MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of IMHCA is to promote the professional well-being of mental health counselors in Illinois through advocacy, education, and support services, and thereby contribute to the good of society.

PURPOSES

IMHCA is organized for educational and scientific purposes.

2.1 PURPOSES. The purposes are:

1. Educational: To bring together mental health professionals for educating them about the latest developments in the field.  We also seek to educate the public about the need for mental health services and what types of treatments are available.
2. To maintain a website where mental health professionals can research questions and dialogue amongst each other on relevant issues.  The Website will provide updates regarding educational opportunities, research questions and results, information regarding recent publications, and important issues to address.
3. To collect and disseminate information regarding best practices in the field of mental health to assist professionals throughout Illinois in understanding developments in the mental health field.
4. To provide a forum to help educate legislators and communities about mental illness and the myths regarding disorders.  Experts from all aspects of the field can provide viewpoints regarding various facets including state of the art treatment, research and legal changes. The forum will assist in educating policy makers regarding effective tre
5. Scientific/Research: 
   1. To generate and disseminate knowledge about effective programs to address the mental health needs of children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
   2. To utilize the research process to inform mental health professionals of the best practices in the field.
   3. To encourage the development of empirically based program standards and practices.
6. To provide scholarships to students to attend conferences within budgetary constraints.