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 Ce icon

    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. 
  • Ethics icon

    CODE OF ETHICS

    Find the tools needed to ensure compliance with the ethical standards of the counseling profession. Read
  • ACA Gov affairs Icon

    ACA ADVOCACY 

    Stay up-to-date on legislative news, policy updates and timely announcements that affect the counseling profession. Read
  • ACA News Icon

    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
  • Jan 2019 CT Cover

    COUNSELING TODAY

    What can counselors do to help their clients (and themselves) gain confidence in their abilities to bounce back from tough circumstances rather than feeling defeated by life? Read more in Counseling Today's January cover story.

  • Journal of Counseling & Development

    People choosing a counselor prefer those who say they are “board-certified” and possess multiple specialties, suggests a new study in the January issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development.   Read

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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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  • A New Year to Start with Daily and Simple Goals

    Jan 17, 2019
    As fathers it is important to take note of how we have brought value to our kids and families because sometimes being a father is a thankless job.
    Full story

  • Feeling Stuck?

    Jan 16, 2019
    Do you ever get to a place in your life where you feel like you’re in one place and can’t move forward? If you have ever felt this way I’m sure you can attest to how frustrating the feeling is. Sometimes there’s road blocks preventing you from moving forward, unplanned circumstances, or just a matter of time.
    Full story
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ACA Publications

Bookstore
  • The Counseling Dictionary, Fourth Edition

    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

    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

    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

    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

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American Counseling Association

  • 6101 Stevenson Ave, Suite 600. Alexandria, VA 22304
  • 800-347-6647 | 800-473-2329 (fax)
  • © 2015, American Counseling Association,
  • All Rights Reserved.