Subject: A Message from OKMHCA Leadership Regarding Recent OCA Announcement

 

Dear OKMHCA Members,

 

We are aware that the Oklahoma Counseling Association (OCA) has released a communication to its membership regarding the dissolution of our formal affiliation. While we had hoped to share this update with you in person during our upcoming conference this Friday, along with important context and next steps, OCA's preemptive communication has understandably raised questions among our members, especially those who hold dual memberships.

 

We want to assure you that the decision to dissolve our affiliation with OCA was not made lightly. This step is aligned with our national organization, the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), which dissolved its affiliation with the American Counseling Association in 2019. Our focus continues to be centered on best serving the needs of licensed mental health counselors and providers in Oklahoma, advocating for clinical excellence, professional identity, and policy efforts that speak directly to our work and values.

 

At this time, we are still finalizing certain legal and organizational aspects of this transition in collaboration with our legal counsel. Out of respect for that process and to ensure full transparency, we had planned to address this matter publicly at our conference, where we could also directly answer your questions and share our vision for the future of OKMHCA.

 

We recognize that some of you may be surprised by the timing of OCA’s communication, and we share in your desire for clarity. While we may differ in process and approach, we believe that both organizations remain committed to serving mental health professionals in Oklahoma. Our mission at OKMHCA remains unchanged: to support, connect, and advocate for mental health counselors across the state.

 

We look forward to speaking with many of you during our live session this Friday, where we will provide a full overview of the transition, the rationale behind our decision, and the exciting future ahead for OKMHCA. Your voice, your work, and your continued engagement mean everything to us as we take this next step together. Thank you for your patience, your support, and your dedication to the mental health field. We’re proud to walk forward with you.

 

Warm regards,

OKMHCA Board of Directors