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The purposes of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association are to:

• Promote the profession of mental health counseling;
• Provide a system for the exchange of professional information among mental health counselors through newsletters, journals or other scientific, educational and /or professional materials.
• Provide professional development programs for mental health counselors to update and enhance clinical competencies;
• Promote legislation that recognizes and advances the to profession of mental health counseling;
• Provide a public forum for mental health counselors to advocate for the social and emotional welfare of clients;
• Promote positive relations with mental health counselors and other mental health practitioners in all work settings to enhance the profession of mental health counseling;
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of minimal training standards for mental health counselors;
• Promote scientific research and inquiry into mental health concerns;
• Provide liaison on the state level with other professional organizations to promote the advancement of the mental health profession.
• Provide the public with information concerning the competencies and professional services of mental health counselors, and to
• Promote equitable licensure standards for mental health counselors through the state legislature.

Code of Ethics

SMHCA members adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, which states as its preamble,

The purpose of this organization is to provide a means for mental health counselors in this district to work towards common goals including, but not limited to: promoting the profession of mental health counseling; increasing the visibility and respect accorded the profession; fostering professional identity and development; providing education and training opportunities to enhance the quality of services provided by members; promoting legislation which recognizes and advances the profession; addressing issues of discrimination and client advocacy; promoting an alliance with other organized mental health professional with common goals and interests; and generally working for the common good of mental health counselors.

Members Corner

Pamela Paul, LMHC, NCC, Membership & Community Relations

We are very excited to have you as part of the SMHCA.  Thank you for your membership!

We want you to know that we are committed to keeping you current on legislation that affects mental health counseling, and we are advocating on your behalf.  Likewise, we offer trainings for professional development, and for a nominal fee, you earn CEU’s! 

Moreover, we help our graduate students and interns stay informed of supervision requirements as well as potential internship sites or employment opportunities. 

In addition, we provide a forum where mental health counselors can come together as a therapeutic community and find strength and renewal.

We share a commonality unique to ourselves.

As healers of the soul, we facilitate change in the lives of others who have reached their darkest hour.  We share hope and encouragement, helping others overcome.  We lead people forward in their lives. 

We give of ourselves for the good of mankind. We make a difference.

The SMHCA supports you in your endeavors.

We encourage you to join us each month and get involved.  Make new friends.  Exchange thoughts and ideas.  Leave recharged and renewed.   ☼