Washington Mental Health Counselors Association upcoming events

Conference Committee Meeting (11/09/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Help WMHCA plan our second annual conference in May 2027 designed to foster vital connections within our therapeutic community! To make this event a resounding success, we need your help. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various aspects of getting the conference up and running. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful event, connect with fellow members, and gain valuable experience. If you're eager to lend a hand and help us create an unforgettable experience, please sign up to join us! We can't wait to see you there.

Balancing Pay and Profit: A Strategic Guide to Employee Raises (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Members Only Event

Description

Learn how to effectively give raises to your employees without overspending in our webinar, "Balancing Pay and Profit"

Giving your team the raises they deserve shouldn't derail your bottom line. In this practical and strategy-focused webinar, we’ll walk you through how to approach compensation with clarity, confidence, and sustainability.

You’ll learn:

How to plan for raises in your annual budget and cash flow forecasts
How to align raises with your business’s financial goals and profitability
When and how often to evaluate and implement raises
The difference between cost-of-living adjustments and merit-based increases and how to balance the

Whether you’re feeling the pressure to reward your team or just want a more intentional approach to compensation, this session will help you make smart, sustainable decisions.

There are no CEs for this event.

Presenter Bio

Carla Titus is a finance expert with over 18 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online businesses experience. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to practice owners looking to grow their business profitably. Her mission with Wealth & Worth Within is to empower business owners to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind, so that they can get back to what they enjoy.

Wealth and Worth Within believes that financial clarity shouldn't be a barrier for mental health professionals from any background. We're dedicated to helping therapists and counselors build equitable, sustainable practices where fair compensation and financial stability are the norm, not the exception.

Navigating with Overdose Grief & Vicarious Trauma with Care Presented by Lexi Alberts, LICSW (12/04/2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Description:

Providers and community members grieving the loss of someone who used drugs face a uniquely complex bereavement experience. Social stigma, the lasting impacts of the War on Drugs, and provider-client dynamics can make this grief harder to navigate than other types of loss. In this training, Lexi draws on professional expertise and personal lived experience to normalize the non-linear journey of grief — including a brief critique of mainstream grief frameworks. Participants will explore the overlapping mental health symptoms between overdose grief and vicarious trauma, and examine how witnessing others' trauma can present similarly to drug-related loss. The training closes with practical self-care and collective-care strategies, because moving through grief isn't something we do alone!

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

Learn about how grieving and loss is impacted by collective trauma and social stigma
Understand how signs and symptoms of grief related to death from overdose or fentanyl poisoning, and how these signs and symptoms overlap with vicarious trauma symptoms
Strategize self-care and collective-care plans to help cope with overdose grief in professional and personal community

About the Presenter:

Lexi Alberts is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trainer, advocate, and chronic pain therapist in Olympia, WA. Lexi partners with agencies, businesses, community centers and non–profits to address the mental health impacts of burnout, vicarious trauma, and minority stress. She believes that we learn best from one another and loves facilitating healing conversations by drawing on the wisdom already present in every room she works in — with communities and workplace teams alike. Lexi also facilitates support groups for survivors of violence and for Peer Providers who are working in non-profits, with a focus on providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. She advocates for collective-care, alongside self-care, to help us thrive, heal, and persevere.

Before her work as a trainer and chronic pain therapist, Lexi spent over 10 years working in social services. Her focus was on supporting the survival needs and mental health for unhoused survivors of violence, particularly those who belong to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Over the past 15 years, she has served as crisis-phone line operator, a domestic and sexual violence advocate, a Mental Health Program Manager for homeless services, a multicultural therapist, and helped facilitate meeting the basic needs for people experiencing homelessness. Now, she uses her experiences and expertise to support people in her community to thrive and heal.

Lexi Alberts, LICSW serves as a subject matter expert on burnout and vicarious trauma for the National Healthcare from Homelessness Council and is proud to be an active Member Leader in the National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network.

Registration closes November 30th, 2026

This course is approved for 3 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all associate-level licensees in Washington State

Washington Mental Health Association (WMHCA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2079. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

WMHCA Cancellation Policy

To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting WMHCA at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (12/07/2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical, liberative, and culturally responsive clinical practice? The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) invites all WMHCA members to join us in advancing high-quality and accessible continuing education presentations rooted in decolonized principles and cultural humility.

Our mission is to increase competency, challenge oppressive systems, and support counselors in reducing suffering through thoughtful and timely educational opportunities. We actively seek to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—both in our committee and through the presenters we recruit.

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (12/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

ADHD's Hidden Risk: Toxic Relationships and Clinical Interventions Presented by Katherine (Kate) Mageau, LMHC (12/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Description:

LGBTQ+ individuals face compounded vulnerabilities that place them at significantly elevated risk for both undiagnosed ADHD and intimate partner violence. Transgender adults show ADHD prevalence nearly six times higher than the general population, bisexual women experience intimate partner violence at 61%, and transgender and non-binary people report lifetime IPV experiences at 54%. Yet the clinical tools available to screen for these experiences were not designed with LGBTQ+ patients in mind. When ADHD goes unrecognized and abuse goes unnamed, clinicians are working with an incomplete picture.

This workshop examines the intersection of ADHD, toxic relationships, and LGBTQ+ identity through both a clinical and equity lens. Drawing on current research, participants will explore how specific ADHD qualities, including rejection sensitivity dysphoria, hyperfocus, people-pleasing, and executive functioning challenges, are amplified by the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ patients, creating distinct pathways into and barriers to leaving harmful relationships.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

Discuss the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms by which ADHD increases vulnerability to intimate partner violence and apply this framework to recognize relationship vulnerability patterns in ADHD clients.

About the Presenter:

Kate Mageau (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider based in Seattle, Washington. She specializes in the intersection of ADHD and intimate partner violence, maintaining a private therapy practice serving neurodivergent, queer, and domestic violence survivor populations. She is the author of two books on toxic relationships: Rose-Colored Glasses and The Healing from Toxic Relationships Workbook. Kate has appeared on approximately 20 podcasts as a subject matter expert on ADHD and toxic relationships, and has developed and delivered continuing education trainings for clinicians on supporting clients healing from toxic and abusive relationships.

Kate Mageau’s expertise in this subject area is grounded in a uniquely integrated combination of clinical training, certification, lived experience, and direct advocacy work. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer and domestic violence survivor herself, she first encountered the DV field as a participant at New Beginnings, a domestic violence agency in Seattle, where she later returned to facilitate survivor support groups. Her ADHD-CCSP certification reflects specialized postgraduate training in ADHD clinical services, and her clinical practice is focused specifically on the population addressed in this training. Her clinical practice, published work, and advocacy have centered this intersection for over a decade.

Registration closes December 10th, 2026

This course is approved for 1 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all associate-level licensees in Washington State

WMHCA Cancellation Policy

Financial Treatment Plan: Your Roadmap to Profitability and Growth (12/16/2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Members Only Event

Description:

Carla Titus walks through what goes into a Financial Treatment Plan and how it transforms the way you run your practice.

Most practice owners make hiring, compensation, and growth decisions without a clear financial picture. They're scaling based on gut feel, not strategy. A Strategic Financial Plan changes that completely.

You’ll learn:

What a Strategic Financial Plan actually includes and why each piece matters
How it directly impacts your hiring, compensation, and growth decisions
Why practice owners with a plan scale faster and more sustainably
The real cost of scaling without a financial strategy
How to know if your practice is ready for one

Whether you’re feeling the pressure to reward your team or just want a more intentional approach to compensation, this session will help you make smart, sustainable decisions.

There are no CEs for this event.

Presenter Bio

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (01/04/2027)

Mon, 04 Jan 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (01/11/2027)

Mon, 11 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (02/01/2027)

Mon, 01 Feb 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (02/08/2027)

Mon, 08 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (03/01/2027)

Mon, 01 Mar 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (03/08/2027)

Mon, 08 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (04/05/2027)

Mon, 05 Apr 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (04/12/2027)

Mon, 12 Apr 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (05/03/2027)

Mon, 03 May 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Bridging Connections: Navigating Inclusive Care in an Evolving Landscape (05/13/2027)

Thu, 13 May 2027 14:30:00 GMT

WMHCA’s 2027 Conference, Bridging Connections: Navigating Inclusive Care in an Evolving Landscape, will take place May 13–15, 2027, in Yakima, Washington. The conference will bring together mental health professionals committed to strengthening connections and fostering inclusive, affirming spaces for healing and growth.

Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, the conference offers a timely opportunity to recognize the importance of mental health, reduce stigma, and strengthen our collective commitment to accessible, equitable, and culturally responsive care. As conversations about mental health continue to evolve, clinicians play an essential role in ensuring that individuals and communities feel seen, supported, and connected.

Learn about Sponsorship Opportunities

WMHCA is excited to offer a variety of hotel accommodations for our upcoming conference. Click the links below to explore all your options.

Select your arrival/departure date
Group Code: 0512WM
Reservation Deadline: 04/14/2027

Two Pre-Conference Options!

Ethics Pre-Conference: Tuesday May 11th, 2027 10:00 am - 1:00 pm PST live Zoom webinar - 3 Ethics CEs

The Law & Ethics of Inclusive Behavioral Health Care: Disability, Language, Neurodivergence, Accommodations and the Clinician's Obligation presented by Dr. Eric Strom, JD, LMHC

Suicide Prevention Pre-Conference: Thursday May 13th, 2027 8:00 am - 3:30 PM live in person Yakima Convention Center - 6 CEs - meets Washington State Suicide Training requirement

Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management presented by Emily Hughes LMFT, CMHS, SUDP

Pre-conferences do not include meals or snacks.

Get your tickets in advance as it is likely to sell out - registration closes April 30th, 2027.

Single-Day Tickets: Single-day registration will be available beginning in April, space permitting.

Schedule Posted by January 6, 2027

Become a WMHCA Member

No refunds will be given.

Conference Committee Meeting (05/17/2027)

Mon, 17 May 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (06/07/2027)

Mon, 07 Jun 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.