Federal Funding for Counselors

In 2011, NBCC succeeded in including report language in the FY12 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which directed the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to add counselors to the Minority Fellowship Program. In September 2012, NBCC received the award to administer the MFP for the counseling profession.

2016-2021

NBCC secures consistent funding increases for SAMHSA’s Minority Fellowship Program. The program went from being funding at $11 million in 2016 to over $16 million in 2021.

2020

The Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Grant receives a funding increase of $10 million, bringing the total funding amount to $112 million.

2020

Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program receives a funding increase of $4 million, bringing the total funding amount to $16 million.

2012-2016

NBCC lobbying helps increase MFP funding from $5 million in 2012 to $11 million in 2016 and create two new MFP programs focused on youth and addictions.

2014-2016

NBCC successfully lobbies to increase program funding from $26,000,000 in 2014 to $50,000,000 in 2016.

2016

HRSA releases a new announcement providing $7,000,000 for 24 awards, nine designated to counseling programs.

2014

NBCC receives approval for all three MFP grants.

2014

The program announcement is released, extending the program to master’s in counseling programs.

2014

President Obama signs H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, into law (P.L. 113-76), which includes increased funding for MFP.

2013

MFP received a $5 million increase to $10,695,000 for FY14.

2012

At NBCC’s urging, the VA requests OPM create Occupational Series for counselors and MFTs.

2012

NBCC received the MFP notice of award from the Minority Fellowship Program.

2012

NBCC meets with HRSA staff to discuss inclusion of counselors in the Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants.

2011

NBCC meets with HRSA staff to discuss inclusion of counselors in the Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants.

2012-2016

FY09 and FY10 House Labor-HHS report includes language adding counselors to the MFP, but it is not included in the final bill.


In 2013, NBCC succeeded in including report language in the FY14 appropriations law directing the Health Resources Services Administration to expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program to include counselors. In April 2014, HRSA released a Request for Applications authorizing counseling programs to apply.

NBCC has advocated for counselor inclusion in the Indian Health Service Scholarship program and the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Trainee program. Counselors have also been eligible to participate in the HRSA National Health Service Corp for many years.

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