American Counseling Association

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American Counseling Association


Formation 1952
Headquarters Alexandria, VA, United States
President Brian S. Canfield, Ed.D
Website http://www.counseling.org/

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is a non-profit, professional organization that is dedicated to the counseling profession. ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors.


Contents

[edit] Mission

The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.

[edit] History

ACA was founded in 1952 as the American Personnel and Guidance Association (APGA). It was a merger of the National Vocational Guidance Association (NVGA), the National Association of Guidance and Counselor Trainers (NAGCT), the Student Personnel Association for Teacher Education (SPATE), and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). The American Personnel and Guidance Association changed its name in 1983 to the American Association of Counseling and Development (AACD). On July 1, 1992, the association changed its name to the American Counseling Association.

Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, DC, the American Counseling Association promotes public confidence and trust in the counseling profession so that professionals can further assist their clients and students in dealing with the challenges life presents. The American Counseling Association services professional counselors in the U.S. and in 50 other countries including Europe, Latin America, the Philippines and the Virgin Islands. In addition, the American Counseling Association is associated with a comprehensive network of 19 divisions and 56 branches. The American Counseling Association also collaborates with several corporate and related organizations to enhance member services.

[edit] Divisions

There are 19 chartered divisions within the American Counseling Association. These divisions provide leadership, resources and information unique to specialized areas and/or principles of counseling. Divisions chartered by ACA elect division officers who govern their activities independently and carry a voice in national ACA governance. Enhance your professional identity and practice by joining one or more divisions.

[edit] Regions

[edit] Branches

ACA has 56 chartered branches in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Languages