The American Counseling Association is the world's largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Learn more about counseling.

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN, 2018 - 2021

Our plan to address critical and strategic issues facing the profession over four years.

VISION | OUR IMPACT

Every person has access to quality professional counseling to thrive.

MISSION | WHAT WE DO

Promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for the profession, and ensure ethical, culturally-inclusive practices that protect those using counseling services.

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Spotlight

FREE CONTINUING EDUCATION
ACA members get free continuing education in 12 free annual online courses (a $264 value). Find out what we're offering this month.
CODE OF ETHICS
Find the tools needed to ensure compliance with the ethical standards of the counseling profession. Read
ACA ADVOCACY
Stay up-to-date on legislative news, policy updates and timely announcements that affect the counseling profession. Read
ACA NEWS
Get quick access to the latest in counseling in our two, bi-weekly newsletters, Counseling Insider and Member Minute (members only), industry news updates and our three blogs. Read
COUNSELING TODAY
Few people would describe the counseling profession’s relationship with technology as comfortable, but more of today’s professionals are beginning to embrace the possibilities and envision the ways it might supplement therapy. Read more in Counseling Today's June cover story.
Journal of Counseling & Development
Fears and triggers resulting from child sexual abuse can affect survivors’ parenting practices in adulthood, leading them to overprotect their children in a world they view as unsafe. In this unique research, detailed in the July issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development. Read

Latest News

The American Counseling Association Foundation Offers Grants of Up to $500

May 22, 2019

The American Counseling Association Foundation is seeking proposals from American Counseling Association members for grants of up to $500.
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ACA Offers a Helping Hand to Members Affected by the Argosy Closing

Mar 14, 2019

The American Counseling Association supports its members in many ways—and is pleased to be able to offer a helping hand to ACA members affected by the recent closing of the 22 Argosy campuses nationwide.
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Congratulations to the 2019 ACA National Award Winners!

Feb 28, 2019

The American Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association Foundation are pleased to announce the 72 winners of the annual ACA National Awards for counseling students, counselors in practice and ACA members who have made extraordinary contributions to the counseling profession.
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State Licensure & Certification Boards

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) provide mental health and substance abuse care to millions of Americans. LPCs are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Find the licensure board in your state.

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Biofield Therapies

Jun 12, 2019

Biofield therapies are defined as approaches which work directly with the subtle energy field that surround the body. The subtle energy system is made up of three components: meridians, chakras, and the biofield or aura. Meridians are lines of energy that run throughout the body and they are the part of the energy system that acupuncture and Emotional Freedom Techniques work with.
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Negative Body Image and Sexual Wellness: Addressing the Connection in Counselor Education

Jun 11, 2019

If you are reading this, it is likely that you identify as a human being. So, what does it really mean to be human? When we think of the human experience, some of the first things that come to mind concern our relationships with our bodies— particularly, our sexuality and body image.
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ACA Publications

Bookstore

Wellness Counseling

Jonathan H. Ohrt, Philip B. Clarke, and Abigail H. Conley

This innovative text presents a comprehensive review of the theoretical and empirical support for a wellness approach to counseling.... Learn More
The Counselor and the Law, Eighth Edition

Anne Marie "Nancy" Wheeler and Burt Bertram

This eighth edition provides a current and comprehensive discussion of counselors' legal and ethical responsibilities.... Learn More
Choosing the Right Counselor for You

Samuel T. Gladding and Kevin G. Alderson

This concise guide is for individuals seeking a counselor for themselves or others. It contains a treasure trove of information.... Learn More
The Counseling Dictionary, Fourth Edition

Samuel T. Gladding

Even more comprehensive than previous editions, the 4th edition of The Counseling Dictionary fills an important void in the counseling field.... Learn More
The Secrets of Exceptional Counselors

Jeffrey A. Kottler

Every profession has trade secrets that are passed on from one generation to the next and counseling is no exception.... Learn More
Counseling Research: A Practitioner-Scholar Approach

Richard S. Balkin and David M. Kleist

This introductory text for counselors-in-training and emerging researchers focuses on research methodology, design, measurement, and evaluation.... Learn More
ACA Ethical Standards Casebook, Seventh Edition

Barbara Herlihy and Gerald Corey

The seventh edition of this top-selling text provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics and applying its principles to daily practice.... Learn More