Updated February 2024
Table of Contents
UTAH MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MANUAL 1
Section 1: History of the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association 4
Section 3: UMHCA Board, Committee and Staff Contacts 6
Section 4: UMHCA Board Meetings 7
Section 5: Board Member Expectations 8
Section 6: Committee Structure and Protocol 9
A. Committee Mission Statement (Optional) 9
D. Monthly Committee Meetings 10
Section 8: Budget and Finances 13
Section 9: External Boards and Committees 13
B. Western Regional Directors Representative 13
F. Counseling Compact Commission 15
Section 10: External Companies 16
C. McGee’s Trophy and Awards 17
Section 11: Google Training 17
UTAH MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MANUAL
This manual has been updated to include details of procedures governed by but more detailed than what is found in the Bylaws. Because UMCHA is an ever-evolving organization, this manual serves as a way to properly orient and collaborate with Board Members on the day-to-day functions of UMCHA in more detail as governed by the Bylaws. This is a living document and unlike the Bylaws, can be changed at any time without needing a board vote as long as changes align with the Bylaws. Chairs are expected to keep their section of the manual up to date. Because the purpose of the manual is to increase communication and collaboration, updates on committee functions are appropriate and should be announced as updates in monthly board meetings. Bylaws can be changed as needed as well; however, changes to the Bylaws will require a Board vote.
We hope this manual will help increase communication and functionality as we gain additional interest and expand our community involvement with UMHCA. It also allows us to have three-person deep access to important workings and information for each organization so UMHCA can continue to function regardless of unexpected life events or emergencies. This will hopefully help each of us serving as Board Members be able to more fully support each other and integrate our committee efforts.
Welcome to UMHCA. We are glad you are here and appreciate your interest and service to UMHCA. Please watch this video for an overview of UMHCA.
UMHCA abides by the American Mental Health Counselors Association’s code of ethics and is governed by the UMHCA bylaws. Any changes to the Bylaws require a two-thirds majority vote by board members. All board members are expected to review, understand, and follow both the code of ethics and the bylaws. To view the UMHCA codes of ethics document, go to https://www.amhca.org/viewdocument/amhca-code-of-ethics-1
A number of early pioneers had been engaged in legislation in the mid 1990's to license professional counselors. Since that time, the University of Phoenix was instrumental in achieving a CACREP-certified mental health counselor’s master’s degree program. Although Brigham Young University and the University of Utah had programs in counseling, it was the University of Phoenix that provided the primary sponsorship for UMHCA and our affiliation with the American Mental Health Counselor’s Association (AMHCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). Back then, meetings for the association were always held at the University of Phoenix main campus in Salt Lake City.
Because of the foresight of the pioneers of our profession, Utah has among the highest standards of any state for licensing requirements. This included originally taking the National Counselor Examination (NCE) as well as the National Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). The NCMHCE represents the highest level of board certification for mental health counselors. Originally, counselors also had to take a state laws and requirements examination but this was subsequently dropped. All of the requirements for Utah State licensure are so rigorous that it enables fully licensed Utah counselors to have excellent licensure portability if they move to another state.
UMHCA board members have contributed greatly to the profession and to provide support to mental health counselors. At some point, UMHCA discontinued its affiliation with ACA and we subsequently joined the AMHCA unified dues member program. UMHCA has always sent representatives to the annual AMHCA leadership training programs as well as their annual conferences. Nearly all of the presidents of UMHCA have profited from the leadership training they received at AMHCA.
Most of our state chapter presidents went on to serve on the Utah State Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) board. UMHCA has always had a representative to the Utah State, Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Workgroup. This workgroup was responsible for proposing legislation to establish the licensing and educational requirements for Substance Use Disorder Counselors. It also meets to make recommended changes to all laws that pertain to mental health in our state. It includes representatives from associations representing psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, substance use disorder counselors, and medical doctors.
UMHCA proposed a number of changes to the Utah State Mental Health Practice Act. This included the recognition of master's degree graduates in mental health counseling for the first time as state licensed Mental Health Counselors. Also, the title for our profession was changed from Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) to Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC). This reflected the historical title of Clinical Mental Health Counselor that was adopted in 1977 by the introduction of the NCMHCE in that year. This followed the establishment of the American Mental Health Counselors Assistant in 1976.
2024-2025 Michael Gerald
2025-2026 Stacy Gibbons
2023-2024 Kristal James
2020-2023 Anna Lieber
2018- 2020 Julie Tucker
2017-2018 Paul Callister
2016-2017 Jason Wagner
2015-2016 Desmond Lomax
2014-2015 Sandi Evans
2013-2014 Deborah Wayman
2012-2013 Paul Carver
2011-2012 Sarah DeHaan
2010-2011 Gray Otis
2009-2010 Jeri Sena
2008-2009 Ruth Baxter
2007-2008 Robert Snarr
2006-2007 Christi Kane
2005-2006 Dean Workman
2004-2005 Don Beck
The Utah Mental Health Counselors Association is the only organization working exclusively for the mental health counseling profession in Utah. The organization’s mission is to enhance the profession of mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education, and professional development.
UMHCA is a growing community of over 600 licensed mental health counselors, registered interns, students, and retirees with local chapters across the state.
The Bylaws of the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association define the organizational and operational structure of the organization. All members of the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and staff ensure that all policies, programs, procedures, and activities are consistent with the bylaws.
Changes in the bylaws may be made by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors. Changes are approved and effective on passage.
To view this document on the website, go to https://umhca.org/Bylaws
UMHCA’s Mailing Address is
UMHCA
9192 South 300 West, Suite 29
Sandy, Utah, 84070
We use Google platform. Every person who has a leadership role in UMHCA will be given access to the appropriate Google account. These accounts include a Google Meet option for committee meetings.
We also have one Zoom account which we use for conferences and board meetings.
President: Kristal James; president@umhca.org
Past President: Anna Lieber; alieber@westminsteru.edu
President-Elect: Michael Gerald; gsep@umhca.org
Presidential Advisor: Gray Otis; gray_otis@yahoo.com
Secretary: Anne Farley; secretary@umhca.org
Treasurer: Anna Lieber; treasurer@umhca.org
Executive Committee: Jim Macedone; execdir@umhca.org
Legislative & Public Policy Committee: Jessica Black; lppc@umhca.org
Education and Conference Committee: Rory Hileman; eacc@umhca.org
Graduate Student and Emerging Professionals Committee: Michael Gerald; gsep@umhca.org
Public Relations, Marketing & Membership Committee: Anne Farley; prmm@umhca.org
Justice Equity Diversity & Inclusion Committee: Adriana Zarate and Mai Blanchard; jedi@umhca.org
Not Currently Applicable
All Standing Committee Chairs and/or Co-Chairs and Executive Board Members
UMHCA Board of Directors meetings are open to the public and follow the parliamentary process outlined by Roberts Rules of Order. The president presides at the meetings and the secretary takes notes. Anyone wishing to attend can find the information regarding meeting locations here. Board Meetings typically follow this protocol:
All board members must comply with the responsibilities listed in the Bylaws. They must all agree to the following responsibilities upon being voted into any board position:
All board members will complete this survey indicating their willingness to meet UMHCA’s expectations as listed above.
All Standing Committee Chairs shall be elected by majority vote by the Board of Directors for a term of one (1) year with the option to be re-elected.
Committees are allowed to create their own mission statement without requiring a board vote. Mission statements are not required but if developed, should align with UMHCA Bylaws. They can be revised as frequently as needed, but it is encouraged that you do not change them more frequently than once a year in conjunction with the annual goals developed in the Strategic Plan.
Monthly Board meetings are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9:00-10:30 am. More information on how to join these meetings can be found here. Committee Chairs are voting members of the UMHCA board and are expected to attend the monthly board meetings. If the Chair is unable to attend, a committee representative can be sent in their place. However, the committee representative cannot vote on the Chair’s behalf. In preparation for the board meetings, each committee should enter their agenda items on the website under the board meeting agenda. This video provides instructions on how to add items to the meeting agenda.
Committee Chairs should hold monthly meetings with their board members at a day/time that works for the Chair and committee members and assign someone to take meeting meetings. These minutes should be stored in the UMHCA drive and shared as necessary. You are welcome to use this sample meeting minute outline or create your own.
Executive Committee Meetings are held virtually on the 4th Friday of each month from 3:00-4:30 pm (meet.google.com/sjj-fdrv-zuo). The president will host the meetings and ask a representative to cover in their absence if needed.
Committee representatives are encouraged to publicize their monthly meetings on the UMHCA website. You can watch this training video for more information on how to add your event to the calendar.
Committee members may want to add subcommittees or project teams. This can be done without board approval according to the Bylaws except in the case of outside representation. In the event that a Chair would like to have someone from their committee represent UMHCA in an outside committee or coalition, a board vote must be obtained approving the recommended individual in accordance with the Bylaws.
PRMM and the Executive Director oversee all communications published for public view. This includes the newsletter, social media posts, and websites. However, committee and board input is extremely important. Each committee should consider providing content for publication including committee updates and other special areas of interest. To submit content and/or images for distribution, please complete this survey. Because of the levels of approval, review, and editing needed, please ensure your content is submitted with at least 7 days' notice.
Although you have a lot of freedom as a Committee Chair, you must ensure that your actions and meetings are aligned with the purpose of UMHCA as outlined in the Bylaws. Each Committee has slightly different responsibilities. Please review your responsibilities and refer back to the bylaws frequently.
The Education and Conference Committee is responsible for overseeing all of the logistics associated with the conference and brown bag preparation. They must follow the Bylaws in their efforts to plan and prepare for conferences. They may work with outside organizations when needed. Any committee seeking to offer a training or conference should coordinate with the EACC Committee Chair. They also review external organizations seeking approval for CEs. Anyone wishing to submit a conference or training proposal can do so here.
The GSEP committee is responsible for overseeing the needs of graduate students and emerging professionals. The GSEP Committee must follow the Bylaws in their efforts to serve their constituents. They are able to adapt their committee efforts from year to year based on the needs of the constituents.
The LPPC Committee is responsible for both legislative and public policy efforts. Typically, they are busiest during the legislative cycle which begins in January. However, they are encouraged to use their committee members effectively to increase collaboration and networking capabilities with people in the community at all times throughout the year. The LPPC committee may have representatives from their committee attend a variety of external meetings and bring reports to the LPPC Chair. Although the committee may adjust from year to year depending on the needs of the committee at the time, all activities should comply with Bylaw regulations.
Public Relations and Member Marketing Committee oversees all of the social media and outward-facing marketing and communication. All members of UMHCA are encouraged to post updates from their committees and other announcements. PRMM ensures that all posts have been approved by UMHCA and follow the Bylaws. Anyone who wishes to submit something for distribution can fill out this form. Additionally, PRMM is responsible for SWAG purchases for our annual conferences. If any committee has a specific marketing need, please reach out to the PRMM committee.
The Justice Equity Diversity & Inclusion Committee is the newest committee at UMHCA being organized in 2023 first under the name of the Multicultural Advocacy and Competency Committee (MACC). We are excited about how much growth has occurred in such a short amount of time. The JEDI committee is responsible for ensuring the multicultural advocacy and competency of UMHCA. They may have members participate in community outreach and attend external boards bringing communication back to UMHCA. Additionally, they hope to work with other UMHCA committees and consult to ensure all voices are heard. They operate within the UMHCA Bylaws as they continue to develop their committee.
The Executive Committee consists of the President, Past President, President-Elect, Presidential Advisor, Treasurer, and Secretary. All of these members have unique requirements outlined in the Bylaws. They ensure that the UMHCA complies with established rules and regulations. They provide administrative governance and structure and stability to the UMHCA organization.
Board members have available funds to use for activities related to their board responsibilities, if any. Each year as part of the Strategic Planning Meeting the UMHCA Board approves a budget that includes line items expenses that may fall within the scope of activity of a board member. Any other expenses must be preapproved by the President or Executive Director. Board members should consult with the President or Executive Director when anticipating expenditures or for approval of past expenditures.
An example of activities that fall under individual board members’ expenses includes travel for the President and President-Elect to AMHCA’s annual conference (budgeted). Please review the Bylaws for specific information regarding finance and budget.
As approved, reimbursement for expenses can be submitted to the treasurer by using this form.
UMHCA encourages consistent representation at various community boards, groups, and coalition meetings to maintain good relationships and stay abreast of current events and legislative happenings. However, representation must follow the protocol stated in the Bylaws. UMHCA is aware of the following organizations that UMHCA has solicited services from or should have UMHCA representation:
The American Mental Health Counselors Association is the parent organization for our local chapter. AMHCA focuses on national legislative initiatives. UCMHCA has been honored as the best state chapter for several years. To be considered, we must submit a summary of the impressive things we are doing each year when they submit a call for nominations. This submission is optional but has historically been well-deserved. UMHCA must provide a required https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fSJaDwIKFtyuNIfkCFHZRy5k3tOPEr7G/edit#heading=h.l6nslbxbeiqz to ACMHCA.
ACMHCA is divided into several regions. We belong to that Western region. Our Western Regional Representative holds regular meetings for UMHCA board members to drop in, update them on things we are doing, and ask questions we might have. These meetings are optional. We are required to submit an update on our leadership each year as we pass through our election cycle.
The Department of Professional Licensing is the organization that oversees Clinical Mental Health Counseling licenses and handles disciplinary action. They hold monthly meetings and UMHCA representative(s) attend. We would like to have a DOPL representative attend our meetings as well but that hasn’t happened yet. We had a panel of DOPL board members present at the UMHCA fall conference 2023 which was reported to be a success. It is a good idea to reach out to them and notify them of presidential changes even though it is not required.
Behavioral Health Workforce Workgroup.
The Utah Coalition of Mental Health Providers was formed in 2022 consisting of the Utah Social Work Association, Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and UMHCA called the Utah Coalition of Mental Health Providers (UCMHP) in a shared effort to join forces in making our mental health professions more effective. A representative from UMHCA (typically the Executive Director and the UMHCA President) will continue to sit on the UCMHP after receiving a vote of approval from the UMHCA board.
The Counseling Compact has a regular commission meeting to discuss, plan, and prepare for rolling out the Counseling Compact. Utah was one of the first 10 states to agree to participate in the Counseling Compact. Because of this, we have an active seat at the table regarding discussions and influence on the Counseling Compact rules and regulations.
The Utah Health Information Network invited UMHCA to the table for the first time in November 2023. They have been working on interoperability. Historically, medical providers have been actively involved in interoperability discussions without the inclusion of mental health providers. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved in consistent communication on this important topic.
Mental Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities: Community of Practice is under the jurisdiction of Utah State University. UMHCA was first invited to this meeting in October 2023. This organization works together to share resources and inform each other of research, legislative efforts, and other resources currently being conducted in our community.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness provides support groups and resources for consumers and their families in the community. We are trying to build a connection with them to see if we could have UMHCA representations at their meetings to provide support and build networks.
The Utah Psychological Association has been involved in many of the same efforts we have. They have representatives sitting on similar committees as UMHCA. Psychologists in Utah are often more research-focused and less practitioner-focused. However, there have been some independent discussions about the potential of providing better support to the Utah Psychologists who are practitioners instead of researchers. We are considering initiating a joint conversation with them.
In 2022, UMHCA worked with the Office of Professional Licensure Review to assess the mental health needs in Utah. OPLR is currently proposing changes to the legislature that will impact the mental health profession including CMHCs and ACMHC members. UMHCA has a good working relationship with OPLR and has occasional meetings with them.
Occasionally we send flowers to people. The Flower Patch is available for same-day delivery in Utah.
In addition, UMHCA would like to continue to network with universities with graduate programs providing training to future CMHCs. Universities are listed below in alphabetical order
Point of Contact - Dr. Verl Pope, Program Director (verl.pope@rm.edu)
Point of Contact - Dr. Karen Tao, Associate Professor (k.tao@utah.edu)
Point of Contact - Dr. Trent Landon, Program Director (trent.landon@usu.edu)
Point of Contact - Dr. Paige Lowe, Program Director (Paige.Lowe@uvu.edu)
Point of Contact - Anna Lieber, Clinical Director (alieber@westminsteru.edu)
Occasionally, UMHCA recognizes individuals for special awards. We are trying to get a unified look when presenting awards. However, we have not voted on a standard look. Here is a link to the corporate awards with the best sellers listed first: https://mcgeesawards.com/crystal-awards/.
Trusted Provider Network is a new platform UMHCA started using in 2023 to help with conferences. They help with registration, hosting, certificate distribution, and store conferences for asynchronous viewing following the conference. The JEDI committee tested this platform for the first time in November 2023 for their first brown bag. It was very well done. Prior to the use of TPN, Jim Macedone was doing the registration, hosting, and certificate distribution manually. We hope TPN will be able to alleviate the unnecessary burden from Jim and provide greater outreach.
UMCHA has adopted Google as the communication tool. We know that all Board members come with varying degrees of comfort associated with Google and do not want that to get in the way of anyone’s willingness or desire to serve. This section of the manual will house short training videos on how to use Google effectively. You are welcome to come back here as often as you would like for a refresher. Please know that there are several videos online that might be even more helpful. But, if you have a specific request or want a breakdown of any of the videos to make it less complicated or confusing, please reach out to the President or the Executive Secretary.
| Page