Government Affairs Newsroom
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is committed to keeping counselors informed about public policy issues affecting the profession. Our regular posts will highlight legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to counselor employment, reimbursement, funding, and practice rights. Stay tuned to ensure that you are up to date on all the latest counseling initiatives.
Behavioral Health Expansion: Provider Numbers Continue to Grow
August 26, 2026The number of behavioral health care providers enrolled in Medicare is growing rapidly, according to recent data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Over 72,000 Mental Health Counselors (MHCs) and more than 15,000 Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) have enrolled as of the second quarter of 2026. |
The Federal Policy Framework Emerges on Artificial Intelligence
August 26, 2026A number of bills addressing the use of artificial intelligence are currently pending in Congress, some of which concern the safety of the public regarding mental health care. Our Government Affairs team has compiled the latest updates. |
Get Out the Vote: The 2026 Midterms Are Approaching
July 29, 2026Our Government Affairs Department has put together an invaluable online hub for Counselors, Counselor Educators, students, and other professionals to learn about important legislation, advocacy efforts, practice rights, and other mental health care concerns. |
Governmental Affairs Leadership: Shaping Mental Health Policy in 2026
July 29, 2026The first half of this year has been incredibly busy on the congressional and federal front. Learn about how changes have impacted the Counseling profession, and how NBCC advocates to support Counselors. |
Stay Up to Date With NBCC’s Government Affairs Resources
July 29, 2026Our Government Affairs Department has put together an invaluable online hub for Counselors, Counselor Educators, students, and other professionals to learn about important legislation, advocacy efforts, practice rights, and other mental health care concerns. |
NBCC Joins Congressional Briefing to Advocate for Future Counselors
June 17, 2026NBCC joined other organizations, experts, and affected students to warn members of Congress about the damaging consequences of the Department of Education’s new RISE rule to limit graduate student loans. |
Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association Demonstrates Advocacy in Action
May 27, 2026When a bill threatened to dissolve the state’s Counselor licensing board, TLPCA mobilized its members to contact their legislators. Dr. Robin Lee explains how advocacy was successful. |
The Department of Education RISE Final Rule: What It Means for Counseling
May 27, 2026The Department of Education (ED) has finalized its Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule, which will exclude Mental Health Counseling programs from professional degree status beginning July 1, 2026. |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services FY 2027 Budget Proposal
April 22, 2026Learn more about key funding changes to the Department of Health and Human Services fiscal year 2027 budget and what those changes could mean for Counselors. |
Building Expertise in Older Adults’ Mental Health
March 25, 2026NBCC is a proud member of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC) and its work to provide resources for Counselors serving Medicare beneficiaries. |
