Couch to Capitol: January 2026 Legislative Updates

Send us Fan MailWe share major wins and warnings for Ohio counselors: streamlined licensure, a new path to cross-state practice, civil rights amendments with clinical stakes, a brief but chilling federal funding scare, and a push to document insurer barriers that block care. We close with a reminder to seek support, protect your capacity, and stay engaged.• new single-exam pathway from LPC to LPCC and required supervision documentation• counseling compact launch and steps to apply for privileges in Arizona and Minnesota• equal rights and marriage amendments with mental health implications• federal grant termination letters and fast reversal after bipartisan pressure• how to submit insurer delay and denial examples to support provider-friendly bills• self-care, supervision, and peer support as professional necessitiesSubscribe, share with a colleague, and send us your questions or examples. Your voice drives access, equity, and the future of counseling in Ohio.Resources Mentioned on the Episode:https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/news/counseling_licensure_exam_changehttps://www.counseling.org/publications/media-center/article/2026/01/05/ohio-becomes-the-3rd-state-to-grant-counseling-compact-privileges?utm_source=informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter_TLP_Jan15_2026&_zs=Hvx8D1&_zl=PKHx7http://www.ohioequalrights.orgInsurance Advocacy Survey / Resources: Take the survey:https://lnkd.in/eAK5hN3EReview common insurance abuses before starting:https://lnkd.in/eaZWYxxhTip: Please gather any relevant documentation or letters before beginning the survey. Even one documented example can make a difference for our lobbyists.Stay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney·Editing by Marisa Cargill