SUPPORTING YOUR GROWTH
Congratulations! You have embarked on an exceptional, rewarding career. Choosing to become a counselor is a selfless decision to support, guide and advocate to help others grow and thrive.
The American Counseling Association—the professional home for all counselors—is here to support, guide and advocate for you and your profession for only $105 a year.
SUPPORT: Student Member Benefits
LIABILITY INSURANCE: In partnership with HPSO, ACA provides complimentary liability insurance to cover you while in practicum. For master’s degree students only.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
EXPERT CAREER GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES
RECOGNITION AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Ethics Competition
Graduate Student Essay Competition
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Annual Conference Volunteers
Student Leadership Roles
GUIDE: Next-Level Learning
Taking You Out of the Classroom and Positioning You Ahead of the Curve
ETHICS
ACA PUBLICATIONS, BOOKS AND JOURNALS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ONLINE
INSIGHTS AND TRENDS: Counseling Today, Journal of Counseling and Development, Online Member Forums, Graduate Student & New Professional Blog
PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY: Build and promote the work of counselors in society.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY: Support legislation and policy that affects your career.
STUDENT LOAN SUPPORT: Public resources to help with your loans.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
PSLF provides complete student loan forgiveness of your remaining student loan balance after 10 years of service and 120 qualifying payments. Counselors and mental health therapists often work for a nonprofit, school or agency that provides a service, making them good candidates for PSLF. The Department of Education can provide you with more information.
State Loan Repayment Program
Your state may have a loan forgiveness program for mental health therapists or counselors. More than 30 states receive cost-sharing grants from the HRSA to operate a State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Eligible disciplines vary state by state based on need and funding.
The NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program
The NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program has closed its 2019 application cycle. The 2020 application cycle should be coming up soon. Please visit the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) for updates.