American Counseling Association (ACA), and Divisions (with a Web presence on 12-18-03)

American Counseling Association (ACA)
Founded in 1952, ACA is a nonprofit, professional and educational organization, which is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Many valuable links to: professional resources; branches and divisions; employment; government relations; ACA leadership; and Counseling Today, a monthly publication of ACA. Refer to ACA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

ACA Divisions

Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE)
AACE is a leader, advocate, provider of professional development services related to assessment and diagnosis within the profession of counseling. 

American College Counseling Association (ACCA)
ACCA’s membership includes college counselors and student development personnel. The promotion of efficacious college counseling is supported, in part, by cooperating and collaborating with a range of higher education personnel and organizations. 

American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Chartered in 1953, ASCA is the single national organization that represents the profession of school counseling. ASCA's mission is to promote excellence in professional school counseling and the development of all students. Excellent list of links to: K-12 school counseling centers; counseling and mental health resources; career counseling; education and government resources; etc. Refer to ASCA's Ethical Standards for School Counselors.

Association for Counselors and Educators in Government (ACEG)
A network of helping professionals, which provides counseling and related services associated with government agencies and the U.S. Military.

Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
The history, organization, and leadership of ACES. There are internal and external links to: organizational information; the executive council, regional presidents; committees; position announcements; etc.

Association for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues in Counseling (AGLBIC)
AGLBIC is a division of American Counseling Association. Its mission it to educate mental health service providers about issues confronting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) individuals.

Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD)
The mission of AMCD is to provide global leadership, research, training and development of multicultural counseling professionals with a focus on racial and ethnic issues.

American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA)
ARCA is an organization of professional and student rehabilitation counselors--it focuses on research, leadership, advocacy, and counseling services that improve the lives of disabled individuals.

Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC)
ASERVIC addresses evolving spiritual, ethical, and religious values within professional counseling and allied professions. This ACA Division is commitment to the to integration of spiritual, ethical, and religious values into counseling systems and activities. 

Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW)
Public access is provided to professional resources, including a mailing list and discussion forum, related to group counseling and psychotherapy. Also, a resources directory provides a number of links to information about group counseling options and practices.

Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ)
An advocacy organization of student and professional counselors that promotes critical thinking, equity, justice, and emphasize systemic changes that will eliminate (or minimize) injustice within government, business, and other organizations. 

International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC)
IAMFC is dedicated to providing distinguished and effective counseling services for couples and family. Professional development services and other learning options are available to assist practitioners with the application of research results, theories, and practice principles. 

National Career Development Association (NCDA)
Originally the National Vocational Guidance Association, NCDA was one of the founding associations of ACA in 1952. The mission of NCDA is to promote career development for all people across the lifespan through public information, member services, conferences, and publications. The primary publication of the NCDA is the Career Development Quarterly.

National Employment Counseling Association (NECA)
NECA is division of the American Counseling Association, and it represents professionals dedicated to helping people enter, understand, and progress within the world of work. This site includes a comprehensive list of links to professional associations, and relevant organizations that provide job and career planning information.

Related American Counseling Association (ACA) Organizations

American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
This association represents "...(the) profession of mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education and professional development." However, this Web site does not include useful information related to the areas identified in its mission statement.

American College Personnel Association (ACPA)
ACPA offers student affairs professionals the opportunity to enhance their effectiveness on campus through: annual conventions; leadership opportunities; and collaborative relationships. Refer to ACPA's Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards.

Professional Counseling Support and Information

Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
ADEC is an interdisciplinary organization devoted to practices related to dying, death, and bereavement. Members include: educators, counselors, nurses, physicians, hospital and hospice personnel, mental health professionals, clergy, funeral directors, social workers, philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, physical and recreational therapists, health well-being specialists, and volunteers. Useful resources for student and professional counselors are: Learning Materials Directory--By Title; and Learning Materials Directory--By Author.

Chi Sigma Iota
Chi Sigma Iota, established January 1, 1985, is the International Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. Members of this honor society include students, educators, practitioners, and administrators who have common interests and diverse specializations within the profession of counseling.

Consortium for Equity in Standards and Testing
The Consortium for Equity in Standards and Testing (CTEST) focuses attention on how educational standards, assessments, and tests can be used more fairly.

The American Educational Research Association (AERA)
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is an international professional organization with the primary goal of advancing educational research and its practical application. AREA has more than 22,000 members from a range of disciplines, and it is concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry, promoting the dissemination of information, and the practical application of research results. This site includes Spanish and French language options.

Counseling and Creativity

• American Art Therapy Association-AATA (Mundelein, IL)

• American Dance Therapy Association-ADTA (Marian Chace Foundation, Columbia, MD)

• American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama-ASGPP (Princeton, NJ)

• Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy-AAGT (Montclair, NJ; White Plains, NY)

• American Group Psychotherapy Association-AGPA (New York, NY)