The New Hampshire Mental Health Counselors Association (NHMHCA) is a state chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and was formed to provide a voice for mental health counselors, while also promoting the profession of mental health counseling in New Hampshire.

We are looking for more members and have positions to fill!  

For 2026, JOIN US!  Here's how:

• March 2 Nomination application process begins
• • Contact Past President Becky Jamison with questions at becky@justathoughtcounseling.com
  • To apply send the following to Becky:
  • • Letter of interest – who are you, what is your interested in being on the NHMHCA Board, why do you think you might be a good addition to the NHMHCA Board
    • Current CV
• April 2 - Initial Nomination Application process ends
• April 6 -Initial Slate of Nominations will be sent to members. More nominations solicited.
• April 27 – Nominations Closed.
• May 4 – Final Slate submitted to all members.
• Voting Begins - May 12
• Voting Ends – June 5
• Candidates notified of results – June 11
• Election outcome announced at Annual Meeting – June 12
• Those elected shall take office on July 1

Legislation, ETHICS & Public Policy

NHMHCA has been instrumental in developing the state's recognition of the profession, by identifying the minimal training standards necessary for mental health counselors, by advocating for and obtaining equitable licensure stature, and by seeking parity among third party payments for counselors in New Hampshire and nationally.

Professional Development & EDUCATION 

NHMHCA provides continuing education programs to mental health counselors to assist them in evaluating and updating their competencies. NHMHCA has developed a system of communication between mental health counselors in New Hampshire through newsletters and other scientific, educational and professional materials. NHMHCA provides its members with and avenue for collaboration with counselors in other work settings, while simultaneously developing a support system to keep members informed about issues and events pertinent to the entire profession of mental health counseling.

Public Awareness and SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

NHMHCA believes it has a responsibility to educate the public concerning mental health issues, and to provide guidance around the role and function of the mental health counselor. It strives to foster and environment which will promote an ease in the access of mental health services by the consumer. NHMHCA believes that an educated consumer will be a stronger self-advocate.

CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING STUDENT Services

NHMHCA has a committee and chairperson committed to serving the graduate students coming into the field.  NHMHCA provides monthly talks and meetings for students enrolled in NH's universities in order to provide support and guidance.  Membership upon graduation into NHMHCA and AMHCA is not required, but the organization prides itself on maintaining these strong relationships throught NH's clinicians' professional development.

Board of Directors

NHMHCA's volunteer leadership serves a biannual term. Committees of the Board of Directors work in the areas of membership services and development, programming and professional development, professional ethics, legislation and public policy affairs, and publications and public awareness.

Membership Services

NHMHCA is committed to encouraging the involvement and growth in each clinicians' community.  The connections and understanding that participation in a professional organization is best practice.  With your annual dues, NHMHCA looks forward to providing quality education that meet the state's requirements to achieve and maintain licensure as well as fostering connections with other local Clinical Mental Health Counselors in the NorthEast.

GUIDANCE ANd LEADERSHIP

The chairs of each committee as well as the executive board are qualified and enthusiastic in their commitment to the profession of counseling, supporting the people of New Hampshire, and it's clinicians.  We welcome each of you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.  The Office of Professional Licensure which governs the licensing process of the NH LCMHCs, is accessible and we can provide you with guidance.

Letter from the Past President

Happy New Year all NHMHCA members!

Time to start thinking about your role in NHMHCA

It is that time of year to start thinking about being a part of the New Hampshire Mental Health

Counselors Association Board! We are not yet taking official nominations. This will start at the

beginning of March. Now is the time to begin thinking about whether you, or someone you

know, would be a helpful addition to the Board and to attend a few Board meetings to see if it

could be a good fit. All Board meetings are over Zoom on the third Thursday of the month from

8:30 am – 10:00 am.

Upcoming Board meetings:

February 19

March 19

April 16

If you would like to attend, email Heather Crowell, our President, so she can send you the link

(nhmhcapresident@gmail.com) .

We had such a great turn out last year with lots of interest for NHMHCA Board positions. So

many wonderful people were nominated.

This year, the following positions will be open, and we are eager to see them filled:

 Legislative Chair – 2-year term. Applicants must be Professional Members in good

standing since July 1, 2025, and willing and able to attend all scheduled Board meetings.

 Graduate Student Chair – 1-year term. Applicants must be current graduate students

who will have completed their first year by the end of August 2026 and be current

student members of NHMHCA.

We also have other board positions up for election this year. While current board members

have expressed interest, Professional Members are encouraged and welcome to submit

nominations and run for any position.

The chair positions open for election include:

 Membership Chair – Currently held by Kirby Gardner, who is interested in serving an

additional two-year term.

 Member-at-Large – June Strickland has been serving the final year of a previously

vacant two-year term and is interested in continuing for a full two-year term.

And the following Executive Board Positions:

 Treasurer – Currently held by Weston Martin, who is interested in continuing in this role

for another two-year term.

 Secretary – Ryan Aquilina, who currently serves as Legislative Chair, has expressed

interest in serving as Secretary for the next two-year term.

 President Elect – Scot Wilson, who is our current Secretary, is interested in moving into

this role, and serving over the next 6 years as President Elect for 2 years, President for 2

years, and Past President for 2 years.

We encourage members to begin considering whether they would like to run for any of these

positions, particularly the two uncontested positions of Legislative Chair and Graduate Student

Chair. 

Please watch for additional information when the nomination process opens in early March. If

you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Becky Jamison, LCMHC

NHMHCA Past President

becky@justathoughtcounseling.com