Building Expertise in Older Adults’ Mental Health

NBCC is one of the founding members of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC) . After many years of legislative advocacy with the coalition, we helped establish Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists as approved Medicare providers. Now the coalition focuses on proper implementation of the legislation and partnering with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on enrollment and billing processes. In addition, we are currently working with legislators to increase the reimbursement rate for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers.

Over the past 3 years, NBCC and the MMHWC have cosponsored a comprehensive webinar series designed specifically for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers serving—or preparing to serve—Medicare beneficiaries and older adults.

This strategic collaboration addresses a critical need in the behavioral health field: equipping mental health professionals with the specialized knowledge and skills required to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to America's rapidly growing older adult population. The series provides practical, actionable training delivered by leading experts and successful practitioners, offering everything from foundational concepts to advanced clinical strategies that participants can immediately implement in their practices.

NBCC appreciates the partnership with the MMHWC and remains enthusiastic about continuing to cosponsor upcoming webinars. As the behavioral health field expands access to older adults through Medicare reimbursement, building a community of skilled, confident mental health professionals committed to the mental health of older adults is essential. Whether you're a newly licensed Counselor taking your first steps into Medicare practice, an experienced clinician expanding your expertise, or a seasoned practitioner seeking to diversify your service delivery settings, the webinar series offers the evidence-based knowledge and practical tools you need. Review the list of covered topics and access webinars on mastering Medicare enrollment, navigating administrative challenges, and providing effective care for older adults with mental health needs.

Addressing the mental health needs of America's older adults represents one of the most meaningful and rewarding specializations in our profession—and NBCC and the MMHWC