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Darlene Silvernail, PhD, LMHC, CAP

FMHCA President 

DocSilvernail@aol.com  

July 2013 -2014
Board of Directors

 

Past President 

Carlos Zalaquett, Ph.D.

carlosz@usf.edu   

 

  

Treasurer 

Norman Hoffman, PhD, EdD, LMHC, LMFT
forensic@nbfe.net

 

Secretary

Kathie Erwin, PhD, LMHC

drkterwin@verizon.net 

 

Member-at-Large

Joe Skelly, MS, LMHC

JoeSkel@cox.net

 

Member-at-Large

Bob Decker,PhD, NCC, LMHC

bobdecker@earthlink.net 

 

Newsletter Editor

Darlene Silvernail, PhD, LMHC, CAP

DocSilvernail@aol.com

 

Administrator

Nancy Montgomery

Professional Administrator

admin@flmhca.com
FMHCA's Mission... 

The Mission of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association is to advance the profession of clinical mental health counseling through intentional and strength-based advocacy, networking, professional development, legislative efforts, public education, and the promotion of positive mental health for our communities.

  

FMHCA Officers 2013-2014

 

A Message From The President:

 

I am honored to be serving as the Florida Mental Health Counselor's Association (FMHCA) president this year because I truly believe that FMHCA is vital to the continued success of the Mental Health Counseling profession in Florida.  I want to thank all of FMHCA's Board Members and volunteers - they have worked and continue to work very hard on behalf of our members.  We made great progress on our goals last year and I know we can continue that tradition this year.  There is so much we are doing, and so much more we can do.  We will to continue advocate for mental health counselors in Florida by supporting legislation that promotes our profession. We need YOU to make that happen.

 

If you are already a member of FMHCA, we thank you.  If you are not, please consider joining.  Your support makes it possible for FMHCA to continue to grow and promote our profession, to maintain a strong voice and to promote change. 

Have you ever wondered who promotes the legislation that recognizes and advances mental health counseling in Florida?  YOU do, by supporting FMCHA! 

 

FMHCA wants to empower you to help make your professional dreams come true.  You can read about what FMHCA is doing for mental health counselors in our bylaws.  Do you want to take a more active role in FMHCA?  Consider volunteering to serve on one of our committees!  

 

FMHCA's 2014 Annual Conference was a tremendous success, and plans are already in the works to make this year's conference even better!  Remember to save the date: February 5th-7th 2015 we'll meet again at the Orlando Marriott in Lake Mary, Florida.  If you are interested in speaking, volunteering, or if you are a student interested in participating in Student Poster Sessions, please email us at admin@flmhca.com.

Together we can help FMHCA reach new heights this year - I look forward to the challenge!  Thank you so much for your support.

 

 

Sincerely,

Darlene Silvernail PhD LMHC CAP

 

 

The Vote Is In!

The vote is in and we'd like to congratulate our new and re-elected board members for the coming year!

Our newest, as well as re-elected, Officers are as follows:

  • President - Darlene Silvernail, PhD, LMHC, CAP
  • President-Elect - Kelly Holladay, MS, NCC, RMHCI, LMHC
  • Secretary - Dr. Kathie Erwin, LMHC, NCC
  • Treasurer - Norman Hoffman, PhD, EdD, LMHC, LMFT, CCMHC, CFMHE

Our newest, as well as re-elected, Members at Large are as follows:

  • Scott Laurence, MEd, PhD, LMHC
  • Joe Skelly, MS, LMHC
  • Michael Holler, MA, NCC, CFMHE, CCCE, LMHC, QCS
  • Michael Zelewa, LMHC, MAC, PA

Our Parliamentarian remains Frank Hannah, MS, LMHC.  

Wow - now that February's FMHCA Annual Conference is behind us it seems like this year is just flying by.  I want to take this moment to thank each of you for your continued membership - FMHCA would not be where we are today without such loyal support! Guess what?

 

We want to hear from you!

 

FMHCA has a fabulous newsletter that goes out each month, filled with informative articles that promote and inspire Florida's Mental Health Counselors.  This means you!  We would love to hear your voice and welcome submissions that capture social issues facing our industry, promote solutions, and empower your peers.  FMHCA also welcomes articles highlighting useful tools, best practices, and effective treatment approaches.  Let's work together to help FMHCA remain a top resource for Florida counselors!  Please send ideas and submissions to DocSilvernail@aol.com.

Legislative Summary 

By Corinne Mixon, Florida Statewide Lobbyist for FMHCA

 

The Florida Mental Health Counselors Association saw successful outcomes from the 2014 Florida Legislative Session. Florida's Mental Health Budget, which falls completely under the Department of Children, Families and Elder Affairs, remained consistent with the 2013 allocations. Significant cuts to this budget were proposed during the 2013 legislative session, but the budget crisis was averted. No such threat existed this year.

By the numbers, fewer bills passed during the 2014 legislative session than any time in the past decade. Lawmakers passed 264 bills in the 60-day legislative session that ended Friday, the fewest since at least 2001. That's 22 percent less than the 10-year average of 338 bills passed per year for 2004-2013. Of the 264 bills passed, many were local resolutions, license plate adoptions and declarations. Very few health care related bills passed. Unfortunately, the FMCA priority bill, relating to placing a five-year cap on internships, was among the many bills that died in the committee process. Nevertheless, the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling has informally reported that an increased number of long-term interns are taking steps toward full licensure as a result of the bill being filled, regardless of its passage. This is excellent news!

Many other outcomes of the 2014 Florida Legislative Session were also positive. All bills that FMHCA opposed failed to pass, including a bill that would have created a state license for behavior analysis. FMHCA lobbied against this measure, which, at a minimum, needed to be significantly amended. Additionally, a measure to review how the state funds crisis stabilization units, which treat those in need of emergency mental health treatment, failed to pass. FMHCA opposed this bill in any form, but the original bill would have completely gutted the funding mechanism for crisis stabilization units.

Through the leadership of FMHCA Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman, Richard Chapman and the daily lobbying efforts of Mixon and Associates, FMHCA enjoyed a strong presence in Tallahassee. The entire Governmental Affairs Committee played an extremely active role in supporting FMHCA's legislative platform. Special thanks should be given to Lorrie McCann, Norman Hoffman, Sareet Taylor, Carlos Zalaquette, Louise Sutherland, Alder Allensworth, Valarie Hoppenworth and Darlene Silvernail.


The Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern's Corner

Five Strategies to Deal with Supervision Cost

By Coralis Solomon, MS 

 

  

If you are a recent graduate, chances are that now you are facing student loans. Hopefully, you found a job right out of school that will take care of this. In addition, there is a new impending expense related to your career: the expense of supervision. In order to get licensed you have to obtain a minimum of 100 hours of supervision for a period of no less than two years. Some agencies will include free supervision, usually with a lower salary to off set the cost. Fees for supervision can vary. As an example let's use an average fee of $80.00 per supervision session.   At that rate you will spend spend a total of $8,000 for the next two years in supervision. The monthly expense would be about $330. Now, consider that in Florida the average paying counseling job for a Registered Intern is around $30,000 (optimistically). For a great number of people this comes down to the choice of expense for supervision or use the money for car payment, etc.   I personally know of a number of Registered Interns that have had to postpone their supervision in order to survive financially. There is no question; this additional expense can be an uphill slow battle. However, it is a fact that becoming licensed comes with more job opportunities and most of the times a significant pay raise. The question is: how to hang on until you make it there? Below are a few suggestions to consider:

 

Plan ahead: This could apply more if you are still a student, but include the cost of supervision as an additional school expense. Put an amount from your student loans aside expecting it to be used for supervision once you graduate.

 

Negotiate with your supervisor to pay later: I came across a supervisor that offers a very unique option for interns to afford supervision. Initially, he would charge them an affordable rate with the agreement that additional payments will be done once they are licensed and find a higher paying job.  

 

Budget your money wisely: Having a clear intention about your commitment to supervision helps to make choices within your budget. Again, how important is this goal for you? Are you willing to give up some others things in your life like traveling, eating out, gym membership (maybe not the gym, you will need it for your sanity) etc.?

 

Postpone payment on your student loan: Ask yourself what is more important at this stage of your new career? If your concern is that the interest will continue to accumulate, postponing licensure will cost you money as well.

 

Get a loan, use a credit card, or borrow against your house: This might sound controversial, but in my opinion it is worth it in the long run. It will be very difficult to progress professionally and financially as a registered intern.

 

These are a few ideas to give you a different perspective about this financial challenge. It is also important to keep in mind that time will not be in your favor either. The new changes to the 491 statute Registered Interns will have a maximum of five years to get licensed or they will lose their intern registration. The key is to recognize that giving up on supervision is not an option unless you are ready to change careers.

 

In closing, having a clear goal will help you keep your mind open to other possible creative ideas on how to cover this additional expense. If you came up with creative way to cover your expense for supervision, I would love to hear from you. Good luck in your journey.

 

 

Coralis Solomon is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern for the State of Florida. As a graduate of Troy University, she holds a master's degree in Counseling/Psychology. She is currently serving as Registered Intern Representative for FMHCA and MHCCF. Her private practice Quiet Minds Counseling is located in Orlando, Florida. She practices under the supervision of Joe Salg, LMHC. For questions related to Registered Interns please email them to Cory@quietmindscounseling.com 

June's Medicare Corner 

By Lorrie McCann, LMHC, CT

 

The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (Murphy Bill HR 3717) introduced last year by Representative Murphy (R-PA) is a GOP response to the Newtown shootings. In March, 2014 Dr. LaMarr Edgerson, Director at Large for AMHCA testified before a House Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce. Dr. Edgerson spoke on behalf of AMHCA's 7000 counselors. A key portion of his statement was to educate our congressional leaders on the importance of Medicare Provider Status for LMHC's to insure the well-being of their constituents and advocate for inclusion of this mandate in the Murphy bill.  Unfortunately, in spite of these efforts the bill has not been modified to include AMHCA's recommendations.

Another possibility for Medicare legislative initiative is the Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act of 2014 (HR 4574) which was recently introduced as a Democratic alternative by Representative Barber (D- AZ).  AMHCA has been instrumental in adding the Medicare Provider status amendment to this bill.
 
Let your voice be heard!! Contact your legislators. Let them know that Medicare Provider Status for LMHC's can help their constituents have healthier lives and save money!!!  For a lettter template go to www.AMHCA.org

 

Transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10  

Codes delayed another year!

By Tamara McKlveen

 

On January 16, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services published the final regulation (45 CFR 162.1002) that adopted the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10 PCS code sets as HIPAA standards. This rule required the use of the ICD-10 code sets in all HIPAA transactions. The compliance date published in the original ruling was October 1, 2013. So, the ICD-10 code sets were supposed to have been used in transactions with services dates on or after October 1, 2014.

 

That ruling was just extended. On April 1, 2014, the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA) (Pub. L. No. 113-93) was enacted. This act said that the Secretary may not adopt ICD-10 code sets prior to October 1, 2015. It is expected that an interim final rule will soon be released which will include a new compliance date; the rule would require HIPAA covered entities to continue to use ICD-9-CM through September 30, 2015 and transition to ICD-10 beginning October 1, 2015. (CMS.gov, 2014).  

 

This is a great example of how legislation continually changes - staying current is crucial to your success! You can continue to track ICD-9 to ICD-10 transition legislation either with email updates or by following them on twitter. For now, it appears that you have a little more time to transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10, but don't procrastinate - 2015 will be here before you know it.    

 

Want to be more active in FMHCA?   

An Open Request for Volunteers

 

 

We need you !!!

 

Do you want to take a more active role in FMHCA?  Consider volunteering to serve on one of the following committees:

  • The Government Relations Committee
  • The Educational, Training Standards, and Continuing Education Committee
  • The Membership Committee
  • The Graduate Student Committee
  • The Interpersonal and Consumer Relations Committee
  • The Public Relations Committee
  • The Research Committee
  • The Military Service Committee
  • The Ethics Committee
  • 2015 Conference planning committee

Please contact Dr. Darlene Silvernail at docsilvernail@aol.com     

 



Mythbusting: Tobacco Use Does Not Benefit Persons with Mental Health or Substance Abuse Disorders

 

by Andr�e Aubrey, MSW, LCSW, CTTS

 

 

Did you know that tobacco kills more users than alcohol, HIV/AIDS, illegal drugs, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders COMBINED?  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 440,000 people die prematurely from a tobacco-related death every year and approximately 200,000 of those deaths are among people who have a mental illness.  Tobacco dependency also is correlated with lower educational attainment, service or blue-collar employment, and lower socio-economic status.   

 

Although the tobacco use prevalence rate in Florida is an approximate 18%, the prevalence rates for people with psychiatric or substance use disorders is an alarming 45-90%, depending upon the specific diagnosis. These shocking prevalence rates, combined with heavier smoking, enhanced withdrawal symptoms, and fewer lifetime quit attempts in this population significantly exacerbate the health disparities that already exist.   

 

The myths about the "benefits" of tobacco for people with mental health or substance abuse disorders are rampant.  One of the "benefits" mentioned most often seems to be stress relief.  However, the risks of premature death and disease far outweigh any short-term benefits of tobacco use.   Tobacco kills about half of the people who use it. (World Health Organization)

  

In addition to the 440,000 people who die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, another 8.6 million live with a serious illness caused by smoking.

When clients tell you that smoking helps them deal with stress or anxiety, please investigate further.  Nicotine withdrawal is characterized by irritability, frustration, anger, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, and insomnia.   When people smoke a cigarette in response to these symptoms, they interrupt their nicotine withdrawal so they feel better.     

 

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal begin approximately 60-90 minutes after smoking or using other tobacco products.   Smoking or chewing tobacco relieves these withdrawal symptoms rapidly, usually within seven to ten seconds, giving the tobacco user a sense of calm and pleasure.  Therefore, the tobacco user feels better, receiving a reward in the form of a brief reprieve from "stress" only to have the "stress" (withdrawal symptoms) return repeatedly throughout the day.   A recent study in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that when people quit, they felt a drop in their anxiety.  The improvement in anxiety was especially true among people with mental health problems who used smoking to cope. (1 )

 

Mental health counseling has a rich professional history of helping people lead healthier lives, especially people who are oppressed or marginalized.  Mental health counselors must understand the importance of treating tobacco dependency and advocating for improved access to treatment, especially for people with mental health and substance abuse disorders.

 

  

1. McDermott M., Marteau T., Hollands G., Hankins M., and Aveyard P.  Change in anxiety following successful and unsuccessful attempts at smoking cessation: cohort study. The British Journal of Psychiatry (2103) 202, 62-67. 

 

 

Andr�e  Aubrey, MSW, LCSW, CTTS

Director, Area Health Education Center

College of Medicine, Florida State University 

 

Become a FMHCA Member! 

FMHCA invites all mental health professionals to become a part of our organization so your voice can be heard and you can enjoy a strong network of professionals in our state.  There are two ways to join -- via our website or via the AMHCA website.

 

Clinical members may join both FMHCA and AMHCA with UNIFIED DUES of just $234.00.   To take advantage of dual membership, you must join through AMHCA.  Visit www.amhca.org and join online.

 

Others may join via www.flmhca.org by downloading a membership form and mailing it with your payment, or you may make a payment directly through our website.  Keep in mind we have a few membership options:

 

$96.00 Clinical - All LMHC's or CCMHC's

$80.00 Regular - All registered interns or non-licensed professionals

$40.00 Student - Full time graduate student

$40.00 Retired Clinicians - License Retired

Available Job Postings 

Special Note: Job postings for our newsletters must be submitted by the 25th of each month and we will run your posting for one month. Please submit your posting to docsilvernail@aol.com.

 

Director of Quality Assurance for Substance Abuse Treatment Organization providing services in 5 counties, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee. Qualifications must include Master's degree with 4 years of experience in the Substance Abuse field. License preferred. Candidate should be well versed in DCF 65D30 regulations as well as Medicaid. We are also CARF accredited. Compensation $41,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year plus excellent benefits.


Penny S. Tabbert, MHRDA

Director of Human Resources

Drug Abuse Treatment Assoc., Inc., (DATA)

561-743-1034 x14

561-743-1037 fax

  


  

Private Florida leasing firm seeks to place mental health clinicians, BHT's, medical directors, ARNP's , registered dietician's and qualified lic clinical supervisors. Please fax resume's to 561-642-3144
  

 

 

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 2014 Leadership Training

 

Come together with fellow chapter leaders from across the United States to build connections with your colleagues and expand your leadership knowledge!

 

Dates:       July 8-10, 2014

Location:   Seattle Washington

 

Topics in AMHCA's 2014 Leadership Training include:

  • Relationship of AMHCA & State Chapters
  • Legal Matters
  • Regional breakout sessions
  • Board Development
  • Construction and State Conference
  • Professional Identity & Clinical Standards
  • Federal Issues
  • Membership & Marketing

This gathering precedes the 2014 AMHCA Annual Conference and takes place at the same location, the Renaissance Seattle Hotel. If you arrive Tuesday, please join us for a welcome reception from 6:30 to 8:30pm. View Leadership Conference details and schedule. 

 

 

Tuition for this practical and valuable program is $189.00 when you register before June 19, 2014. You may register for the Leadership Training and AMHCA's 2014 Annual Conference at the same time. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Grassley Group, our conference management company, at 877-743-5312 


FMHCA is a CE Broker
Gold Partner!
 
FMHCA, Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, members will now receive a $5 discount to CE Broker, the official continuing education tracking system.
 
Contact us for the Discount Code -  admin@flmhca.comthen go to CEBroker.com & use the Association Code to apply your $5 discount.  Subscribe or create a 7-Day Free Trial Account & apply the code when asked, "Have a Promotion Code or Association Discount?"
 
sign up today  

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance will now verify a practitioner's continuing education record in the electronic tracking system at the time of renewal.  This program is part of our commitment to expeditiously license health care professionals who meet statutorily mandated standards of competency

 

The CE/CME@Renewal program is being implemented in two phases to provide a smooth transition for all licensees and CE providers.  During this phase, the Department encourages licensees to start learning about the Continuing Education Electronic Tracking System and reporting course completion. Licensees will be prompted, but not required, to self-report missing CE hours when they renew their license.      


 

 

 

If your FMHCA membership expired in June, we remind you to renew today by going to our membership page.

 


SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 5-7, 2015
2015 FMHCA Annual Conference

Thank you for attending the 2014 FMHCA Annual Conference.

We hope you enjoyed all of the break out sessions. 

Save The Date for next year! February 5-7, 2015

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