Professional organizations for counseling professionals offer special benefits to both members and the public. They offer members support, advocacy and opportunities for networking. These professional organizations advocate for counseling professionals before law-makers and the public. They keep their members aware of current counseling issues and act as a quality assurance program. Counseling organizations facilitate internal discourses that may translate into external dialogue with community groups and government agencies. Professional development is available through educational opportunities to earn credentials and continuing education credits.
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
The AMHCA is for licensed practitioners who provide clinical-level mental health counseling. They offer advocacy, education, leadership and collaboration for members. They promote national training standards for the licensing and credentialing of clinical mental health counselors. The AMHCA often collaborates with other national and regional professional organizations to advocate for clinical mental health practitioners and patients. Their research and education activities are important parts of their organization’s mission. Mental health counseling …show more content…
This organization represents all types of counselors in all fields of practice. The ACA offers a plethora of resources that include webinars, podcasts, conferences, educational sessions and digital journals, newsletters and publications. They maintain a continuing education program, monitor upcoming legislation and provide career support. For example, the ACA posts job openings and mentoring programs. Their online Knowledge Center is popular among members because it offers excellent resources regarding licensure requirements and counselors’ best