ACAC is a support and information network for counselors who work with children and adolescents.

a woman sitting at a table with a laptop

Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC) aims to focus on the training needs of counselors who work with children and adolescents, while also providing professional support to those counselors, whether they are school counselors, play therapists, or counselor educators.

The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics (2014) and the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs standards (2009) charges counselors with enhancing human development across the lifespan; therefore, ACAC supports counselors working with children and adolescents from birth through adolescent. 

The breath of this developmental range offers its own unique experiences and challenges. ACAC serves to bring a community of counselors together who strive to offer best practices to this underserved and distinct population.

The Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling is committed to the principle that all children and adolescents (ages birth through adolescence) have equal access to a full array of mental health services, regardless of ability to pay or insurance coverage.

Why ACAC?

Our Goals

The Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling is committed to the principle that all children and adolescents (ages birth through adolescence) have equal access to a full array of mental health services, regardless of ability to pay or insurance coverage.

Promote a greater awareness, advocacy, and understanding of children and adolescents among members of the counseling profession and related helping fields.

Advance developmentally appropriate prevention and intervention strategies for counseling children and adolescents.

Support counseling and education with parents of children and adolescents.

What we Offer

ACAC Membership Has Many Benefits

The ACAC membership is open to mental health clinicians, school counselors, play therapists, counselor educators, and any counselor who works with children and adolescents. Benefits of membership include access to a biannual journal, electronic newsletter, website for networking and updates, member blog for consultations, and the ability to apply for research grants and featured presentations. We also offer the following:

Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling

Professional Development CEUs

Yearly ACAC Virtual Conferences & Events

What Others Have To Say

Testimonials

Here is what some Counselors have to say about being part of the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC)…

Jordan Grasse

I found ACAC because I needed a specific division that focused on kids and teens. My specialty in my practice is with this population and I wanted a place where I could connect with other professionals and find a way to boost my own professional identity as well.

Cory Clark

I am a child and adolescent counselor and joining ACAC has been wonderful for my personal development! I appreciate the way they publish content regularly that is practical and relevant to current contexts in the field. I also like having a space where I can engage with other professionals and bounce ideas off people. It’s important not to operate in silos as mental health professionals and the ACAC space has been supportive and engaging for me since day 1.

Kimberly Coggins

I joined ACAC because of my passion for working with children, adolescents, and their caregivers. I love being with a group of likeminded individuals where we can share resources, knowledge, and empathy with each other. I have really appreciated the opportunity to serve in different ways within this organization as well – and love celebrating current research and service done by our members to better the lives of children and adolescents.

Clark Ausloos

I joined ACAC because I want a community of professionals I can lean to for information, consultation, collaboration, and best-practices in working with children and adolescents. I have found so many wonderful resources and met so many wonderful people, devoted to the mental wellness of children and adolescents.