The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. Founded in 1952, ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings.

By providing leadership training, publications, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy services to nearly 45,000 members, ACA helps counseling professionals develop their skills and expand their knowledge base.

ACA has been instrumental in setting professional and ethical standards for the counseling profession. The association has made considerable strides in accreditation, licensure, and national certification. It also represents the interests of the profession before congress and federal agencies, and strives to promote recognition of professional counselors to the public and the media.

ACA Mission Statement

The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.

Discover ACA Student Membership

In an effort to assist Counselor Educators in telling their students about ACA, we have assembled a PowerPoint presentation, "Discover ACA Student Membership". In addition to this PowerPoint file, we have developed "Talking Points" to accompany the presentation. Read more...

Interest Network Facilitators

2008-2009 Interest Network Facilitators. Read more...

Committee and Taskforce Listings

ACA Committee Chairs and Staff Liaisons -- 2008-2009. Read more...

Joining a counseling listserv

Subscribe to the COUNSGRADS and/or Diversegrad-L listservs. Read more...

ACA Volunteers

ACA and the counseling profession benefit from the work of volunteers who serve on committees and in governance.