As you may already know, CCDA has joined this statewide coalition (CCCL)
of organizations representing professional counselors representing
a variety of specializations. And the exciting effort to draft
legislation and identify sponsoring and supporting legislators
is underway. The coalition has engaged a Sacramento lobbying firm
who will help shape this campaign.
You may be aware that California is one of only three states in
the US that do not license professional counselors (LPCs). As
such we do not have parity with our colleagues throughout the
country, and are greatly limited in a number of significant ways:
the types of employment and funding opportunities for which we
can be considered, the ability to accept third-party insurance,
and the ability to differentiate ourselves from the many folks
who call themselves "counselors."
Seeking licensure will be an uphill battle, but one to which the coalition
is fully committed and intending to win. Your support is needed in
many ways. Advocacy activities will be launched as the legislative
campaign takes shape, and creating public awareness of the value of
licensure among our professional colleagues as well as the general
public will be of increasing importance. CCDA will include advocacy
updates at meetings, and all chapters are being asked to select "point
persons" to help get the message out.
Most importantly, fundraising is the first and foremost task of the
coalition, for without funds to hire the lobbying firm and help craft
the strategic plan to launch our legislative campaign, the effort cannot
go forward. Please read the letter from the coalition,
and please do contribute at whatever level you are able. The future
of our profession truly is in our hands!
The CCDA website will post updates and "Call to Action" notices
when it’s time to ask you to contact your local state assembly
members and senators. It will also have a link to the coalition website
which will provide detailed information, progress reports and resources
you can use. Right now if you click on the CCDA
Licensure Update (under "What’s New" on the CCDA
homepage), you can download the CCCL brochure on licensure. Read it,
print it, share it. It’s the first step in informing the public,
our legislators, and our colleagues about the need for LPCs in California.
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to become involved
in the licensure effort, your inquiries are most welcome. I can be
reached at ritahorn@cox.net.
