The Idaho Counseling Association is dedicated to social justice in advocating for the profession through lobbying and staying on top of political issues that challenge the counseling profession here in Idaho.  A third of the yearly budget goes into providing resources and funding these efforts. 

The Idaho Counseling Association (ICA) is proud to announce that we are pursuing legislation

for the Counseling Compact this upcoming legislative session. Currently, the Counseling

Compact includes 14 member states, including nearby Utah and Colorado. The Counseling

Compact will increase licensure portability for practitioners while allowing member state

regulatory boards to better protect consumers through enhanced sharing of licensure information.

Existing interstate occupational licensure compacts have successfully reduced barriers for

practitioners who wish to provide services in other states.

We recognize that the Counseling Compact will benefit consumers, our members, and the

counseling profession by:

• Enhancing mobility for counselors who meet uniform licensure requirements;

• Increasing access to care for clients;

• Ensuring continuity of care when clients or counselors relocate or travel to other states;

• Allowing military personnel and spouses to more easily maintain their certifications when relocating; and

• Preserving and strengthening the current system of state licensure.

Importantly, the Counseling Compact preserves each member state’s authority to regulate the

profession. Counselors utilizing the Compact must abide by the laws and rules of the state in

which they practice, including adhering to that state’s scope of practice. More information on the compact can be found at: https://counselingcompact.org/

Over the last year, ICA has been working closely with the Idaho Division of Occupational and

Professional Licenses (IDOPL) to gain support in pursuing legislation and planning for critical

components of the bill. We are working with our lobbyist Liz Hatter to find sponsorship and

support for this legislation. ICA members please be on the lookout for additional ICA

announcements concerning our progress with the Counseling Compact and for ways that you can support our members. ICA members wishing to learn more about the legislation can contact Dr. Chad Yates.

Dr. Chad M. Yates

Professor | Department of Counseling 

Idaho State University

Telemental Health Counseling

Suicide Prevention

Insurance

School Counselor Ratios

Click HERE for a link to the Idaho State Legislature.

Helpful Documents to Utilize in Successful Legislator Meetings:

• What is an LPC?
• Mental Health Professional Shortages in Idaho
• Comparable Training for LCPC, MFT and LCSW
• Effective Advocacy
• Effectiveness of and Need for Counseling
• TIPS for Effective Advocacy
• National Mental Health Professions Experience
• National Mental Health Professions Statistics

National Talking Points and Handouts

• Prevent LPCs from Being Shut Out of the VA
• Medicare - Outpatient Mental Health Services and Coverage of LPCs
• Counseling for Career Choice Act