Meet the New NMCA President
A Conversation on Vision, Values, and the Year Ahead
Photo by: Rachel Popowcer
Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student and member of the communication committee, Rachel Popowcer, met up with NMCA's new President, Jeannie Montoya, for a photo session and a thoughtful conversation about the future of the association.
Jeannie shared her vision for NMCA for the year ahead, her passion for improving the counseling profession in New Mexico, and her priorities during her term. It’s a meaningful glimpse into our leadership shaping the path forward for counselors across New Mexico!
1. What are your top priorities for your upcoming term as president of NMCA, and how do they align with the needs of the New Mexico counseling community?
We are committed to working together to implement our new bylaws and policies and procedures, laying a solid foundation for our board to fully support our members. This strong framework will enable us to offer more comprehensive support and become a trusted pillar of resources within our community.
We're also excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new website - a robust, much needed resource hub for our counseling community. This platform will serve as a valuable tool to help our members thrive and stay informed.
2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the counseling community in the coming years?
We are facing many challenges in the mental health field, but one of the most pressing is the critical shortage of licensed therapists. With a state population of approximately 2.13 million and only about 6,424 licensed counselors as of January this year, we are confronting a serious mental health crisis. This shortage contributes to growing waitlists and limits our ability to effectively serve individuals in need.
To address this, we must prioritize the growth, support, and retention of graduate students entering the field. With a number of experienced counselors approaching retirement, it's essential that we build a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals to meet current and future demand.
While the challenges span across different areas, the bottom line is clear: we need increased support and continued advocacy to strengthen the mental health landscape in our state. Together, we can work to ensure accessible, quality care for all who need it.
3. What lights you up about the current state of counseling in New Mexico?
We're fortunate to have a strong, forward-thinking NMRLD - CTPB that stays current with the evolving needs of the counseling profession. From responsibly addressing the role of AI in practice to inviting counselor input on updates to the administrative code, their leadership is essential in supporting our community.
I’m also excited about the continuity and strength of our NMCA board for the incoming term. Many of us have worked together for years, building a cohesive team with a clear long-term vision for NMCA's growth.
A key part of this vision includes providing accessible resources through a user-friendly website, along with continuing our impactful workshops and annual conference - all designed to empower and equip counselors with the tools they need to prosper.
