Promoting Mental Health and Support
What is Counseling?
Professional counselors help people gain personal insights, develop strategies and come up with real-life solutions.
Learn MoreProvider Directories
Find a licensed professional counselor in your area through one of these provider directories:
View DirectoriesElsa Soto Leggett, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, CSC
“Professional counselors are licensed mental health professionals who combine science, compassion, and advocacy to help people heal, grow, and reclaim hope for their lives. We create safe, ethical, and culturally responsive spaces where they can find new direction for their lives. Next time you’re facing a challenge in your life, it’s worth exploring whether working with a professional counselor can help you overcome that obstacle.”
Get Involved and Spread the Word
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2026 CAM: Sample Social Media Messages
- We’re so excited to join @ACACounselors for Counseling Awareness Month 2026 throughout the month of April! #CounselorsHelp https://counseling.org/cam
- We’re thrilled to partner with @ACACounselors as we celebrate both the counseling profession and individuals who do this important work during Counseling Awareness Month 2026! #CounselorsHelp https://counseling.org/cam
- Counselors make a difference every day! Join us and @ACACounselors in recognizing the work of professional counselors throughout Counseling Awareness Month 2026 this April. #CounselorsHelp https://counseling.org/cam
- April is Counseling Awareness Month! We’re excited to join @ACACounselors in recognizing the work professional counselors do. #CounselorsHelp https://counseling.org/cam
- #CounselorsHelp people of all types find solutions and overcome the obstacles they face. Help us celebrate their vital work during Counseling Awareness Month 2026! https://counseling.org/cam
2026 Teal Day (April 10th): Sample Social Media Messages
- I’m excited to join @ACACounselors on Friday, April 10, for Teal Day. Teal Day works to build strong support, recognition and appreciation towards the work counselors do during Counseling Awareness Month! #CounselorsHelp https://counseling.org/cam
- Mark your calendars! On Friday, April 10, we join @ACACounselors in celebrating Teal Day for Counseling Awareness Month. Teal Day encourages awareness of the importance of counseling and the work counselors do in helping us tackle our personal problems and challenges. Be sure to take a pic of your teal gear, use #CounselorsHelp and join the movement! https://counseling.org/cam
- Ready to show your support? On April 10, join us and @ACACounselors by wearing teal to raise awareness of the counseling profession and the work counselors do. Be sure to share your teal look and use #CounselorsHelp! https://counseling.org/cam
Below you will find language that you may submit when soliciting a proclamation for Counseling Awareness Month. Get more information about State Proclamations Requests. Feel free to modify to fit requirements.
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Whereas: The American Counseling Association [and state or local association] has [have] declared the month of April 2026 as Counseling Awareness Month, and
Whereas: Professional counseling contributes to the growth and development of people across the life span and assists them in achieving their full human, educational and career potential, and
Whereas: Citizens can utilize the services of professional counselors in schools, colleges, mental health agencies, community agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice and other delivery settings; and
Whereas: An improved understanding of counseling and how it can address citizen [insert student or other word here if appropriate] needs will be beneficial to all,
[Ending below is for when proclamation is made by an official]
Therefore, I [insert name of governor, mayor or official] of [insert the name of state, city or community] do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as Counseling Awareness Month and asked all citizens to learn more about the role of counseling in our lives and recognize the important contributions made by counseling professionals.
[Ending below is for when proclamation is issued by a governing body or organization]
Therefore, the [insert identity of city council, school board, etc.] hereby proclaims the month of April 2026 as Counseling Awareness Month and encourages greater understanding of the role of counseling in our lives and enhanced recognition of the contributions made by counseling professionals.
Signature _______________________________________________________ Date______________________________
Join us for
TEAL DAYon April 10
Celebrated on the second Friday of April, Teal Day encourages awareness of the importance of counseling and self-care for counselors as they enlighten their clients, colleagues and the greater public of the same. It recognizes counselors place in the national mental health conversation and the importance of debunking the stigma related to mental illness. It also challenges people to broaden their understanding of counseling in the prevention and management of mental health conditions. On Teal Day, we encourage everyone to share a picture of themselves wearing teal on social media, to help spread awareness of the work counselors do!
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Want to show off your support during Counseling Awareness Month? Purchase one of our collectable CAM T-Shirts today! But act fast, as quantities are limited!
From the Counseling Corner
We all face daily challenges in today's complicated and demanding world. Counseling Corner articles take a closer look at those challenges and offer thoughtful ideas, suggestions and strategies to help you to live a happier and healthier life.
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If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed, Building Emotional Resilience Can HelpFeb 18, 2026|2 min readPracticing emotional resilience during stressful times can equip you with the tools to manage overwhelming feelings effectively.
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What You Need to Know About Conversion TherapyJan 21, 2026|2 min readConversion therapy — sometimes also called reparative or reorientation therapy — is the practice of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
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Finding a Counselor Who Understands Your Cultural BackgroundDec 17, 2025|2 min readSeeking a professional counselor who understands cultural nuances is an important step in strengthening your mental health.
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Find Help Coping with a Job LossSep 4, 2025|2 min readIt can be emotionally challenging navigating a job loss. Finding a counselor who fits your needs can help you process these difficult feelings.
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Not The Right Counselor? It’s Okay to Make a Change.Apr 25, 2025|3 min readDeveloping a strong relationship between a counselor and client is a crucial part of the counseling process. Just like in any other relationship, not every pairing is the right fit, and recognizing that is a sign of self-awareness, not failure.
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Facing a Problem or Challenge? A Counselor Can Help.Mar 28, 2025|3 min readWhen you’re looking for a professional counselor, you may notice that many providers offer specialties that can align with your individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage.
Related Counseling Today Articles
Neuroscience-informed counseling can help clients better manage anxiety, panic and worry.
Universities are developing rapid-access counseling programs to address student needs faster.
Counselors provide critical support in preventing suicide from rippling through a community.
The U.S. has faced a record number of natural disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires, resulting in staggering damage. As communities rebuild, the mental health toll on survivors intensifies, demanding a shift in how professional counselors respond.
When friendships crack, some people seek support through friendship counseling, an emerging practice area.
The Heart of Couples Counseling
Mark Saunders shares how his marriage inspired a mission to counsel other couples.
There are not enough mental health providers to meet the current demand for care. 121 million people in the U.S. lived in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas and estimates that 6,000 additional mental health workers are needed.
Groundbreaking technology is improving access to mental health care and changing the way counselors work.
Counseling Today Nov 2024 Feature Article - Learning what refugee children and teens go through can improve your reach in counseling.
In April of this year, Gregory Kimble, DMin, LPC-S, went on a mission trip to Highgate, a rural town in Jamaica. Kimble traveled as part of an annual medical mission trip to Jamaica organized by Women at Real Risk and Hands For A Cause.
Helping a School Community Heal after Suicide
As youth suicide rates continue to increase, more school counselors need to be prepared for suicide postvention.
How gendered norms and expectations affect men’s mental health.
Finding and Creating Affirming Spaces
Artemis Ray Allen, LPC, realized his own relationship with mental health can be a useful tool that helps him understand and connect with clients.
Ruptures in counselor-client relationships can happen, but therapists can learn how to repair the cracks and improve the process.
The benefits and challenges of grieving online
As technology continues to change the way people grieve, counselors need to be prepared to help clients navigate how they express their grief online in safe and healthy ways.
Thanks to our Strategic partners for their support of
Counseling Awareness Month
MEMBER SHOWCASE
Kerri Legette McCullough, EdD, LPC, LCPC, LCMHC, NCC, RN
ACA is a community of diverse, vibrant counselors and educators who are changing lives. Originally from Columbia, S.C., Kerri Legette McCullough, owner of Strong Life Counseling, LLC in Hyattsville, Md., is a lifelong learner, educator and mentor.
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