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.

Join/Renew NOW!

Access our award-winning publications
Advance your career with Career Central
Get continuing education just for counselors
Advocate for the counseling care of tomorrow
Expand your networking connections
Get discounts on insurance, travel costs and more!

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
Counselors share the lessons they’ve learned along the way in their efforts to translate the ideal of multicultural competence into practical action. Read more in Counseling Today's December cover story.
Journal of Counseling & Development
High-performing professionals with work addiction may need help finding life balance. Learn what counselors can do in the October issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development. Read

Latest News

ACA Announces Support for Bill to Strengthen Career Counseling in Middle and High Schools

Nov 15, 2019
Read More
Legislation for Licensed Professional Counselors in Michigan Signed Into Law

Oct 30, 2019

HB 4325 clarifies that counselors can continue to diagnose and offer psychotherapy
Read More
The American Counseling Association Foundation Offers Grants of Up to $500

Oct 10, 2019

The American Counseling Association Foundation is seeking proposals from American Counseling Association members for grants of up to $500.
Read More

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.

BetterHelp Online Therapy

regain_banner_ACA-Counseling-org-220x220-July

Don't Let The Holiday Season Get The Best Of You

Dec 03, 2019

The holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Years can be a busy time of the year, and often a high stress time for many people. One issue that produces anxiety for many is the various social obligations that come with the season. Sometimes all those invitations, or virtual requirements to attend, can leave a person feeling overwhelmed. But there are ways to manage that holiday party stress.
Full story
Integrating Mindfulness into Counseling: Foundational Information for Counselors-in-Training

Dec 02, 2019

A seminal definition of mindfulness offered by Jon Kabat Zinn is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment to moment.”
Full story

Tweets by @CounselingViews

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