Welcome to the official page for the (Antigua and Barbuda) Association of Mental Health Counsellors Inc.
The (Antigua and Barbuda) Association of Mental Health Counsellors Inc. (ABAMHC) is the leading professional organization representing mental health practitioners and setting the standard for mental health counselling, in Antigua & Barbuda, West Indies.
The ABAMHC is a non-governmental organization. Work on the ABAMHC officially started in May 2020 after it was realized that a local professional organization for aspiring and practicing mental health counselors did not exist. The professional counselors who had been working in the various government and private sectors did not have an organizational home they could look to for guidance and assistance in developing their unique skill set. In May 2020, shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, a working group was formed to begin the groundwork for creating such an organization.
The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the increased need for mental health services and the importance of quality mental health counseling that was both accessible and affordable to people in the community. The working group, now referred to as the Founders of the ABAMHC, consisted of Dr. Sonya Ford, LCPC, NCC, NCSC, BC-TMH; Ms. T’Mira Looby, MS, NCC; Ms. Holly Christopher MSc, MBPsS, M-RAS; and Ms. Alaina Gomes, MSc, MBPsS; all of whom are practicing Counsellors in Antigua & Barbuda. This outstanding group of women identified the existing gaps in the mental health counseling field and worked diligently to address these gaps through the establishment of the ABAMHC. Various key stakeholders within the government and private sectors, including the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment of Antigua & Barbuda, were consulted on this initiative in order to garner support and ensure that the goals of the Association were comprehensive in nature.
The Association’s main priority is to advance the practice of mental health counseling to enhance the holistic well-being of the citizens of Antigua & Barbuda. The Association aims to be the national professional body for practitioners who provide mental health counseling in Antigua & Barbuda. Its mission is to promote the professional development of mental health counselors in Antigua & Barbuda, uphold ethical standards, conduct, respect for diversity in the practice of counseling, and promote research and policy.
Bylaws
Our Vision
The Association aims to be the national professional body for mental health counselors who provide mental health counselling, in Antigua & Barbuda. The Association strives to advance the development of quality mental health care and support by upholding ethical standards for practice, providing continuing education, ensuring public awareness, promoting inclusivity, and exemplifying high professional standards.
Our Mission
To promote the professional development of mental health counselors in Antigua & Barbuda; while enhancing the provision of quality mental health counseling and services.
Core Values
Core Values Guide Our Behaviors, Decisions, And Action.
Professionalism
The practice of counseling in a manner that upholds the standards of the counseling profession…
Transparency
Counsellors are open about their methods of work, beliefs, values, and personal experiences…
Integrity
Commitment to being moral in dealings with others, including personal straightforwardness, honesty…
Inclusivity
The non-discriminatory practice aims to counteract the negative effects of discrimination on clients…
Cultural Relevance
Emphasizes the Counsellor’s knowledge and understanding of a client’s culture, belief system, background…
Accountability
Involves Counsellors being responsible for their actions and contributions to the therapeutic relationship…
Collaboration
Maintaining good collaboration between Counsellor and client Involves ensuring that clients are equal participants …
Confidentiality
Understanding the importance of privacy and safety as the basis of effective therapy. Client information…
Ethical Standards and Code of Conduct
The Ethical Standards and Code of Conduct, i.e. Ethics Code, is intended to provide guidance for Mental Health Counsellors and standards of professional conduct. Most of the ethical standards are written broadly, in order to apply to Counsellors in varied roles, although the application of an ethical standard may vary depending on the context. The Ethical Standards are not exhaustive. This Ethics Code applies only to Counsellors’ activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or professional roles as Counsellors. Areas covered include resolving ethical issues; competence; human relations; privacy and confidentiality; advertising and public statements; record-keeping and fees; education and training; and research and publication. This Ethics Code applies to these activities across a variety of contexts, such as in-person, telephone, internet, and other electronic transmissions. These activities shall be distinguished from the purely private conduct of Counsellors, which is not within the purview of the Ethics Code.
Strategic Action Plan 2021-2025
The Associations Strategic Action Plan contains the specific details necessary for achieving its goals for the period 2021 – 2025. This plan outlines the seven (7) strategic goals and includes a breakdown of each goal by objectives, strategies, intended outcomes, and measurements for progress. The strategic goals of the Association are:
GOAL 1: Advancement of the Counselling Profession
GOAL 2: Capacity Building for Mental Health Professionals
GOAL 3: Improvement in Public Policy and Mental Health Legislation
GOAL 4: Awareness Raising and Advocacy
GOAL 5: Promote Membership within the Association
GOAL 6: Data Collection and Reporting
GOAL 7: Organizational Advancement
Executive Board Members
Our Specialists
More Board Members:
Committees
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee oversees the Association’s membership retention and recruitment activities. Additionally, it investigates all concerns of the Executive Board, with regards to the suitability of any candidate.
Certification Committee
The Certification Committee is responsible for reviewing all new applicants for certification, and the development and implementation of all matters related to Certification in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, & the Environment of Antigua and Barbuda.
Advocacy Committee
The Advocacy Committee is responsible for generating support for the Association and advocating on behalf of the Association’s members as well as the Public for general health and wellness. It is also responsible for developing and implementing the Association’s policies, standards and guidelines, relating to the profession of Counselling.
Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for ensuring that the public image of the Association is in accordance with the Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Strategic Objectives of the Association. It is also responsible for crafting media comments, press releases, briefs, and press conferences on behalf of the Association for topical issues and shall be the Association’s liaison with all mass media houses.
Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee is responsible for raising funds outside of membership dues to meet the financial obligations and demands of the Association’s annual budget and strategic plans.
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee is responsible for formulating, enforcing, and reviewing the rules and procedures governing the conduct of the ethics and disciplinary process in accordance with the Association Code of Ethics.
Research Committee
The Research Committee is responsible for identifying project goals, research methods, variables, and other test parameters for the Association. It also chooses how to collect data and offers recommendations on the collection of data and evaluation of Association projects.
Education Committee
The Education Committee is responsible for creating, delivering, evaluating, and endorsing professional development and capacity-building opportunities.