COVID-19 Mental Health Practitioner Emergency Temporary License MA

by | Apr 8, 2020 | Front Page, Press Release

Recently (April 3) the Executive Order written by Governor Baker was updated to include Mental a health Providers into the out of state Emergency Temporary License.Remember that this is so that you are able to abide by the MA e-counseling regulations.Please use the following link to print the application and submit to the email address on the form.  https://www.mass.gov/doc/out-of-state-emergency-license-application-for-mental-health-practitioners/downloadI am pleased that these changes were made!  Thank you to all who sent emails, spoke to clients about the need, and made phone calls letting legislators know about the challenges we faced during this already difficult...

Providing Mental Health During COVID-19

by | Mar 18, 2020 | Front Page, Press Release

Dear Members, Mental Health providers are facing unique challenges as we move forward in providing care to clients and self-care to ourselves.  While there have not been any clear guidelines provided to us, I am going to give you some resources as they are found on the Internet and within the AMHCA open forum as you continue to see clients.  PLEASE NOTE: this is not a written policy and RIMHCA is merely providing resources and suggestions for moving forward with providing direct care to your clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is your professional responsibility to contact your insurance providers and liability carriers for specific regulations and guidance moving forward. Here are some considerations for your practice: Telemental Health Counseling. Telemental health sessions are an opportunity for concerned clients with adequate internet access to continue with their therapy and minimize exposure possible exposure to the virus.  Anxiety and concerns about the spread of the virus can be heightened for some clients, and if you are able to provide distance counseling you may be able to mitigate additional mental health crises.Telemental Health PlatformsWhen using telemental health, note that you must use a platform that is HIPPA/HITECH compliant.    Doxy (https://doxy.me), provides both a free version or you can pay $35 per month for the “pro” version, which includes the ability to screenshare with clients (if you want to show them something on the screen) and to conduct group sessions.  Zoom also provides a free and paid version, however, the free version is not HIPPA-compliant.  Zoom Healthcare is HIPPA-compliant and costs $200 a month (for up to 10 users)Many electronic practice management systems...

A letter from a past president: Vera DeMarco

by | Aug 1, 2019 | Front Page, Press Release

Dear Colleagues, I heard at the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) National Conference that every; incoming president sets his or her agenda.  Six (or was it seven?) years ago when I became president of RIMHCA I may have set an agenda but there’s no documentation.  I do like to think that with the support of an amazing Board and an administrative wizard we may have accomplished many things—planned or serendipitous.  A few highlights of this fiscal year: Membership is now at 157 (and includes several social workers)During this fiscal year seven topical Seminars were offered making it possible to earn 20 CEUS—half those required for license renewal. The Psychology of the Chakras: Yoga Philosophy meets Western Psychology presented by Coral Brown, LMHC Navigating Gender Identity with Clients: Expanding Practices for Mental Health Professionals presented by Dr. Michelle Crossley RIMHCA at RIC: Professional Pathways after Licensure presented by RIMHCA board members Kimberly Leandre, Phillow Lowry, and Todd Schmenk Using a Trauma Informed Framework for Working with Men presented by Chris Dorval, LCSW Working with Couples: A Therapist’s Greatest Challenge presented by Larry Shushansky, LCSW Using Visually-Mediated Strategies in Psychotherapy and Counseling: Interventions for Varied Clinical Populations presented by Dr. Charles Boisvert and Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed What Mental Health Professionals need to know about Gender Affirming Care for their Child, Adolescent and Adult Clients presented by Michelle Forcier, MD and Jill Wagner, LCSW Four networking events were held throughout the state providing an opportunity for us to share our professional and personal experiences as colleagues and friends.  Serving as President of RIMHCA has truly been an honor and a privilege. ...