About the ACA
ACA is Australia’s largest registration body with over 18,000 registered counsellors, psychotherapists and students.
OUR CORE VALUES
Consistent
Setting and upholding high industry standards and ethical practices
Inclusive
Engaging all with mutual respect and promoting diversity
Progressive
Proactively seeking innovation and driving positive change
Caring
Providing a safe, supportive environment and promoting a culture of kindness
Our National Influence
The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) was formed as a national association in 1998 to uphold high standards in counselling and psychotherapy.
Today, with more than 18,000 registered counsellors, psychotherapists and students, ACA has evolved into the largest counselling registration body in Australia.
ACA serves as a cornerstone for the counselling community, ensuring accreditation, professional development and growth, ethical conduct, and high standards in education and practice. We believe in creating a transparent and accountable framework through a consistent Code of Conduct and comprehensive Scope of Practice.
Beyond regulatory functions, ACA actively supports the continuous professional growth of our counsellors, promoting ongoing education and training, creating employment opportunities, and engaging in research initiatives to enhance and promote counselling practices. ACA stands firm in its commitment to guiding practitioners throughout their professional journey and remains dedicated to shaping the landscape of the counselling profession, ensuring a trustworthy and proficient workforce for the individuals and communities they support.
International Representation
Internationally, ACA is recognised for its solid reputation and has formal affiliations with peak bodies in various countries, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. As a member of the International Association of Counselling, ACA is committed to global leadership and collaboration. Our engagement extends to counselling organisations in Canada, New Zealand, the USA, Malaysia, and the UK. We are proud to hold recognition in global mental health aid efforts through Observer Member status with the World Health Organization’s Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group.
OUR PURPOSE
To improve the lives of Australians through counselling and psychotherapy delivered by trusted professionals.
OUR MISSION
To advance to the counselling profession. To advocate for, support, and uphold the highest standards for counsellors in Australia, fostering a culture of quality care, accountability and continuous education.
Professional Growth and Excellence
Our commitment to upholding excellence is unwavering. We understand that the foundation of outstanding services lies in the continual advancement of professional standards. This commitment not only defines us but also shapes the future of counselling and psychotherapy in Australia.
Continual Improvement: The field of counselling is dynamic, and staying ahead means being adaptable and forward thinking. We provide ongoing education, community support, and a transparent framework of standards. Through these initiatives, ACA ensures that counsellors not only thrive but also uphold the highest ethical standards, instilling trust and confidence in their practice.
Quality Counselling Services: Our committment to excellence is reflected in the services provides by our counsellors. We believe that quality counselling can profoundly impact individuals and communities, and our counsellors play a critical role in making this a reality.
Leading Advocacy
Advocacy stands as a cornerstone of our association, reflecting our commitment to actively communicate with the government, stakeholders, and communities.
Shaping Domestic Policy and Practices: Our advocacy efforts extend to shaping policies and practices that not only advance the profession but also contribute meaningfully to the mental health and well-being of the wider community.
International Voice: We hold a robust international presence, marked by formal affiliations with key organisations and associations across the globe. We have a special interest in supporting our Oceania and South-Pacific nation neighbours in establishing and growing a robust counselling community.
Regulation and Ethics
As a self-regulatory body, ensuring rigorous standards and ethical practices within the counselling profession is paramount.
Transparency & Accountability: We are dedicated to ethical practices through maintenance of a comprehensive register of qualified practicing counsellors and the clear identification of counsellors meeting nationally-approved standards, guiding consumers toward safe, trustworthy, and proficient professionals. We ensure a fair and accountable environment through a National Complaints Tribunal, dedicated to addressing and resolving issues.
Research and Employment
We take pride in providing a platform to disseminate and facilitate evidence-informed research that advance the understanding and efficacy of counselling practices. Our objectives lie in using this research to establish better opportunities for our members and raising awareness on local, national and international scales.
Why Join the Australian Counselling Association?
You will join a community of dedicated professionals committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice, continuous learning, and the wellbeing of individuals and communities across Australia.
As the landscape of mental health evolves, ACA is dedicated to evolving with it, ensuring that our counsellors remain at the forefront of the counselling profession.
