These, of course, are membership benefits we enjoy. But, what is most important about membership is having a professional voice that is heard. The LCPCM is your professional voice. We represent your interests and concerns in state government, in Annapolis, and on Capitol Hill. We advocate for your profession, the rights of your clients and advancements in mental health counseling field. As a member, you can speak directly to us and we can speak as a group for you.

Are you wondering what work is left to do?

There will always be work for the LCPCM. You must know, for example, that LCPCs are facing a public relations challenge. LCPCs are competing for employment, provider contracts, promotions, speaking engagements, and/or client referrals. Aren't you tired of explaining what you are? You work in, or are entering, a competitive field with a brand-new LCPC title. The LCPC title is slowly being recognized by other health care professionals, members of the community, and prospective employers. Few are familiar with the LCPC licensing requirements, the services you are authorized to provide, or how your credentials compare to those of the other mental health providers. As the professional association for LCPCs in Maryland, the LCPCM can and will help you. A top priority for the LCPCM is to make sure that the LCPC title provides you with the recognition and respect that you deserve. To accomplish this goal, we plan to carry out a state wide public education project on behalf of LCPCs to promote title recognition. The scope of this project is obviously dependent upon our available resources and upon how many LCPCs support the work of our association.

Another top priority is to obtain direct access for LCPCs to reimbursement from MEDICARE and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Programs (FEHBP), and to remove the physician referral and supervision requirement for LCPCs to receive reimbursement from TRICARE (previously CHAMPUS). This year, we will work with all the other state chapters of the American Mental Health Counselors Association to coordinate a national effort to remove these obstacles to your clinical practice and professional advancement.

Without a professional association, this work could not and would not be accomplished. As you may know, over the past several years, the LCPCM put all of its energy and resources into passing a clinical licensing law. We are thrilled with this accomplishment and hope you are already reaping the benefits. Clinical licensing was the crucial first step. However, to reach true professional parity with other mental health clinicians, there is more climbing to do. We know we can do it. Our numbers are growing along with our reputation as professionals. Let's work toward having a clear professional identity and a strong public voice.

In the past, we asked you for a donation. Thanks to many of you, our licensing bill passed and we now have a law. Today, we are asking for your membership. Let's be in this process together. And, if you want to do more than join, definitely contact us. We need your talents more than ever.