Who are the major Counseling and Guidance Organizations?
One of the most important organizations that help mold young minds in the United States are various counseling and guidance organizations. It is important in education development and improvement of education leadership.
Most schools in the United States have an accredited counseling program. The major body responsible for the accreditation of these programs is the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This major organization is responsible for approving or accrediting international programs, most specifically school counseling.
There is no doubt that during a child's formative years, proper guidance and counseling is very important in rearing him or her as a successful individual in the future. There are a lot of Counselor Education disciplines around the world, all with the goal of properly guiding children during their tender age. Other organizations include the American Counseling Organization which is dedicated to helping students and improving the counseling profession as well. It is one of the largest counseling and guidance organization in the world and continues to assist professionals in this field. It is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1952. It is an educational and professional organization dedicated to the enhancement and growth of counselors all over the country.
This organization provides training when it comes to education leadership through its advocacy services, publications, various trainings and other educational opportunities both here and abroad. They also promote ethical practice, advancement of the profession and to promote respect for human diversity and dignity.
To ensure that the organization is functioning according to its mission statement, there is a governing council that oversees the administrative functions. The members are nationally elected, with ex-officio members. The terms in which an officer can render his or her service is only for three years.
Why are these organizations very important? They serve as an instrument in promoting the growth of the counseling profession. This organization also aims for the improvement of the counseling organization by pushing for various national certifications and licensures as well. They provide programs that will help professionals to explore their career opportunities and improve their skills.
There are also ethical considerations that these organizations focus on like taking into consideration some confidentiality laws governing certain cases, cultural sensitivity, and permission from making further diagnosis on a patient and other moral concerns in relation to the profession.
If you are a student majoring in psychology or counseling then this is one of the organizations that you should be affiliated with. They provide resources and a solid footing for young professionals.
There are also a lot of resources that can help counseling and guidance organizations achieve their goals, In this modern age of the internet, there are a lot of resources that one can go to for information and other concerns. Here are some of the organizations that can greatly help: American Association of Suicidology, American Psychological Association, Career and Personal Planning, Center for School Mental Health Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Center for School Mental Health Assistance, Curriculum Links for Guidance Counselors, GLBT Resources, International Counselor Network, HE@LTH, International Society for Mental Health Online - WebPsych, Internet Mental Health, and Youth Suicide Prevention programs.
Professional organizations include the following: American Counseling Association, American School Counselor Association, National Board for Certified Counselors, American College Counseling Association, National Career Development Association, Association for Specialists in Group Work, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Association for Counselors and Educators in Government, Association for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues in Counseling, Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, American Mental Health Counselors Association, National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, National Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Institute on Mental Health.
More Counseling and Guidance Organizations
- American School Counselor Association
- Association American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Florida Mental Health Institute
- Internet Mental Health Services Directory - A comprehensive, edited directory of therapists and clinicians offering online services.
- Standards for Professionals Who Work With Survivors of Trauma (AAETS)
- The College Entrance Examination Board