2015 will be our greatest leap forward since the LPC license was passed in 1989.

Here are the reasons why:

• Thanks to you, the campaign to request Senator Stabenow to co-sponsor legislation to include mental health professional as core providers was successful. She has agreed to be the lead co-sponsor in legislation scheduled for early 2016. Approximately 1000 counselors responded to MMHCA's request. Thank you to all! This is counselor power!
• Since January 01, 2015 we have grown by almost 100 members. The number stands at 715.
• We have held two very successful conferences; Grief and Loss co-sponsored with CSI Eastern Michigan University, Creativity In Counseling co- sponsored with CSI Oakland University
• We co-sponsored a half day workshop, Private Practice Essentials with OU/CSI and a half day workshop on Mindfulness in Auburn Hills.    
• There are two comprehensive, filled to capacity trainings, in Supervision and Psychometrics being conducted presently. Both of these offerings are ongoing trainings. Watch for future dates for enrollment.
• MMHCA is offering two additional DSM-5/ICD 10 CM workshops this spring. One at Spring Arbor University on April 10^th and co-sponsor one with CSI Central Michigan University on May 1^st.  Close to1000 counselors and allied health professionals have taken our one day training conducted by Jack Klott. The response to our workshop has been overwhelming enthusiastic. We look forward to holding this workshop in the future.
• We have held two very well attended Breakfast Networking Events. One in Southfield and the other in Kalamazoo. Between the two over 100 counselors enjoyed breakfast and vital information.
• We have two more Breakfast Networking Events this spring. One is scheduled for Steiny's Restaurant in Shelby Township on April 25^th, and the other at Jimi's Restaurant in Royal Oak on May 16^th. Please join us to find out the latest regarding Blue Cross Inclusion, Medicare, initiatives with MDCH, and most importantly networking, connecting, supporting, sharing. 

• MMHCA's relationship with Capitol Services is growing stronger. They are assisting us to advance the profession through several innovative lobbying strategies.  All of this costs money and time. Our expenses have risen considerably in order to retain our lobbying efforts. MMHCA is committed to retaining our lobbyist. We will need to request your help in the near future to financially assist in the following initiatives:   

1. Inclusion of counselors in Blue Cross/Blue Shield this year.
2. Progress with requested changes and expansion of services through the Michigan Department of Community Health.
3. Working with Senator Stabenow, NBCC and AMHCA on Medicare legislation.
4. Developing initiatives to strengthen our status as core providers of mental health services in Michigan. 

Watch for the following:

• Integrated Care Conference scheduled for Friday December 4, 2015
• DSM-5/ICD 10 CM workshops
• Private Practice Essentials Conference coming soon.
• Breakfast Networking Events this summer and fall - Flint, Lansing, Traverse City, Petoskey, Washtenaw and Wayne County locations. 

Please check our events page of our website www.mmhca.org  for details about the above, and to register for workshops and breakfast networking events. We value your membership. Please join us or renew your membership today.