Membership

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>>PCA Membership Application<<

PCA Printable Membership Form

First-time New Member Discount (50% discount): The first time-time new member discount is for individuals joining PCA for the first time. This discount can be applied to the appropriate corresponding membership level for which the individual joins PCA. This discount cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. 

PCA 50% Off Membership Application

 

THANK YOU!

(If you are already a PCA member and want to add a division or region membership, simply e-mail info@pacounseling.org so it may be added to your member record.)

Membership Benefits

  • Journal of the PCA -- a biannual, peer-reviewed journal consisting of the latest research in professional counseling PCA, Inc. -- an informative quarterly newsletter
  • consultation from professional counselors with expertise in a wide variety of areas
    services of a professional lobbyist in Harrisburg to promote legislation affecting professional counseling in Pennsylvania
  • advocacy services for a variety of professional problems
  • an annual conference, at a reduced rate, with diverse national and state experts, conference sessions, and professional development workshops
  • promotion of a membership-powered agenda in securing grants and other funding sources
  • a network of professional counselors and practitioners of other mental health professions
  • opportunities to earn CEUs for state licensure and board certification
  • a world-class Web site -- www.pacounseling.org

Membership Categories & Annual Dues

  1. Professional Member ($95/year): Professional members hold a license as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania and work in the state. Must hold a Master’s degree or higher in professional counseling or a closely related profession (e.g., psychology, social work, medicine/psychiatry, nursing/psychiatric nursing) from an accredited college or university.
  2. Associate Member ($95/year): Associate Members do not have to hold a license as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. Individuals must hold a Master’s degree or higher in professional counseling or a closely related profession (e.g., psychology, social work, medicine/psychiatry, nursing/psychiatric nursing) from an accredited college or university.
  3. Institutional Member ($225/year): Institutional members shall be comprised of institutions of higher education or businesses that employ counselors or engage in counseling-related activities.  Each institutional member is entitled to one Institutional Representative and two Affiliate Representatives. Institutional Representatives will be designated individuals that coordinate and maintain the membership, determine Affiliate Representatives, and attend to any related matters.
  4. First-Year Professional ($50/year): The First-Year Professional Membership is designed for individuals who previously met the criteria for Student Member and have graduated. Individuals must meet all criteria for Associate Membership to be eligible. This membership level is only available for one year to facilitate the transition to professional status.
  5. Student Member ($50/year): Student Members are individuals who are attending an institution of higher education as an undergraduate or graduate student preparing for professional counseling or a closely related profession (e.g., psychology, social work, medicine/psychiatry, nursing/psychiatric nursing). Student members have the same rights as Associate Members. Student membership status shall not be extended beyond three years, requires at least 1/2 time enrollment, and subject to verification of an academic advisor if audited.
  6. Student Affiliate Member ($25/year): Individuals who are attending an institution of higher education in the state of Pennsylvania as undergraduate students who have the intention of later applying to a graduate program in professional counseling or a closely related profession--psychology, social work, medicine (psychiatry), nursing (psychiatric nursing); or individuals who live in Pennsylvania and are attending an out of state or on-line institution of higher education for the same purpose. Student affiliate members may not vote, nor may they hold office in the organization. Student affiliate membership status shall not be extended beyond three years, requires at least ½ time enrollment, and subject to verification of an academic advisor if audited.
  7. Retired Member ($50/year): Individuals who have held professional membership for the two years immediately preceding retirement. A retired member shall maintain all the privileges of their prior membership (Professional or Associate).

Counseling Association's ACA Code of Ethics.

The processing of memberships to PCA and its divisions and regions can take up to 30 days.