Professional counselors can tap into the full potential of counseling associations to enhance their practice. The American Counseling Association, now 71 years old, stands as the world’s largest organization dedicated to professional counselors. This influential group has shaped the profession we know today.

Professional counseling associations offer practical benefits like free continuing education credits and legislative updates. They equip you with cutting-edge research and practice innovations. Your professional identity and practice can grow significantly through national counseling association memberships. The American Mental Health Counselors Association, 47 years old, and the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, 49 years old, have supported specialists in their respective fields for decades.

This list of 15 essential counseling associations will help you find organizations that match your specialty and career goals. The list serves both newcomers and experienced professionals who want to expand their networks. You’ll discover valuable options ranging from general counseling to specialized therapy approaches that deserve your attention in 2025.

General Counseling: American Counseling Association (ACA)

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the basis of professional counseling associations in the United States. Since its founding in 1952, ACA has become the world’s largest association that exclusively represents professional counselors, with more than 60,000 members in practice settings of all types.

ACA mission and vision

ACA’s mission focuses on “advancing mental health and well-being through advocacy, community, inclusion and research”. The organization foresees becoming “the preeminent advocate and resource for professional counselors and their clients in a world where everyone has access to mental health services”. ACA shapes the counseling profession’s future and supports practitioners at every career stage through initiatives that focus on advocacy, education, community building, and research.

ACA membership benefits

Membership in this national counseling association comes with significant professional advantages:

12 free online continuing education courses annually (valued at $299)
Access to the award-winning Counseling Today magazine and Journal of Counseling & Development
Career services including job boards, resume reviews, and career consultations
Ethics consultations with expert staff members for challenging ethical dilemmas
Discounted malpractice liability insurance (free for master’s students, 10% discount for professionals)
Support for key issues like Medicare reimbursement and the Counseling Compact
Private networking through ACA Connect where members ask for advice and discuss industry trends

ACA pricing and membership tiers

Your career stage determines which membership option fits best:

Student: $105 annually if you have at least half-time enrollment in accredited programs
New Professional: $105 if you graduated in the past 12 months
Professional: $189 if you have a master’s degree or higher in counseling
Regular: $189 if your interests match ACA but don’t qualify for professional membership
Retired: $105 if you have five continuous years of membership before retirement

ACA publications and events

ACA spreads knowledge through multiple channels. Counseling Today, their flagship publication, helps members learn about industry developments monthly. The organization publishes research articles, educational texts, and professional development resources through their modern digital publishing platform, Counseling Nexus. Members earn continuing education credits and network with peers at the Conference & Expo in spring and Professional Practice Summit in fall.

Credentialing: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) stands out as the leading credentialing body among counseling associations. This 41-year-old organization has grown into the largest national counseling certification body worldwide, with more than 55,000 National Certified Counselors (NCCs) serving in over 40 countries.

NBCC mission and certification role

NBCC’s core mission aims to advance counseling and expand mental health services globally through certification, assessment, and capacity-building. This independent, nonprofit organization creates and oversees a national certification system that recognizes counselors who meet professional standards voluntarily. The flagship National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification shows that counselors meet strict education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements.

NBCC benefits for licensed counselors

NCC certification offers several valuable benefits for your professional practice:

Better professional reputation and credibility with colleagues and clients
Affordable, highly rated liability insurance through CM&F Group
Marketing opportunities with certification marks on business cards, websites, and materials
Free six-month listing in the Therapy Directory to connect with potential clients
Free continuing education webinars
Credentialing Gateway access to track continuing education
Specialty certifications in addictions, clinical mental health, or school counseling

NBCC pricing and exam details

Getting NCC certification requires completion of an accredited graduate degree program. You must pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The process also needs supervision, work experience, and commitment to ethical standards. The full application costs $375, covering both credential and examination. The NCE features 200 multiple-choice questions that test counseling knowledge and skills.

NBCC publications and resources

NBCC helps your professional growth through key resources. Their main publication, The Professional Counselor (TPC), is a digital, open-access journal with peer-reviewed research connecting practice to evidence-based approaches. The organization also publishes NBCC Visions newsletter with certification and profession updates. Other resources include the Code of Ethics, Policy Regarding the Provision of Distance Professional Services, and government affairs initiatives that support the counseling profession.

Accreditation: CACREP

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) stands apart from individual credentialing bodies. CACREP assesses counseling education programs. Their reach extends to over 983 master’s and doctoral programs at 473 U.S. colleges and universities.

CACREP mission and standards

CACREP’s mission aims to “promote the professional competence of Counseling and related practitioners.” They achieve this through three main initiatives. These include developing preparation standards and promoting excellence in program development. The third initiative involves accrediting professional preparation programs. Their vision emphasizes leadership in professional preparation by setting standards that adapt to society’s changing needs.

The 2024 CACREP Standards make accreditation requirements simpler and promote a unified counseling profession. These standards rest on two main pillars: quality first and unified counselor identity. This approach will give a graduate the competence needed across the counseling curriculum.

CACREP benefits for students and institutions

Students who choose CACREP-accredited programs get several advantages:

Most states accept these programs’ educational requirements for licensing
Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida (effective 2025) require it for licensure
The review process for licensure educational requirements moves faster
Federal agencies like VA, Department of Defense, and Army Substance Abuse Program recognize it
Programs stay stable professionally and financially
Professional identity development improves substantially

CACREP accreditation process

CACREP uses a thorough peer review system to maintain quality. Programs choose to submit a self-study that gets measured against CACREP Standards. Site visits confirm the self-study report’s accuracy. The CACREP Board of Directors then reviews all materials before deciding on accreditation.

CACREP publications and research

CACREP creates valuable resources for counseling professionals. Their annual report shows initiatives, activities, and data about accredited programs and students. The “CACREP Connection” e-newsletter keeps readers updated on accreditation policies and standards. “A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling” helps future students find the right programs. This guide serves as the main source of information about accredited counseling programs.

Mental Health: American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)

AMHCA stands as the only national association that focuses on clinical mental health counselors, and it has shaped the profession since 1976. The organization serves approximately 7,000 members and dedicates itself to supporting clinicians who diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

AMHCA mission and advocacy

The organization aims to position clinical mental health counselors to meet healthcare needs while moving the profession forward. Its mission focuses on collaborative efforts, research, ethical practice, education, training, and professional growth. AMHCA strongly supports Medicare recognition and urges Congress to pass HR 3032 to include clinical mental health counselors as covered Medicare providers. The organization achieved significant wins in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which allows licensed clinical mental health counselors to bill Medicare directly starting January 1, 2024.

AMHCA benefits for clinical counselors

Members can access these valuable benefits for their clinical practice:

Ethics committee consultation service for guidance with challenging situations
Free continuing education credits with exclusive member discounts on webinars and conferences
Recognition of advanced practice specialization
Specialized online communities including Graduate Student, Integrated Medicine, Military Culture, and Neuroscience Interest Networks
Blog platform to share expertise with colleagues
Opportunities to serve on boards, committees, and task forces

AMHCA membership pricing

Members can choose from several tiers based on their career stage:

Clinical: $183 annually for master’s-level practitioners providing direct counseling services
Professional: $183 for those with master’s degrees in counseling or related fields
Student: $84 for those enrolled at least half-time in graduate programs
Emerging Professional: $84 for first or second-year practitioners
Retired: $79
Academic: $99 for full-time professors or academic staff

Members can also opt for unified dues packages that combine AMHCA and state chapter memberships at lower rates.

AMHCA publications and events

The organization publishes the quarterly Journal of Mental Health Counseling, which has shared clinical insights from research and practice since 1978. The Advocate Magazine brings in-depth articles from members and field experts. Members stay updated through essential publications like “Essentials of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Profession”. AMHCA runs webinars throughout the year that cover topics from positive psychology to trauma-informed eating disorder treatment. The annual conference usually takes place in July.

School Counseling: American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) stands for school counseling professionals with approximately 43,000 members across the nation. This 70-year old organization serves as the only national body for the school counseling profession. It sets professional standards and speaks for the profession.

ASCA mission and national model

ASCA aims to “represent the school counseling profession and give the ability to school counselors to create equitable opportunities and inclusive environments that enable each and every student to succeed”. The organization wants school counseling programs that line up with the ASCA National Model® to boost students’ academic success, college/career readiness, and social/emotional development.

The ASCA National Model® gives school counselors a framework to build programs that:

Make use of information for decision making
Reach all students systematically
Deliver age-appropriate curriculum for postsecondary readiness
Help close achievement and opportunity gaps

ASCA benefits for school counselors

ASCA membership comes with several great benefits:

$1 million in excess professional liability insurance at no extra cost (if you are a W-2 hired educator)
Award-winning publications like ASCA School Counselor magazine ($90 value) and Professional School Counseling journal ($129 value)
The ASCA National Model App (MApp) helps track time and share results
Lower costs for professional growth through webinars, town halls, and workshops
Access to Affinity Groups—small communities with shared interests or identities

ASCA membership options

ASCA has four membership levels:

Professional: $129 yearly for school counseling professionals with master’s degrees
Student: $69 to enroll in master’s-level school counseling programs
Retired: $69 for professional members who have retired (no liability insurance)
Affiliate: $129 for those interested in school counseling who don’t fit other categories

ASCA publications and conferences

ASCA sends out ASCA School Counselor magazine every two months along with its peer-reviewed journal Professional School Counseling. Members stay updated through ASCA Aspects, a monthly e-newsletter that covers new programs, resources, and developments. The organization also hosts a yearly conference—set for July 12-15, 2025, in Long Beach, California—where members can network and earn continuing education credits.

College Counseling: American College Counseling Association (ACCA)

Founded in 1991, the American College Counseling Association (ACCA) provides a specialized home for mental health professionals who work in higher education settings. This division of the American Counseling Association unites counselors, psychologists, and social workers who are dedicated to student development across colleges, universities, and community colleges.

ACCA mission and focus

ACCA’s mission states it is “the interdisciplinary and inclusive professional home that supports emerging and state of the art knowledge and resources for counseling professionals in higher education”. The organization works to boost college counseling practices and uphold ethical standards. It helps counselors connect with each other and builds cooperation with related organizations while providing leadership in higher education counseling. ACCA believes diversity makes campus communities stronger and commits to creating environments where people’s differences receive respect and honor.

ACCA benefits for higher ed counselors

Members gain access to several valuable resources:

Round-the-clock networking with colleagues through Facebook, Instagram, and an active listserv used by over 1,500 college counselors
Professional development through ACCA-sponsored webinars, workshops, and conferences
Materials and resources that help explain college counseling to students and institutional officials
Opportunities to develop leadership skills through committee participation
Research grants and Emerging Leader Grants available to graduate students
Professional recognition through Counselor of the Year and Director of the Year awards

ACCA membership pricing

ACCA charges a $10.00 processing fee for standalone membership. Professionals who want to join both ACA and ACCA must submit their applications through the American Counseling Association website.

ACCA publications and events

Members receive the Journal of College Counseling, ACCA’s official publication, three times a year in April, July, and October. The 2026 ACCA Conference will take place in Myrtle Beach from March 5-8, 2026. Members also get access to valuable Counseling Standards for Higher Education from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). These standards, which normally cost $45, help counseling centers evaluate their quality, effectiveness, and influence on student development.

Multicultural Counseling: AMCD

The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), a 52-year old organization, pioneers cultural awareness in the counseling field. This division of the American Counseling Association helps counselors who work with clients from different cultural backgrounds.

AMCD mission and diversity focus

The main goal of AMCD is to strengthen ethnic and racial empathy and understanding. The organization actively promotes better appreciation of cultural diversity. AMCD stands firm in protecting human and civil rights and creates initiatives to boost educational opportunities for members from various cultural backgrounds. Their work covers cultural competency development, social justice, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in professional settings.

AMCD benefits for multicultural professionals

Members connect with hundreds of professionals nationwide who share a passion for multicultural counseling. The organization’s journal access, mentorship programs, webinars, and workshops are a great way to get professional growth opportunities. Writers can publish their work through the organization’s writer’s consortium, which helps develop new experts in the field.

AMCD membership options

AMCD offers several affordable membership tiers:

Graduate Student: $30
New Professional: $30
Regular/Professional: $40
Retired: $30
Non-ACA members: add $10 processing fee

AMCD publications and advocacy

AMCD’s official publication, the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, features cutting-edge research and program applications in multicultural areas. The organization made history by creating the Multicultural Counseling Competencies in 1992. These competencies evolved into the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies in 2015.

Addiction Counseling: NAADAC

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, represents more than 100,000 addiction counselors, educators, and other addiction-focused health care professionals across the United States, Canada, and abroad. This 50-year-old professional membership organization provides specialized support to practitioners who work with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.

NAADAC mission and scope

NAADAC’s clear purpose advocates for addiction professionals and their clients. The organization’s members follow a nationally-recognized Code of Ethics that upholds professional standards. NAADAC stands as an influential voice before Congress and federal administration, which helps shape addiction treatment and recovery support funding and administration in America.

NAADAC benefits for addiction professionals

Members receive substantial value through these benefits:

Over 145 online continuing education hours available 24/7 at no extra cost
Eight independent study courses and 144+ webinars available anytime
Lower prices on NAADAC conferences, workshops, and publications
Better rates for malpractice and liability insurance
20% discount on select Hazelden resources and 50% discount on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly
Free six-month listing in Psychology Today’s Therapy Directory

NAADAC pricing and certification

NAADAC’s certification options include the National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) and National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor (NCAAC), beyond standard membership. The NCAC exam features 150 multiple-choice questions that assess addiction counseling competencies.

NAADAC publications and training

Members get access to NAADAC’s digital magazine, Advances in Addiction & Recovery, along with weekly Professional eUpdate and bi-weekly Addiction & Recovery eNews newsletters. These resources provide current information about trends, best practices, state-of-the-art research, and career opportunities in the addiction profession.

Marriage & Family Therapy: AAMFT

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has altered the map of relationship-focused counseling since 1942. The organization now represents more than 72,000 marriage and family therapists across the United States, Canada, and abroad.

AAMFT mission and family focus

AAMFT’s mission is to “advance the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy”. Relationships are the foundations of individual, couple, family, and community well-being. AAMFT has adapted to changing relationship patterns and family needs through its history. The organization leads research efforts to help people learn about the field.

AAMFT benefits for MFTs

Members get valuable professional benefits including:

Free legal and ethics consultations
Networking with over 25,000 colleagues globally
Access to clinically-focused topical networks
Discounts on liability insurance and practice management software
A chance to earn prestigious Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor designations

AAMFT membership pricing

The membership tiers fit different career stages:

Professional: $216 annually (US members), $184 (international members)
Early Professional: $146 for recent graduates working toward licensure
Student: $99 for those enrolled in degree programs
Affiliate: $161 for those not meeting other membership requirements

AAMFT publications and CEUs

Members can access the scholarly Journal of Marital and Family Therapy and Family Therapy Magazine. TENEO, the organization’s education platform, features 85+ online courses designed for MFTs. AAMFT provides detailed continuing education through annual conferences, advanced clinical training institutes, and online resources.

Art Therapy: AATA

Founded in 1969, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) distinguishes itself from other counseling associations by helping practitioners use creative expression as a therapeutic tool. This 501(c)(3) organization has grown into the world’s leading membership body for art therapy professionals.

AATA mission and creative therapy

AATA aims to “advance art therapy as a regulated mental health profession and build a community that supports art therapists throughout their careers”. The organization foresees a future where professional art therapy helps improve everyone’s mental health and well-being.

AATA benefits for art therapists

Members get exclusive access to these valuable resources:

Free legal and ethics consultations
Career support through the Art Therapy Career Center
Discounted liability insurance through HPSO
MentorMatch program that connects new professionals with experienced practitioners
30% discount on Faber-Castell art supplies

AATA membership options

AATA provides these membership tiers:

Professional/Credentialed Professional: $190 annually
New Professional: $83 (first year post-graduation)
Student: $63 for master’s students
Retired: $95.97

AATA publications and events

Members receive the prestigious Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association with groundbreaking research. AATA runs continuing education webinars covering suicide prevention and disability justice. Specialized workshops help members explore workplace bullying and cultural identity throughout the year.

Grief Counseling: AAGC

The American Academy of Grief Counseling (AAGC) provides specialized support to professionals who work with bereaved individuals. This organization distinguishes itself from other counseling associations through its dedicated focus on grief support practices.

AAGC mission and specialization

AAGC delivers complete certification programs to qualified professionals who serve people experiencing loss. The organization’s main goals include setting high educational standards, creating certification requirements, and maintaining peer advisory oversight. Professionals from various backgrounds can join AAGC, including physicians, nurses, counselors, social workers, clergy, and funeral directors.

AAGC benefits for grief counselors

AAGC membership comes with several professional advantages:

Better marketability and credibility in the workplace
Higher earning potential
Opportunities to network with grief counseling peers
Professional achievement recognition
Steadfast dedication to career growth

AAGC certification and pricing

AAGC presents two main paths to certification:

Certification in Grief Counseling: Students must complete four online courses
Fellowship in Grief Counseling: Students must complete seven courses to earn the highest professional recognition

The certification costs $220 for a four-year term, whatever path you choose. Certified members can add the “GC-C” (Certified Grief Counselor) credential to their names.

AAGC publications and training

Certification candidates must complete essential courses that include Death, Dying and Mourning; Grief Counseling for Helping Professions; Grief Therapy; and Working with Grieving Children. These courses are a great way to get continuing education credits with approvals from many organizations, including the American Psychological Association.

Honor Society: Chi Sigma Iota

Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) stands out among counseling organizations as an international honor society that champions academic and professional excellence in counseling. This 38-year-old organization helps its members promote wellness and human dignity through their contributions.

Chi Sigma Iota mission and eligibility

CSI’s mission centers on scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling. Students can join after completing one semester of full-time graduate coursework. They need to maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale and show promise as professional counselors with exemplary ethical judgment.

Chi Sigma Iota benefits for students

Membership brings several professional advantages:

Connections with peers and prominent professionals
Scholarships and grants for research
Leadership activities that boost professional development
Recognition for academic and clinical excellence

Chi Sigma Iota membership process

Students receive a written invitation from their chapter to start the process. The next step involves completing the New Member Registration on the CSI website and paying a $50 application fee. Chapter Faculty Advisors review and approve applications before students join the initiation ceremony.

Chi Sigma Iota publications and networking

Members can access the Journal of Counselor Leadership & Advocacy and CSI Exemplar, which publishes three times yearly. CSI provides extensive resources about wellness in counseling. Members also benefit from author showcases and clinical practice guides.

International Counseling: IFTA

The International Family Therapy Association (IFTA) connects therapists beyond national borders worldwide. This 36-year-old organization, born from the East-West Bridging Congress in Prague, has grown into a leading international counseling association.

IFTA mission and global reach

IFTA’s main goal focuses on “advancing family therapy worldwide by promoting research, education, and sound practice”. The organization promotes international cooperation and knowledge sharing to support family well-being in a variety of cultures. Scientific congresses bring professionals from many countries together and create chances for cross-cultural learning.

IFTA benefits for international therapists

IFTA members receive:

Subscription to the International Journal of Systemic Therapy
Access to the online International Connection newsletter
Quarterly Systemic Therapy E-News with therapist interviews
Member-only directory for global networking

IFTA membership pricing

Members get journal access and reduced rates for the annual World Family Therapy Congress registration.

IFTA publications and conferences

IFTA keeps members updated through multiple publications about family therapy developments. The annual World Congress combines scientific presentations with networking events. Many participants call it “the best networking congress ever!”.

Global Accreditation: IRCEP

The International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP) takes quality assurance beyond national borders. It serves as a global standard for counseling education. CACREP developed this organization to meet growing international needs for professional standards.

IRCEP mission and global standards

IRCEP’s core mission aims to promote excellence in counselor education globally while respecting cultural differences. The organization strengthens programs to develop curricula that suit their regions instead of enforcing uniform standards. Programs must cover eight foundational areas despite this flexibility: Professional Counseling Orientation, Social and Cultural Identities, Lifespan Development, Career Development, Counseling Practice, Group Counseling, Assessments, and Research.

IRCEP benefits for international programs

Programs with IRCEP recognition receive five key advantages:

Global standard of quality verification
Boosted visibility through IRCEP’s directory
International collaboration opportunities
Access to shared best practices
Improved degree mobility for graduates

IRCEP registry process

Recognition requires a full review process that leads to a five-year approval period. Programs must submit annual reports and pay a $200 USD maintenance fee. Only approved programs can promote themselves as “Recognized by IRCEP”.

IRCEP publications and updates

IRCEP connects through its website, E-Updates, and the IRCEP Connection newsletter regularly. The organization supports international doctoral fellowships and book drives that benefit counseling programs worldwide.

Local Support: State Counseling Associations

State counseling associations deliver significant localized support that aligns with your regional practice needs. They have deep understanding of your state’s regulations and professional challenges.

State associations mission and relevance

State counseling associations work to support counselors at the regional level and address needs specific to state conditions and laws. They serve as vital links between national advocacy efforts and local implementation of professional standards. The American Counseling Association includes many state associations among its largest branches. Some associations send representatives to Capitol Hill to lobby for counselors.

Benefits of joining state-level organizations

State organizations give members several key advantages:

Members-only newsletters with updates on state mental health legislation
Guidance through the licensure pathway for Licensed Professional Counselor Candidates
Exclusive job boards and employment opportunities
Professional growth within your local community
Connections with colleagues who understand your state’s practice environment

Membership options by state

Each state has different membership structures with categories like:

Professional: $50.00 annually in Oklahoma, rates vary by state
Student: Free or reduced rates (Oklahoma offers free membership)
Retired: Discounted rates ($40.00 in Oklahoma)
Associate: Available to non-counseling supporters ($30.00 in Oklahoma)

Events and publications by state associations

State associations build strong communities through events and resources. Members get significant discounts on annual conference registration. The Texas Counseling Association publishes the peer-reviewed Journal of Professional Counseling. Members also get access to monthly newsletters, webinars, and recorded content libraries for professional development.

Join Your Peers

Professional counseling associations are a great way to get more than just extra credentials for your resume. These organizations give you vital resources, networking opportunities, and specialized knowledge that can change your counseling practice. This piece shows you associations that support every part of the counseling profession—from general practice to highly specialized therapeutic approaches.

Professional development stands out as a significant benefit in all these organizations. You can stay current with best practices and emerging research through continuing education, conferences, publications, and peer networking. On top of that, many associations give you practical benefits like liability insurance discounts, ethics consultations, and career services that directly affect your practice’s success.

Your specific career goals and specialties should guide which associations you join. General organizations like ACA give broad professional support, while specialized associations like AMHCA, ASCA, or NAADAC provide targeted resources for your practice area. You might get the best results by joining several complementary organizations, maybe even combining a national association with your state counseling group.

These associations support the counseling profession at local, national, and international levels. Your membership helps expand practice rights, secure insurance recognition, and shape legislation that affects both counselors and clients. You strengthen not just your own practice but the entire profession when you participate.

Look for associations that match your professional identity and career goals. Joining multiple organizations costs money, but the benefits you get through professional development, networking, and practical resources are worth the investment. Start with one or two groups that fit your current practice, then add more as your career grows.

Counseling associations have shaped the profession since the 1950s. They created the standards, ethics codes, and advocacy platforms that define modern practice. Your active participation helps write counseling’s next chapter while moving your own career forward. Which associations will become part of your professional growth?

15 Essential Counseling Associations Every Therapist Should Join