The Advocate 2025
VOL . 48 , NO . 1 www . amhca . org
FEATURE ARTICLES page 10 Why to Use — or Avoid — Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in Your Counseling and Psychotherapy Practice
An introduction to AI , with examples of how you and your clients can use AI to improve the counseling process , along with a list of some of the potential risks and dangers of AI as an adjunct to therapy . By Aaron Norton , PhD , LMHC , LMFT
DEPARTMENTS
MEMBER REFLECTIONS page 2
Thanks , and Goodbye from The Advocate Magazine editor By Kathleen McCarthy
INSIDE AMHCA pages 6 – 7 page 15 Strategies to Help Veterans Who Are Making the Change From Military to Civilian Life
Veterans have a variety of feelings about the change from military to civilian life . Understanding the military transition experience can enable mental health counselors to assist veterans more effectively in accessing needed services , support , and resources essential to their mental health . By Heather C . Robertson , PhD , LMHC , CASAC , CRC , and James S . Bethea , PhD , LMHC , CRC
page 19 Telehealth Reform : A Comprehensive Approach to Regulatory Oversight for Consumer Protection
As telehealth companies handle sensitive health data issues related to data breaches , misuse of consumer information , and deceptive marketing practices have become alarmingly common . The author issues a call for regulatory reform . By Ezra N . S . Lockhard , PhD , MHlthSc ( DD ), LMFT , LAC , MAC , ACS , CDCS , ACAS
The President ’ s Perspective / page 4 Thank You to AMHCA ’ s Many Volunteers , Who Provide the Power to Achieve Our Goals By Yoon Suh Moh , PhD , LPC , CRC , NCC , BC-TMH , BCN 48 th AMHCA President , 2024 – 2025
COLUMNS
Nominations for a position on AMH- CA ’ s board of directors open Feb . 28 . Consider serving on the board !
Nominate an AMHCA member colleague or state chapter for an annual AMHCA award .
REGISTER NOW for AMHCA ’ s 2025 Annual Conference in Las Vegas !
COUNSELING TIPS pages 8 – 9
If you ’ ve been yearning to start a private practice , but something ’ s holding you back , here are 10 steps for getting started — and encouragement to take them !
From the Interim CEO / ED / page 5 AMHCA Advanced Profession in 2024 in Many Ways
By Beverly Smith , PhD , LPC , NCC , CCMHC , ACS , NCSC , CFT , HS-BCP , BCC , MAC , BC-TMH , CCTP , BCPCC : AMHCA President , 2021 – 2022 , and Interim CEO / ED
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS
Clinical mental health counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education , training and clinical practice . Clinical mental health counselors are highly skilled professionals who provide flexible , consumer-oriented therapy . They combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical , problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and problem resolution . The mission of AMHCA is to enhance the profession of clinical mental health counseling through advocacy , education and collaboration .
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The Advocate Magazine is for AMHCA members and subscribers only . To read The Advocate Magazine online , go to www . amhca . org / advocatemag
The Advocate Magazine 2025 , Issue # 1 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org 33