& The South Carolina School Counselor Association
Leadership. Advocacy. Education.
If you'd like to join our Advocacy Committee or would like to bring an
Advocacy or Legislative topic to our attention, please contact us.
Advocacy
Upcoming Events
Working Better Together: How National Associations Support State Policy Advocacy Lunch & Learn
Date: 3/6/26
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Location: Zoom
CEs: 0
Join on 3/6 at 12pm by Clicking Here
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Mental Health Insurance Reform Taskforce Lunch & Learn
Date: 3/30/26
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Location: Zoom
CEs: 0
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AI, Ethics, & The Law: What Clinicians Need to Know Lunch & Learn
Date: 4/10/26
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Location: Zoom
CEs: 0
Registration coming soon!
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The SCCA has joined the Mental Health Insurance Reform Taskforce (MHIRTF). Read our statement here.
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Opportunity to Participate in Research on Counselor Education and Labor Trafficking
We are sharing the following research opportunity on behalf of Jessa Crisp, MA, LPC, NCC, PhD Candidate at Denver Seminary, who is conducting a study approved by the Institutional Review Board at Denver Seminary (Approval #3227425093515).
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While our organization is not affiliated with or conducting this research, we believe the topic is important to the counseling profession and want to help spread the word. If you meet the criteria and feel called to contribute, your insight could help strengthen counselor education and ultimately improve care for survivors of labor trafficking.
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Click here to see the Consent Letter
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About the Study
Title: “We Are Important Too”: Educational Experiences Counselors Have Had on Labor Trafficking
Primary Investigator: Jessa Crisp, MA, LPC, NCC
Chair: Elizabeth Harper, PhD, LPC (CO, GA), NCC
The study aims to explore the types of education and training counselors have—or have not—received related to labor trafficking. Despite labor trafficking impacting millions worldwide, many survivors remain unidentified or underserved due to lack of provider training. This study seeks to better understand those training gaps.
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What Participation Involves
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Completing a 30-minute online structured questionnaire
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Optional participation in a 30-minute Zoom member checking meeting (date TBD)
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Reflecting on your professional experiences related to human trafficking education and training
Interested in Participating?
Click below to access the official study information and screening questionnaire:
​Eligibility Requirements
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Participants must:
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Be 18 years or older and a U.S. resident
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Be provisionally or fully licensed as a professional counselor in any U.S. state
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Have graduated from a CACREP-accredited institution
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Have completed at least one CE, class, seminar, or lecture on human trafficking
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Not know the primary investigator, Jessa Crisp, directly or indirectly (e.g., friends, colleagues, former students/supervisees, or those who have heard her speak or follow her on social media)
Participant Thank-You Gifts
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$10 (via Venmo or PayPal) after completing the questionnaire
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Additional $10 for those who participate in the Zoom meeting
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Insurance Parity Resources & Support: Insurance Parity Resources - Government Affairs and Public Policy.
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AI Chat Bot Legislation --> Precedent has been set in Nevada Legislature, preventing mental health chat bots and "unlicensed individuals" from providing mental health care.
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WORKING WITH IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES AND UNDOCUMENTED INDIVIDUALS:
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American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Rights
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Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) - Know Your Rights Information on ICE Raids collection of Know Your Rights resources to help prepare parents, community members, and attorneys on ICE raids
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National Immigrant Justice Center - Know Your Rights has know your rights resources for various immigration related situations
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Network for Public Health Law - Undocumented Immigrant and Patient Privacy Laws issue brief explores relevant federal and state health privacy laws and how they apply to undocumented immigrants.
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Supporting Students and Families Amid Immigration Policy Changes
SPORTS COUNSELING:
The "Southeast Division of Sport & Performance Counseling" is up and running! Dr. David Schary has drafted the by-laws for this division which was approved by the SCCA Executive Board in spring 2025! Want to get some more information or join the SDSPC? Email us at southcarolinacounselingassoc@gmail.com!
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SCCA is also looking to become a credentialed provider through the SC Department of Ed for teacher renewal credits, we are looking to 1) host a virtual workshop in the summer, and 2) attend the SC Education + Business Summit (SCEBS) with a breakout session and exhibitor table. The deadline for the SCEBS is May 01, approval for this venture and funding will be up for discussion at the board meeting.
Click here for Insurance and Claims Resources
The SC Advocacy In Action Committee is working hard with SC DHHS to advocate for providers and those receiving Medicaid services.
The South Carolina Coalition for Safer Schools
Resources
Advocacy Committee
The Advocacy Committee is responsible for monitoring, reviewing, and taking appropriate action in consultation with the President, regarding state legislation and regulations that affect counseling.
Federal legislation and regulation will also be monitored by the Advocacy Committee, with action as appropriate in concert with the American Counseling Association.