The policy landscape shaping mental health services is shifting dramatically, with counselors and clients caught at the intersection of progress and concerning rollbacks. The Counseling Compact's expansion to 39 states signals a breakthrough for interstate practice, promising new professional mobility by fall 2025. This advancement stands in stark contrast to troubling federal decisions that threaten vulnerable populations.
SAMHSA's termination of specialized LGBTQ+ youth support through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline undermines a service that has provided affirming care to 1.3 million young people. Simultaneously, the FTC is contemplating whether to classify gender-affirming care as fraudulent—directly contradicting the consensus of medical and mental health associations and potentially criminalizing evidence-based practices. These federal actions come as youth mental health statistics grow increasingly alarming, with 40% of students reporting persistent sadness and 20% considering suicide.
Ohio counselors should closely monitor two equal rights amendments advancing through the ballot initiative process that would prohibit discrimination and update marriage definitions in the state constitution. The bipartisan CROWN Act would protect students from discrimination based on hair texture, addressing an important aspect of racial equity in schools. Meanwhile, the reintroduction of the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act in Congress and the Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on conversion therapy bans underscore ongoing battles against harmful practices.
As counselors, our ethical responsibility extends beyond the therapy room. These policy developments directly impact our ability to provide competent, affirming care to all clients. Take action using the links in our show notes, contact your legislators about these issues, and join us next month as we continue tracking how decisions from the Capitol shape every counseling conversation.
Resources:
OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling
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Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee
·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier
·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, and Leah Wood
·Editing by Marisa Cargill
