who we are

Maine Clinical Counselors Association

The Maine Clinical Counselors Association is a state-wide organization for professional counselors in clinical practice, representing various mental health disciplines working in independent practice and public and private agencies, hospitals, schools, universities, and businesses. MCCA is a Chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association and subscribes to the Ethical Standards of Practice adopted by them.

Mission Statement

The mission of MCCA is to promote the professionalism of clinical counselors through advocacy, education and professional development.

our history

The Maine Clinical Counselors Association formally began in October 1986 as the Maine Mental Health Counselors Association. A small group of Portland counselors had a vision to promote the field of counseling and to educate the consumers about this group of providers. One of the goals was to promote professionalism within this provider group and to encourage working together throughout the state. A huge mission was to obtain licensure, then to ensure third party reimbursement from insurance companies. By 1989, the first licensure bill was passed and the working together paid off.

Now Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) are a well-known entity. Counseling agencies advertise to hire LCPCs, consumers request the services of LCPCs, and insurance companies accept LCPCs on their panels. LCPCs are private practitioners, school counselors, educators, mental health providers in agencies and directors of mental health agencies.

The work, however, is far from over. MCCA is the professional organization that advocates for Licensed Clinical Counselors. We monitor legislation, work with the state licensing board, and educate the public. Currently, in Maine, MCCA is the organization that truly looks out for the betterment of LCPCs.

However, a problem exists. While there are over 925 licensed LCPCs in the state, only a small percentage are members of this organization. We have done an enormous amount of work in the past 14 years -- but imagine what we would be able to accomplish with ALL LCPCs being members of MCCA.