Government Affairs Newsroom
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is committed to keeping counselors informed about public policy issues affecting the profession. Our regular posts will highlight legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to counselor employment, reimbursement, funding, and practice rights. Stay tuned to ensure that you are up to date on all the latest counseling initiatives.
The Department of Education RISE Final Rule: What It Means for Counseling
May 15, 2026The Department of Education (ED) has finalized its Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule, which will exclude Mental Health Counseling programs from professional degree status beginning July 1, 2026. |
Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association Demonstrates Advocacy in Action
May 14, 2026When a bill threatened to dissolve the state’s Counselor licensing board, TLPCA mobilized its members to contact their legislators. Dr. Robin Lee explains how advocacy was successful. |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services FY 2027 Budget Proposal
April 22, 2026Learn more about key funding changes to the Department of Health and Human Services fiscal year 2027 budget and what those changes could mean for Counselors. |
Building Expertise in Older Adults’ Mental Health
March 25, 2026NBCC is a proud member of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC) and its work to provide resources for Counselors serving Medicare beneficiaries. |
NBCC Responds to the Department of Education’s Definition of 'Professional Degree'
March 19, 2026NBCC, in collaboration with three major coalitions, is calling on the Department of Education to reconsider a proposed rule that would declassify Counseling from professional degree status. The NBCC Government Affairs team explains why the proposed rule threatens the mental health workforce and how we are advocating for Counselors. |
Advocates Rally to Protect Mental Health Workforce in Capitol Hill Briefing
February 26, 2026Mental health advocates, Professional Counseling organizations, and bipartisan members of Congress gathered on Capitol Hill to sound the alarm about Department of Education proposed changes to professional degree recognition and federal financial aid for graduate students that threaten to decimate access to care and local economies due to catastrophic reductions in future Mental Health Counseling workforce capacity. |
OBBBA 2026 Tax and Health Care Provisions: What Counselors Need to Know
January 30, 2026The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which passed in July 2025, included significant changes to individual and business tax rules. These changes will directly impact client access to care, practice operations, and personal and business tax planning. |
The Fight Against Federal Student Loan Caps for Degrees in Counseling
December 19, 2025The proposed changes by the U.S. Department of Education could drastically reduce federal loan access for Counselor Education and Counseling students. As we contend with a national Counselor shortage, these changes further threaten the Counseling profession. We share how provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may impact counselor education; why advocacy during the upcoming public comment period is crucial; and how to speak up, engage policymakers, and protect access to education. |
Federal Program and Policy Transition Resources for NCCs
November 20, 2025The recent federal government shutdown has effects throughout the mental health care system. This list of resources will help counselors navigate the situation. |
Licensed Professional Counselors: Advancing Maternal Mental Health in Congress
October 22, 2025Learn more about maternal mental health concerns; the importance of legislation for better outcomes; and how you can help by advocating at local, state, and federal levels. |