American Counseling Association of Missouri

The Department of Defense issued regulations at the end of 2011

The Department of Defense issued regulations at the end of 2011 (online at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-27/pdf/2011-33109.pdf) which would let licensed professional counselors practice independently within TRICARE, the health care program providing services for an estimated 9.6 million active duty service members, retirees, and their families. For many years, all other master’s level mental health professionals have been allowed to practice independently, while TRICARE beneficiaries can only see licensed professional counselors under physician referral and supervision.
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“Many Counselors: 1 Profession” – Join us in Jefferson City for our Annual Conference

Registration is now open for ACAM’s Annual Conference! We have more planned this year than ever before. Not only will you be able to get a year’s worth of CEUs (up to 20), browse exhibitors, network with colleagues, enjoy an included lunch each day but also kick back with an 80′s party complete with costumes, a DJ, and a cash bar. Presentations will be available again for purchase on audio CDs. We will also be electing a new President Elect position during the business meeting on Friday. Please consider if this is a position for you!

The conference will be located at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, MO Thursday, April 12th through Saturday, April 14th. And, we will wrap up by 1 pm on Saturday to make traveling home easier. As usual, we offer extremely competative rates. ACAM Members pay just $170 for our early bird discount which is available until February 18th. The rate for student members is only $60 for all 3 days. Click here to register.

“Many Counselors: 1 Profession” is this year’s theme. We are many counselors united by one profession and we are excited to provide what we feel is a unifying and welcoming atmosphere to all our counselors. For example, the ACAM ACAdemy and ACAM-KC will host a special presentation for students and recent graduates and our President will provide a key note lunch presentation about ACAM, our purpose, structure, divisions, future and how to get the most out of your membership.

Date: April 12^th – 14

CEU’s Available: Up to 20 Available

Itinerary: (Subject to change) A full itinerary with a listing of the various workshops and presenters will be available closer to the event date.

Thursday, April 12: 8 am until 5:45 pm, workshops and Key Note Speaker. 7-9 pm, Meet the Board. Room, TBD.

Friday, April 13: 8 am – 5:45 pm Workshops/ACAM Business meeting over lunch. 6:30 – 7:30 pm ALGBTIC meeting. 8 pm – 10 pm 80’s Party

Saturday, April 14: 8 am – 1 pm Workshops and closing lunch presentation

Location: Capital Plaza Hotel 415 W. McCarty St., Jefferson City, MO 65101 P. 573.635.1234 http://www.capitolplazajeffersoncity.com/?src=ppc_google_brand_freewifi

To reserve a room, call the hotel with the number provided above and ask for the ACAM Conference group rate. The hotel’s website also can provide directions either by calling them or checking on their website.

To Register, click on the link below: https://www.cvent.com/events/annual-2012-conference/registration-8136489eba0d4ccb8942e24a09fef216.aspx

Fee Structure:

Until Feb. 18th		Member	Non-Member	Presenter
1 day
	Student	25	50	50
	Professional	100	190	50
2 days
	Student	40	65	100
	Professional	135	210	100
3 days
	Student	65	85	150
	Professional	170	245	150

Until March 18th		Member	Non-Member	Presenter
1 day
	Student	30	55	50
	Professional	120	190	50
2 days
	Student	45	70	100
	Professional	150	225	100
3 days
	Student	70	90	150
	Professional	185	260	150

After March 18th		Member	Non-Member	Presenter
1 day
	Student	40	60	50
	Professional	135	200	50
2 days
	Student	55	74	100
	Professional	170	240	100
3 days
	Student	75	95	150
	Professional	200	275	150

Take advantage of the cost effective advertising opportunity by placing an add in this year’s Program Booklet. Click here for more information and to place an add. Or, you may decide to host an exhibit booth. Click here for exhibitor information.

Please also consider presenting at this year’s conference. Presenters pay just $50 per day. Click here for the Call For Programs information.

Department of Defense Releases TRICARE Rule on Independent Practice for Counselors – Scott Barstow

The Department of Defense (DoD) has finally issued regulations allowing licensed professional counselors to practice independently within the TRICARE program, which provides health care coverage to more than 9 million military servicemembers, retirees, and their dependents. DoD’s regulations were released in the Federal Register of December 27, 2011, and take effect immediately.

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Gambling Addiction: An Interview- Peter Gussman, LPC, NBCC & Deanna Brauer, PLPC

Deanna: How do you know if someone has a gambling addiction?
Peter: Time and money. If it impairs time and if impairs a significant amount of money, it has the potential for a gambling problem. And if a person does not know how to manage time and money, it can cause big problems.

Even with some of the gamblers that come into the office, one of the things they always ponder is, “I just don’t understand why I do this”, “I just don’t understand how I do this”, “I just don’t understand how I got myself in this situation”, “I never had any problem with the law”, “I never had any problems with alcohol, drugs, always had core values, but, I just don’t understand how I did this”.

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