Professional Counseling Organizations and Activities

CE students at Ohio University are encouraged to become involved in counseling professional organizations during their program. Belonging to a professional organization encourages collaboration and advocacy, promotes professionalism and leadership, and gives students the opportunity to meet colleagues and leaders in the profession throughout the state and nation.

Being a member of professional organizations affords students many benefits including opportunities for networking, service, and advocacy, as well as ongoing professional development through access to publications highlighting the latest research and counseling trends. Some professional organizations provide professional liability insurance for student members, required for practicum and internship, at a reduced cost. Most professional organizations have discounted student membership and conference rates, as well as student-focused groups and resources.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the primary national professional organization for counselors. Within the ACA are many interest-based divisions, including the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA), and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The ACA also includes state branches, including the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) and its interest-based divisions, which students may find relevant to their local concerns and interests. The National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) is the primary national professional organization for rehabilitation professionals. In addition, The National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) is the premier professional organization of educators dedicated to quality services for persons with disabilities through education and research. Students interested in counselor education and supervision are encouraged to explore membership in the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), the regional division of North Central ACES, and the local division of Ohio ACES.

Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), the International Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society was established at Ohio University in 1985. The impetus for forming an international honor society in counseling included a desire to provide recognition for outstanding achievement and service within the profession. CSI was created for counselors-in-training, counselor educators, and professional counselors whose career commitment is to research and service through professional counseling. Membership in CSI requires a 3.5 GPA following at least one semester of full-time graduate coursework and a membership recommendation by the chapter. Ohio University members have the honor of belonging to the Alpha Chapter of CSI.