” limits.

Q5. What counts as a “professional degree” under the proposal? Doctoral-level programs requiring six years of study, licensure, and CIP codes in fields such as medicine, law, pharmacy, theology, or clinical psychology.

Q6. What are the new borrowing limits?
Graduate programs: $20,500/year (max $100,000)
Professional programs: $50,000/year (max $200,000)

Q7. How would this affect counseling students? Master’s-level counseling students would be limited to $20,500/year in federal loans.

Q8. Is the proposal final? No. Final rules are expected spring 2026 after public comments.

Q9. Can public comments influence the outcome? Yes. DOE must review and respond to substantive feedback.

Q10. Does this affect current borrowers? No. It applies to new borrowing starting July 1, 2026.

Q11. Do counseling psychology doctorates qualify for the higher loan cap? Yes. Doctoral programs under CIP code 42.28 (clinical, counseling, and applied psychology) qualify.

11/21/2025

ACA is warning of a concerning proposed change that would cap federal loan access for counseling students starting in 2026. We encourage Michigan counselors and students to be ready to engage in the public comment process.

Starting July 1, 2026, as part of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of Education (ED) could begin making significant changes to federal student loan limits. Under these guidelines, non-doctorate counseling programs are considered graduate programs, and therefore capping student borrowing power to $20,500 a year in federal student loans.

ED is required to consider public comments—generally open for at least a 30-day period—before issuing a final rule. ACA will submit formal comments to the Department of Education during the comment period and will be engaging with federal legislators to address this alarming policy shift.

We strongly encourage counselors to advocate for the reversal of these provisions by also submitting comments to the Department of Education once the comment period opens.

Act now: https://bit.ly/3KdfSzn

11/13/2025

**IMPORTANT UPDATE: Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Restored**

Michigan mental health counselors, we have good news to share.

As many of you know, during the recent government shutdown (October 1 - November 12, 2025), Medicare telehealth flexibilities lapsed. During that period, we advised members that in-person visits were required for Medicare patients receiving behavioral health services via telehealth.

**The situation has changed.**

On November 12, 2025, President Trump signed H.R. 5371 into law, which **reinstates Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 30, 2026**. This means:

- You can resume providing telehealth services to Medicare patients from their homes
- The 6-month initial in-person visit requirement for new patients is waived through January 30, 2026
- The 12-month in-person visit requirement for existing patients is waived through January 30, 2026
- Audio-only services remain available for behavioral health when appropriate
- Claims submitted during the shutdown period (October 1 - November 12) will be processed retroactively

**What you need to know:**

This is a temporary extension. Without further congressional action, these flexibilities will expire again on January 31, 2026, and the in-person visit requirements would return.

Multiple bills are currently in Congress seeking to make these flexibilities permanent, including the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act (H.R. 4206/S. 1261), which would permanently eliminate the in-person visit requirements for behavioral health telehealth services.

We will continue monitoring the situation closely and provide updates as Congress considers longer-term or permanent solutions.

**For now, you may continue providing Medicare telehealth services as you did before October 1, 2025.**

Questions? Please reach out to MMHCA leadership

Sincerely,

Your MMHCA Board - Supporting Michigan’s LPCs Providing Mental Health Counseling