The Mental Health Access Improvement Act sparked a revolution -- 70,000 Mental Health Counselors (MHCs) and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) joined Medicare in the first year alone.

“As a founding member of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a unified effort to promote and protect the counseling profession. What seemed impossible just years ago—getting mental health counselors recognized as Medicare providers—became a reality through our collective strength. The Coalition amplifies our voice exponentially, turning individual concerns into national policy priorities. Together, we've broken down decades-old barriers, expanded access to mental health care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries, and proven that when mental health professionals unite behind a common cause, we can reshape the entire healthcare landscape. This Coalition isn't just important to our legislative and regulatory engagement—it's essential to our mission.”

“It is a historic opportunity for counselors to be recognized by the largest federal health insurance program, and this recognition leads to a whole host of new opportunities and expectations. It will require our profession to continue to grow in our ability to articulate who we are, what distinct strengths we offer to mental health care and how we plan to integrate ourselves into the broader health care workforce that is trying to make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans.”

“Counselors' inclusion in Medicare has been a critical development for the counseling profession and those who need mental health services. The inclusion of counselors as Medicare providers will about double the number of mental health providers who Medicare covers, increasing access to services for many older adults and those with chronic disabilities who receive Medicare insurance. Medicare reimbursement was a final frontier for counselors in terms of reputability and recognition, and this development allows us to be taken more seriously by legislators and the public.”

“The work of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition is critically important for Marriage and Family Therapists. The Coalition was instrumental in the passage of legislation allowing Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to serve as Medicare billable providers. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is proud to be a member of the Coalition as the Coalition advocates for greater recognition of Marriage and Family Therapists, Mental Health Counselors and Clinical Social Workers within Medicare.”

“The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) is proud to be part of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition. Our members continue to express deep appreciation for being able to work within the Medicare system, increasing access to care for seniors across California. We thank all of the Coalition partners for their dedication to increasing access to care and serving the most vulnerable.”