Principles of Counseling Intervention IV

Lesson 4: Professional Organizations Vocabulary

Professional organization

A member-based group that supports a profession through ethics, resources, standards, advocacy, education, networking, research, and professional development

Licensure

State-granted legal permission to practice within a defined scope

Certification

Usually a voluntary credential recognizing additional knowledge, competence, or specialization

Accreditation

Evaluation and recognition of an academic or training program rather than an individual counselor

American Counseling Association (ACA)

National professional association supporting counselors through ethics, advocacy, education, publication, networking, and professional resources

American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

Organization focused on school counseling, student services, ethical standards, program models, training, and advocacy

American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA)

Organization supporting clinical mental health counselors through practice resources, professional identity, development, reimbursement, and legislative advocacy

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

National credentialing body offering counselor certification and examinations

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Accreditor establishing standards and evaluating counselor education programs