In this issue readers will find:
- ACA Approves New Organizational Affiliate for Child and Adolescent Counseling
- Licensed Counselors Eligible for Participation in DSM Field Trials for First Time
- ACA Represents Profession at TRICARE Symposium
- Sign of the Times: The Disappearance of the American Textbook
- Been to Court as an Expert Witness? Counseling Today Would Like to Hear from You
- Trend Worth Watching: Internet Gambling on the Rise
- ACA Committee Nominations Due December 1
- Fast Facts: Bullying and Violence Affect Student Security
- ACES Calling for Programs for 2011 Conference
- HBO to Air Documentary on Mental Wounds of War
- Journal Editor Sought for Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development
- Free Online Booklet on Sexual Orientation & Youth
- Calendar: Branch Conferences Coming in TX, VA, IL, MI, AL, AR, and TN
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ACA Approves New Organizational Affiliate for Child and Adolescent Counseling
The ACA Governing Council approved the bylaws of the Association for Child & Adolescent Counseling (ACAC) as the newest organizational affiliate during its October 28-29 meeting in Alexandria, VA. ACA now boasts 19 divisions and one organizational affiliate, the first stage in achieving full division status. Watch
In other actions, the Governing Council approved the formation of the ACA Task Force for School Counseling.
Licensed Counselors Eligible for Participation in DSM Field Trials for First Time
As the Practice Research Network of the American Psychiatric for Research and Education moves forward with the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), licensed professional counselors for the first time are being given the opportunity to participate in the DSM-5 field trials in clinical settings. Professional counselor participation will provide valuable insights into the usability and feasibility of the proposed changes to diagnostic criteria for clinicians, patients, and clients.
Eligible practicing counselors interested in volunteering must be willing to participate in an online training that takes approximately two hours. If you are interested in volunteering for potential participation in DSM-5 field trials, additional details can be found at:
ACA Represents Profession at TRICARE Symposium
ACA's Chief Professional Officer, David Kaplan, was an invited panel member at the Institute of Medicine (IOM) "A Quality Management System for Licensed Mental Health Counselors and Other Behavioral Health Professional in the Military Health System" symposium in October in Washington, DC. The symposium sought to build on the recommendations made in the IOM report, Provision of Mental Health Counseling Services Under TRICARE.
ACA, along with CACREP and NBCC, previously provided testimony for this critical report which unequivocally recommended independent practice status for mental health counselors in TRICARE, the healthcare system for active and retired military and their families. Dr. Kaplan's presentation offered evidence that diagnosing and treating mental health disorders is well within the scope of practice of licensed counselors and emphasized that TRICARE scopes of practice and privileging should be based on the competency of the individual rather than the particular license held (e.g., counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy).
The ACA PowerPoint, along with 18 other presentations and complete agenda, can be accessed through the
Sign of the Times: The Disappearance of the American Textbook
A recent story in the Chronicle of Higher Education suggests that significant changes lie ahead for the the student textbook, moving the traditional learning resource from print to digital delivery in order to save students money. Under the new arrangement, students would pay a course-materials fee to the college or university for all required textbooks. The institution, in turn, would acquire e-textbooks for the student and make them available online. The system, currently in place at many for-profit colleges, is expected to become more prevalent at traditional institutions one day.
Been to Court as an Expert Witness? Counseling Today Would Like to Hear from You
Counseling Today is looking for counselors who have served as courtroom witnesses–either expert or lay–for an upcoming article. We would like to know how you prepared for the experience and what lessons you would pass on to your colleagues in the counseling profession. To be considered for the story, send a brief description (one to two paragraphs) of your courtroom experience to ct@counseling.org by November 30.
Trend Worth Watching: Internet Gambling on the Rise
The percentage of college-age men who gamble on the Internet at least once a month has increased to 16% this year, up from 4% two years ago, according to a study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Other forms of gambling did not show such increases for men; the figures for women–while rising—remain lower. The report comes at a time when the federal government is attempting to restrict online gambling activity.
ACA Committee Nominations Due December 1
ACA President-Elect Don W. Locke is seeking nominations for ACA committee appointments. He will be appointing professional members for each committee who will serve a 3-year term, and a student representative to each committee for a 1-year term. Positions on the following committees will be available beginning July 1, 2011: Awards, Branch Development, Bylaws and Policies, Ethics, Graduate Student, Human Rights, International, Interprofessional, Professional Standards, Public Awareness and Support, Public Policy and Legislation, Publications, and Research and Knowledge.
The committee application can be found
Fast Facts: Bullying and Violence Affect Student Security
The annual study of "Ethics of American Youth," in which 43,000 high school students were surveyed, is reporting alarming statistics that justify the attention bullying and school safety are receiving nationally. Half of all students (50%) say they have bullied someone in the past year, and a number nearly the same (47%), say they have been bullied. Conducted by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, the report found 24% of students stating violence is a school problem and 33% are concerned for their safety. Adding to the concern is the number of students who claim to have taken a weapon to school and been intoxicated during the school day.
ACES Calling for Programs for 2011 Conference
The Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) has issued a call for proposals for the ACES 2011 Conference, "Helping the Leaders, Helping the Helpers, Shaping the Future," being held October 26-30, 2011, in Nashville, TN. The electronic program proposal submission form and names of individuals to contact with both proposal and general conference questions can be found at
HBO to Air Documentary on Mental Wounds of War
A new HBO television documentary, "Wartorn: 1861-2010," addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related mental wounds of servicemen and women will be aired on Veterans Day, November 11. James Gandolfini, Emmy award winning actor, served as executive producer and interviewer for the documentary. Check your local television guide for the specific time the HBO special will air in your community on Veterans Day.
Journal Editor Sought for Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development
The Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE) is seeking applications for the position of editor of the journal Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development (MECD). MECD information, along with appointment qualifications and application procedures can be obtained by contacting Dale Pietrzak, AACE Member-at-Large Publications at dale@drpietrzak.com.
Free Online Booklet on Sexual Orientation & Youth
ACA, along with a broad coalition of 12 other education, health, mental health, and religious organizations, have worked together to develop and endorse Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel. The coalition shares a concern for the health and education of all students in schools, including lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. This online booklet provides information from counselors, physicians, legal experts and others that can be used in responding to efforts to change sexual orientation through reparative therapy.
Calendar: Branch Conferences Coming in TX, VA, IL, MI, AL, AR, and TN
November is an active month for ACA state branch conferences. Check out the following ACA state branch conferences and participate in these unique professional development and networking opportunities.
Texas Counseling Association
November 10-13
Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX
Virginia Counselors Association
November 11-13
Williamsburg Marriott, Williamsburg, VA
Illinois Counseling Association
November 12-13, 2010
Lisle Hilton, Lisle, IL
Michigan Counseling Association
November 12-14, 2010
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI
Alabama Counseling Association
November 17-19, 2010
Mobile Renaissance Plaza Hotel and Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL
Arkansas Counseling Association
November 17-19, 2010
Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs, AR
Tennessee Counseling Association
November 21-23
Marriott Cool Springs Conference Center, Nashville, TN
ACA divisions, branches, and regions are valuable sources of learning and professional development. Information on events will be posted approximately 8-10 weeks prior. This information is made available to ACAeNews via the ACA master calendar and the various organization web sites. Send calendar items to dbrown@counseling.org. Please provide the sponsor, dates, site and contact person information. Information posted here is restricted to that sponsored by ACA divisions, branches, regions and related organizations.
About ACAeNews
ACAeNews is published 24 times annually by the American Counseling Association for the benefit of members across the counseling profession. Any reference to a product, service, activity or listing of a website in ACAeNews does not imply endorsement by ACA. Any views and opinions are those of the sponsoring organization and may or may not be shared by ACA.
Direct comments, questions, and submissions to fburtnett@counseling.org. All submissions will be subject to review by ACA for accuracy, timeliness and relevance to the readership and may be edited to meet space parameters.
Marcheta P. Evans, Ph.D., President
Marcheta.evans@utsa.edu
Richard Yep, CAE, Executive Director
ryep@counseling.org
Debra Bass, Director of Marketing and Communications
dbass@counseling.org
Frank Burtnett, NCC, NCCC, ACAeNews Editor
fburtnett@counseling.org
Don Kenneally, Internet Development / Production
dkenneally@counseling.org
ACA Web site: www.counseling.org
Copyright 2010, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone: 703/823-9800. Email: fburtnett@counseling.org. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce anything contained in this newsletter as long as the American Counseling Association is identified as the original source of the information.
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