TCA and Division Nominations for Volunteer Leadership Now Open
Deadline: September 15 

Nominations are now open for leadership positions in TCA and its Divisions. Elections will open on October 5 and culminate November 3 onsite at the annual Professional Growth Conference. Winners will be announced during the second general session on November 4.

Please take a moment to nominate yourself or a colleague today. Volunteer leaders are instrumental in directing TCA's important work. By nominating strong candidates to serve, you are helping determine TCA's future goals and objectives.

Urgent: Disaster Mental Health Assistance Needed in Louisiana

 

Louisiana is currently experiencing catastrophic flooding on the level of Hurricane Sandy. As of August 15, 2016, over 24,000 households have been affected and at least seven fatalities reported. Over 10,000 people are staying in 60 Red Cross shelters. In order to help those affected, the American Red Cross is currently deploying new disaster mental health volunteers with no prior Red Cross experience.

Many disaster mental health (DMH) workers are needed to support clients and responders who continue to struggle to cope with significant losses. Event-based volunteers will be trained onsite; no prior ARC DMH experience is required. If you meet the requirements for deployment outlined in this flier , please consider going to the operation and offering your services as an event-based volunteer. Please note that the necessary requirements cannot be waived. Disaster relief operations are fluid and staff needs change daily. If you have any questions, please contact dmh@redcross.org.

TCA's 60th Annual Professional Growth Conference
Hotel Space is Filling Up Quickly!  

 

Don't miss your chance to stay at the conference headquarters' hotel, the Sheraton Dallas Hotel . Register for the conference and make your travel arrangements now!

This conference will enhance your professional tool-kit and allow you to take advantage of numerous networking events. All programs will be eligible for LPC, NBCC, SBEC, LMFT, SW, Psychologist and School Psychologist continuing education hours. More Details

ACAF Supports Elementary School Counseling Initiatives

 

Under the Growing Happy and Confident Kids (GHCK) program, the ACA Foundation is soliciting applications from practicing counselors seeking financial support for funding interventions, initiatives or outreach efforts directed at children in grades K-5. Specifically, the counselor's work must be oriented toward increasing the emotional literacy of children and better equipping them to handle life's challenges. These life challenges often manifest as bullying, prejudice, sexism or academic-related stress. Learn more and submit proposals.

The Professional School Counselor Conference
Early-bird registration now open!
February 12-14, 2017 in Arlington, Texas  

 

Join your Professional School Counseling colleagues for the Professional School Counselor Conference at the Arlington Convention Center, February 12-14, 2017. Early-bird rates are now open for TCA members only. Register now for the best price on tailored, comprehensive CE programs specifically for Professional School Counselors. Learn innovative techniques to enhance your practice as well as new trends related to student growth and development. More Information

Ross Trust Essay Competition
Top Award of $1,000 Open to School Counseling Student 

 

American Counseling Association (ACA) student members preparing to serve in K-12 settings should check counseling.org for the official announcement of the 2017 Ross Trust Graduate Student Essay Competition. The winner will receive a $1,000 award to apply toward his/her graduate studies. The essay theme and guidelines will be posted on the ACA website in mid-September, and the online essay submission form will open on October 3.

Expedited Medicaid Credentialing - You Called, HHSC Listened!

 

TCA recently learned that the HHSC will be adding Licensed Professional Counselors to the list of providers to receive expedited credentialing to become Medicaid providers. HHSC will propose this change to the uniform Managed Care contract and will negotiate with the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) over the next several months. Please note that this provision will apply only to those providers who are joining an existing Medicaid practice. It will not apply to new providers who are working independently. It is expected that the effective date will be March 2017.

Medicare Coverage of Counselors
Urge Senator Cornyn to Cosponsor S. 1830 

 

Take time today to call (202-224-2934), email and/or visit the office of  Senator John Cornyn and ask him to cosponsor S. 1830, which provides Medicare reimbursement to counselors. Senator Cornyn serves on the critically important Finance Committee with jurisdiction over the Medicare program.

Not sure what to say? Review TCA's policy paper and feel free to use some or all of the message below:

"My name is [name] and I am a Certified Counselor living in [city], Texas. I am calling to urge Senator Cornyn to cosponsor S. 1830 and support inclusion of Licensed Professional Counselors as Medicare providers. Texas currently has Federally designated mental health professional shortages in 206 of its 254 counties - that's 81% of our state! This shortage is growing with the Baby Boom generation. Please cosponsor S. 1830 and help our elderly obtain needed mental health services."

If you can't call, please send an email.

There is Still Room
for You in Plano! 

 

Register onsite and join TAMFC & TMHCA at their inaugural conference. You'll enjoy a great program with superb speakers presenting on a diversity of topics. This is a great way to end the summer and be renewed, refreshed and energized looking toward the fall. More Information.

Pass It Along..

 

Did you find this information helpful?
If so, pass this email along to a colleague and encourage them to join TCA.

TCA members receive discounts, resources, fast-breaking news and updates to support their work and the work of all professional counselors in Texas.