NBCC Visions is our official newsletter. It is published electronically every month and delivered to all NCCs via email.
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Published: 4/29/2024
AI technology promises many uses in the mental health field but also poses new ethical risks. We spoke with NBCC Director of Ethics Dr. Brenden Hargett and counselor educator Dr. Jeffrey Parsons about how counselors can ethically implement the right AI applications in their practice.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
NBCC had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the winners of the first ever NBCC Counseling Awards. These individuals have prioritized the needs of others, demonstrated innovation in the counseling profession, and worked to expand access to mental health resources.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
Zori Paul, PhD, NCC, LPC, enlightens us on the growth of artificial intelligence in counseling and how to best utilize it for success with clients.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
NBCC’s new Code of Ethics Self-Assessment, set to launch in May 2024, will help ensure counseling students, professionals, and faculty fully understand and adhere to our Code of Ethics.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
With our shared mission of providing a resource for professional counselor identity and practice, NBCC, ACES, and CSI are excited to offer this opportunity to our students, counselors, and supervisors.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
Over two webinars, Drs. Erin Emery-Tiburcio and Matthew Fullen educated attendees about fundamental principles and advanced applications in mental health treatment for older adults.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
Aiesha Lee, PhD, NCC, LPC, discusses the long-term effects of trauma on mental health and important considerations regarding trauma-informed counseling.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
We recently spoke with Cheryl Step, MS, NCC, NCSC, LPC, a trauma-informed care training and consultant professional, on her insights, experiences, and successes utilizing early screening tools.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
Individuals seeking asylum in the United States because of their LGBTQ+ identity are likely to bear multiple traumatic experiences. Based on his published research, Dr. Mina Attia shares important considerations for counselors working with this population.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
NBCC is accepting applications for the Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review (ESBR) Committee. Members meet semiregularly to ensure that examinations are fair, representative, and as free of bias as possible.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
This year’s Symposium was held in Washington, D.C., with the chosen theme of Empowering Voices and Expanding Access.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
The Counseling Foundations virtual career fair brings together counselors and employers from across the country to connect and discuss career growth. Registration is free for job seekers, and multiple packages are available for employers.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
NBCC and the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition are offering two informative sessions today and tomorrow on addressing the mental health needs of older adults. Both webinars are being held in collaboration with the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Taneka Fuller, NCC, NCSC, LPC-S, and Susan Jones, MA, NCC, LPC, share their insights and experiences introducing and utilizing creative therapies in their work as school counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Robyn Spodek-Schindler, NCC, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, discusses her work as an art therapist and what counselors can learn from a client’s creative work.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Suzanne Degges-White, PhD, NCC, LCPC, shares her thoughts on the integration of expressive arts in counseling, its benefits for clients, and advice for fellow counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Guest writer Brian Carnahan is Executive Director of the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist Board. He shares with us some of the changes to counseling licensure that have occurred since the pandemic and explores continuing challenges for licensure and regulation.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Music is a universal art form that can offer benefits for any population. We spoke with NCCs Michael Brooks and Aaron Temple about how they have incorporated music generally and for specific populations.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
The NBCC Foundation will be hosting their annual Bridging the Gap Symposium from March 14–16, 2024. This year’s Symposium will be held in Washington, D.C.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Professional coaching providers can contribute to the development of the Board Certified Coach Examination (BCCE) by taking the BCCE job analysis survey. This ensures the BCCE stays relevant and reliable in certifying future BCCs.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
The Chair of NBCC’s Board of Director’s, Monalisa McGee-Baratta, reflects on the previous year and looks forward to the possibilities of 2024.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
Dr. Matthew Fullen, an Associate Professor in counselor education at Virginia Tech, talks about shifting the paradigm in how we work with older adults.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
Aimee N. Callicutt-Keesler, MS, NCC, LCAS-A, LCMHC-A, discusses counseling older adults with substance use disorders and the challenges in working with these clients.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
Through earning the Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) credential, you can increase your knowledge of the best telehealth practices and expand your reach as a counselor.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
NBCC recently held the Medicare 601 webinar, “The Enrollment Process for Counselors and MFTs.” The webinar was sponsored by the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC).
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
NBCC has awarded three CACREP grants to clinical mental health counseling programs to assist them with the cost of obtaining their initial accreditation.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
Daun Kwag, MA, NCC, shares her insights on how cultural identity impacts mental health, the importance of culturally relevant counseling, and how we can improve our cultural competence.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
NBCC Foundation volunteer Kathryn Fellows, NCC, LPC, generously donated $10,000 to fund a new master’s-level fellowship for a New Jersey counseling student who identifies as Black or African American and is committed to serving the state’s inner cities.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
2022 NBCC Foundation Minority Fellowship Program Fellow Allison Joyal, MS, NCC, LPC-A, has been chosen as the December Fellow of the Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
The virtual conference brought together counselors and other mental health professionals from all over the world. Together, they explored training, practice, and research geared toward increasing mental health equity. The conference saw a 30% increase in participation from previous years.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
NBCC is proud to continue our work with partners in Mexico and to introduce our collaboration with Dr. Vijonet Demero, supporting his mission to promote mental health awareness in Haiti.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/13/2023
Michael Brooks, PhD, NCC, LHMC, LPC-S, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was presented with the prestigious 2023 Outstanding Teaching Award from the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES).
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
Letitia Browne-James, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH, LMHC-S, founded LBJ Behavioral Services to provide no-cost counseling services to diverse uninsured and underinsured clients throughout her state of Florida. We spoke to her about her experience and the need for pro bono services.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
Counselor educator and author Dr. Linda Holloway shares about her vision to provide a safe space for children to explore emotions and foster mental well-being through storytelling.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
Two counselors well-versed in working with disaster survivors share their insights about counseling in the wake of a disaster and supporting communities in need. Linda Diaz, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, LPC-S, and Theodore P. Remley, Jr., PhD, JD, MEd, EdS, NCC, LPC, share their experiences in communities impacted by disaster to help counselors who feel called to serve in those areas.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
National Certified Counselors and authors Dr. Warren Wright, Dr. Jennifer Hatchett Stover, and Dr. Kathleen Brown-Rice share their personal and professional experiences and insights with race-based traumatic stress and its effects in their work.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
NCCs, supervisors, and counseling students will have the opportunity to receive discounted rates for professional liability insurance through CM&F Liability Insurance.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
The nature of the work of counselors puts them at risk for developing compassion fatigue and burnout. Self-care is essential not only for our health and well-being, but also for providing the best care for clients. Julius A. Austin, PhD, NCC, LPC, who coauthored the book Counselor Self-Care , recently ...
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
Kathleen Driscoll, PhD, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH, LCMHC, provides insight on prioritizing herself and how fellow counselors can do the same.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
All too often, caregivers prioritize the needs of others over their own self-care. Research has shown that caregivers face higher rates of stress and often hold full-time jobs in addition to their caregiving responsibilities. We spoke with counselor Juan Olivera about the challenges and techniques that apply to helping caregivers improve their self-care routine.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
Counselors can enhance their clinical skills and marketability with the Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) credential. Beginning in November, register for the newly formatted TMHE to earn your BC-TMH.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
The Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC) and NCMW recently held the Medicare 501 webinar, “New Engagement Opportunities for Community Behavioral Health Centers With Counselors and MFTs Under Medicare.”
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
The NBCC Minority Fellowship Program will award up to 90 fellowships of up to $20,000. Applications are now open for master’s- and doctoral-level counseling students.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Anna Lieber, NCC, CCMHC, LCMHC, discusses the crisis of suicidal ideation among older adults and important considerations for counselors when working with this population.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Research has consistently found that the LGBTQ population experiences greater rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality than the general population. Recent surveys reveal additional details about this crisis. We spoke with Dr. Clark Ausloos about the implications for professional counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Suicide rates among active military members, veterans, and family members have increased significantly in the past two decades. Avery Rosser, MS, NCC, LPC, CPCS, shares his insights on prevention techniques.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Clinical supervisors play an important role in supporting supervisees who may have experienced the loss of a client to suicide. Dr. Camila Pulgar Guzman shares advice counselors and supervisors can implement when faced with the suicide of a client.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
NBCC and the NBCC Foundation will host their annual international virtual conference from Nov. 29–Dec. 1, 2023, and NCCs are eligible for a 20% registration discount.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Proper documentation of supervision is necessary for counselors and their supervisors to uphold the highest ethical standards. We spoke with Anthony P. Onorato, MA, LPC, ALPS, AADC, to gain insights into successful documentation of supervision.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
The Association for Counselor Education and Supervision has been supporting counselors since 1952. ACES President Margaret Lamar shared with us about recent and upcoming offerings and opportunities, as well as a renewed emphasis on supervisor support.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Counselors may experience vicarious trauma at any point in their careers. Supervisors must be alert to the signs in both themselves and their supervisees. In this article, researchers Samara Richmond, Amber Samuels, and Elizabeth Crunk share advice about this danger.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
The loss of a client to suicide is devastating for a counselor. Supervisors can help their supervisees cope with these postvention techniques.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Strong counselor–client relationships are built on a foundation of honesty and trust. However, differing social values can challenge these relationships. Devona M. Stalnaker-Shofner, EdD, NCC, LPC, helps us explore how supervisors can assist in navigating these tough conversations.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Sherritta Hughes, PhD, ACS, LPC, is an Approved Clinical Supervisor in New Jersey. She started her own small business, Counselor Education, Supervision, and Development (CESD), LLC and nonprofit organization, Hughes Integrative Wellness, Inc., and continues to be an innovator in the counseling profession.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Mental Health Academy’s Virtual Suicide Prevention Summit will take place Aug. 26–27. The summit is brought to you by MHA through collaboration and cooperation with NBCC and Affiliates, the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Suicidology, and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
The Professional Counselor (TPC) recently recognized the winners of its annual awards, the Dissertation Excellence Awards and the Outstanding Scholar Awards.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
NBCC and Affiliates celebrate the outstanding work of the NBCC Communications Department and the editorial staff of The Professional Counselor (TPC), who recently won eight 2023 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Autrese Thornton, BCC, shares her thoughts on advocacy and what she’s learned working in the human services field for more than 25 years
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
This year marks a historic degree of federal investment in mental health. A combination of legislation and executive actions will provide funding for programs and grants across numerous government agencies.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
Now that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, NBCC and the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition are here to answer your questions about enrollment. Join us on Aug. 17 at noon EDT for our Medicare 401 webinar.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs finalized Occupational Series 0183 and began hiring mental health counselors under their own designation for the first time in history. Though significant progress has been made, work to have the series adopted by the entire federal government remains.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
Dr. Kylie Dotson-Blake, the President and Chief Executive Officer of NBCC and Affiliates, recently spoke with James Laughman, President and CEO of PerformCare, a member company of the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, about issues affecting counseling and managed care behavioral health plans.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
The Interstate Counseling Compact now includes 29 member states, with several more states still considering compact legislation. To support the compact’s progress, NBCC has committed $150,000 per year for 3 years toward its operating costs.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
Counselor educator Carlos P. Zalaquett, PhD, Lic, LMHC, shares how being an engaged advocate for the counseling profession is necessary to ensure that future clinicians are representative of underserved communities who may not have traditionally had access to mental health services.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
Alonzo Turner, MS, EdS, NCC, LCMHC, QS, is a doctoral student at Syracuse University pursuing a PhD in counseling and counselor education. We spoke to him recently about his unique path into the counseling profession and his hopes for prioritizing spirituality in its curriculum.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
CACREP has released its 2024 Standards for program approval, which will take effect July 1, 2024. The effective date will begin a 2-year transition period.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/26/2023
The Medicare 301 webinar provided expert presentations on the Medicare provider enrollment process and the annual Physician Fee Schedule. This is part of a series of events to help prepare counselors and marriage and family therapists to receive Medicare reimbursement beginning in 2024
Read Full Article »Published: 6/29/2023
Multiculturalism is a valuable and necessary component of effective clinical supervision. We spoke with Holly Sawyer, PhD, NCC, LPC, CAADC, SAP, about the importance of culturally sensitive supervision and advice for incorporating multiculturalism.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/29/2023
Ellie Potts, MS, NCC, is a counselor education and supervision doctoral student at the University of Georgia. We spoke to her recently about her unique journey and the importance of accessibility in counseling.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/29/2023
Three MFP fellows leveraged their passion for helping others to create the “A Dream Decided” giving circle and help provide scholarships to undocumented counselors-in-training.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/29/2023
NBCC and the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition will present a free Medicare 301 webinar on June 29 at noon EDT. One hour of continuing education credit is available to those who attend the live event.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/29/2023
Michael Brooks, PhD, NCC, LMHC, LPC-S, an NBCC board director, was recently awarded a presidential citation by Dr. Kimberly Frazier, 2023 President of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Read Full Article »Published: 6/29/2023
Earlier this month, the NBCC Foundation hosted its annual Bridging the Gap Symposium with the theme of From Awareness to Action. Highlights of the event included a presentation by African American counseling legends and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the NBCCF Minority Fellowship Program.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/24/2023
Kylie Madhav, MBA, LMSW, the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SAGE, shares her insights on how counselors can gain a better understanding of the experiences and profound challenges faced by many transgender and gender nonbinary elders and how to better support these marginalized and underserved clients. SAGE is the world’s oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) older people.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/24/2023
Transgender youth face unique challenges in and outside of school. They also bear disproportionate mental health burdens. We spoke with Dr. Clark D. Ausloos, who shared tips and advice for school counselors working with transgender students.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/24/2023
Angela Brooks-Livingston, MA, NCC, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, who works with adolescents, adults, and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+, offers readers special considerations for counseling clients who are transitioning and how to support their personal journeys.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/24/2023
The National Board for Certified Counselors is excited to announce that the updated NBCC Code of Ethics officially launched on May 15, 2023.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/24/2023
Join us for the 2023 NBCC Foundation Bridging the Gap Symposium: Eliminating Mental Health Disparities, held June 2–4, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia! View attendee details and additional exhibitor and partnership opportunities on our event website. The deadline to register is June 2, 2023, at 11:45pm.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/24/2023
The Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition recently sponsored two informative webinars about the Medicare program and the inclusion of counselors and marriage and family therapists, hosted by NBCC.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/20/2023
Whether trauma is within an individual or shared, it can have a major impact on our relationships. Craig Cashwell, PhD, NCC, ACS, CSAT-S, LPC, LCMHC, discusses how counselors can help clients build trust after traumatic experiences.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/20/2023
Members of the LGBTQIA population face unique challenges in many aspects of their lives. Elizabeth Johnson, NCC, BC-TMH, LPC, LCPC, discusses the importance of understanding their experiences and how counselors can improve their skills and knowledge when working with these clients.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/20/2023
When parents begin a new romantic relationship and their families become blended, it can have a major impact on the mental health and well-being of both the children and the adults. Leslie H. Petruk, MA, NCC, BCC, LCMHCS, discusses what counselors need to know when working with members of these newly formed families.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/20/2023
Although divorce is oftentimes a difficult transition for everyone involved, couples and family therapists can help divorcing clients and their families to foster a healthier outcome. Jenn Birch, EdS, NCC, ACS, RPT, LCMHC, shares her thoughts on working with these clients and how counselors can help to ease the transition and the experience moving forward.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/20/2023
In February, ACES awarded $15,000 in research funding to student members conducting research on the topic of counselor education or supervision, specifically focusing on areas of advocacy, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and anti-racist counseling practices in counselor education and clinical practice. ACES President Natoya Haskins and Graduate Student Representative Fatma Salem tell us more about this program.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/20/2023
Telemental health care is a unique modality that offers opportunities and challenges for working with families. Two NCCs experienced with the process offer tips and advice for getting the most out of telehealth sessions.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
Robert W.H. Price, NCC, LCPC, LPC, is a mental performance coach for athletes in action. He and his team at Elite Minds have worked with individuals of all ages, including members of the U.S. Army, the NFL, the PGA Tour, and other sports organizations.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
Four NCCs share their experience counseling athletes from youth level to professionals, and the special considerations of sports-related counseling.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
Athletes experience unique demands that can have an impact on their well-being. Kathrine Patterson, PsyD, NCC, LPC, also a former athlete, discusses special considerations when counseling these clients.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
NBCC Director of Ethics Brenden Hargett and ACA Ethics Program Manager Aprille Woodson recently co-presented at the 2023 Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference, hosted by University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. This joint presentation explored recent national trends in ethical issues, as well as the similarities and differences between the two organizations’ ethical codes.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
NBCC is a proud sponsor of the 2023 ACA Conference & Expo. Visit our booths in the Expo Hall to learn more about the NBCC’s latest initiatives, the value of credentials, and how you can shape the future of the profession.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
The ongoing TeleMental Health Examination job analysis is a key step in updating the examination to keep pace with this fast-moving field. Working professionals’ experience is vital to guide examination development and the future of telemental health practice.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
Congratulations to the four master’s-level counseling programs that were recently awarded grants to assist with the costs of obtaining first-time accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)!
Read Full Article »Published: 3/22/2023
It can be overwhelming to find the best professional liability policy for your practice. We can help! Begin your search with requirements in mind, such as these suggestions from Lockton Affinity Health, an NBCC partner.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/15/2023
Losing a job can bring on a whirlwind of emotions, particularly when the decision to leave is outside of the individual’s control. Counselors are poised to help individuals navigate these unplanned transitions and the potential impact on their mental health and well-being.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/15/2023
Vicki Conner, MS, NCC, LCMHC, toured the world as a travel agent. She later worked for a video production company and a construction consulting firm, and by 2009, she was ready for a change, so she returned to college to become a professional counselor.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/15/2023
In college, Sharon Givens, PhD, NCC, ACS, BCC, BC-TMH, GCDF, HS-BCP, CCC, CCSP, LPC/S, LCMHC, didn’t set out to become a career counselor, but today she maintains a thriving private practice where she helps others to map their own career paths.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/15/2023
Career counselor Natalie Kauffman, MS, NCC, NCCC, FCD-I, GCDF-I, CCC, discusses the importance of recognizing the conscious and unconscious biases that have shaped our perception, memory, and other aspects of our thoughts and behaviors.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/15/2023
Registration is open for Counseling Foundations: Your Path to Career Success, to be held March 9, 2023, from 11 am to 5 pm EST. This online event brings together employers and counselors from across the country.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/15/2023
With seemingly endless insurance options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best professional liability policy for your profession. Begin your search with requirements in mind, such as these suggestions from Lockton Affinity Health, an NBCC partner.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/19/2023
After years of advocacy, Medicare eligibility for counselors is now the law! This comes with the signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which included NBCC’s language from the Mental Health Access Improvement Act.
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