Members will receive a certificate of membership suitable for framing, as well as:

• A membership card
• At least three newsletters a year
• Our annual journal

Membership Form: Click here

The ACC is an inter-disciplinary, organization that promotes a Collegial, cooperative, positive approach for strengthening the individual through counseling processes while adhering to high ethical standards. Members are encouraged to share ideas and experiences via our educational opportunities.

Please note:

Candidates applying for certification in addition to completing the application need to

1. 1. Forward evidence of the award of the highest degree held from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
   2. Forward documentation from a practicum and an internship and credentials with the name of the institution or agency represented at the time or a photocopy of a state license or certificate by another recognized professional association requiring equivalent supervised practice.

Based on the credentials, the Executive Director on behalf of the Board of Governors will review the documents for membership approval.

Please click here to download the application in PDF format. You will need to print it and mail or fax to:

American College of Counselors
273 Glossip Avenue
Highlandville MO 65669-8133
Phone: (417) 885-7632
Fax: (417) 443-3002

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Statement to Counseling Students and Future Counseling Students
From R.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Clinic, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What counseling students and future counselors need to know:

1. 1. 1. Counseling may be viewed as an avocation or a vocation.
      2. There is a wide range of reimbursement for professional counseling services rendered.
      3. You are required to complete practicum(s) and/or internship(s).  Practicum and internship(s) are college courses that require tuition payment. You will be responsible for locating your own sites for the practicum/internship as the college/university counseling department does not always find nor does it guarantee a practicum/internship site.
      4. National and possibly state exams are required to obtain licensure.
      5. Post-graduate 1500 or 3000 hours of supervision provided by LPC, MSW, psychiatrist, or psychologist are required. Mental health post-graduate hours must be completed in mental health clinics, hospitals, or correctional settings.
      6. To practice substance abuse/AODA counseling, 360 hours of substance abuse education must be completed.  Between 1500 and 6000 hours of supervision providing counseling to AODA clients is required for certification. Supervision must be provided by a psychiatrist, a Master-level substance abuse counselor, or MSW social worker.
      7. Many insurance companies require an individual to have a master degree and five years of experience to provide services to their members. Others require a master degree, five years of experience, plus certification in AODA.

The ACC has been an advocate to eliminate the 3000 post-master degree hours in mental health counseling.

The ACC has also worked for the past 25 years for license portability with all states and the federal government.

The ACC also seeks comparable compensation given to psychiatrists and psychologists.

The ACC has been working diligently over the years to remove these barriers for counselors.