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
Professional counselors are charged with learning how to spot red flags and then carefully respond to a complicated and emotionally charged issue that is present in an uncomfortably large percentage of intimate relationships. Read more in Counseling Today's July 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. This unique research is detailed in the July issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development. Read

Latest News

Heather Trepal Begins Term as 68th President of the American Counseling Association

Jul 01, 2019

Heather Trepal, Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Approved Supervisor (LPC-S, Texas), is the 68th president of the American Counseling Association.
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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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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

The Uphill Battle for Sexual Health and Wellness in the Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Community

Jul 17, 2019

While it may seem that acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community is on the rise, there still remains a mental health crisis for many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly for transgender and gender non-binary people (The Trevor Project, 2019).
Full story
Let’s talk about S…E…X with your kid/teen

Jul 17, 2019

Have you ever seen any of the emojis above in your teen’s chat history? Have you ever observed some of the dating rituals of the 21st century for teens while dropping off or picking up your teen from high school? How about at the mall, restaurants, or at the movie theater? As a natural people watcher I do admit I take time to observe some of these teens’ behaviors.
Full story

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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