Chapter 2: Professional Identity: Associations, Credentials, and Licenses

After reading this chapter, you will understand more about: The importance of developing and maintaining counselor professional identity.The American Counseling Association, and it’s branches and divisions, as well as specialty counseling organizations and honor societies.Counselor credentialing, including licensure and certification.The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the benefits and standards associated with accreditation.The following CACREP standards are addressed in this chapter: Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice: The multiple professional roles and functions of counselors across specialized practice areas (CACREP, 2024, Section 3.A.2.)Professional counseling organizations, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current issues (CACREP, 2024, Section 3.A.6.)Professional counseling credentialing across service delivery modalities, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards for all specialized practice areas (CACREP, 2024, Section 3.A.7.)