The purposes of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association are to:

• Promote the profession of mental health counseling;
• Provide a system for the exchange of professional information among mental health counselors through newsletters, journals or other scientific, educational and /or professional materials.
• Provide professional development programs for mental health counselors to update and enhance clinical competencies;
• Promote legislation that recognizes and advances the to profession of mental health counseling;
• Provide a public forum for mental health counselors to advocate for the social and emotional welfare of clients;
• Promote positive relations with mental health counselors and other mental health practitioners in all work settings to enhance the profession of mental health counseling;
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of minimal training standards for mental health counselors;
• Promote scientific research and inquiry into mental health concerns;
• Provide liaison on the state level with other professional organizations to promote the advancement of the mental health profession.
• Provide the public with information concerning the competencies and professional services of mental health counselors, and to
• Promote equitable licensure standards for mental health counselors through the state legislature.

Code of Ethics

FMHCA members adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, which states as its preamble,

"Mental health counselors believe in the dignity and worth of the individual. They are committed to increasing knowledge of human behavior and understanding of themselves and others. While pursuing these endeavors, they make every reasonable effort to protect the welfare of those who seek their services, or of any subject that may be the object of study. They use their skills only for purposes consistent with these values and do not knowingly permit their misuse by others. While demanding for themselves freedom of inquiry and community, mental health counselors accept the responsibility this freedom confers: competence, objectivity in the application of skills, and concern for the best interest of clients, colleagues, and society in general. In the pursuit of these ideals, mental health counselors subscribe to the following principles:

1. Welfare of the Consumer
2. Clients' Rights
3. Confidentiality
4. Utilization of Assessment Techniques
5. Pursuit of Research Activities
6. Consulting
7. Competence
8. Professional Relationships
9. Supervisee, Student and Employee Relationships
10. Moral and Legal Standards
11. Professional Responsibility
12. Private Practice
13. Public Statements
14. Internet On-line Counseling
15. Resolution of Ethical Problems