Divisions, Special Interest Groups & Regional Chapters
PCA Divisions/Special Interest Groups
A PCA division is a unit of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association that focuses on a specific professional counseling specialty (as defined by the accreditation and board certification processes) or area of interest. A PCA special interest group (SIG), while also having as its focus an area of interest, is a unit that does not have a corresponding division at the national (i.e., American Counseling Association [ACA]) level.
The PCA's 6 divisions and SIGs (the latter noted by a " * ") are...
Pennsylvania Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling Specialists (PACACS)
As the name implies, this division seeks to provide resources and support for professional counselors who work directly or indirectly with children and adolescent clients. Working with children and adolescents can be very challenging. Counselors who work with children and adolescents must have a firm understanding of human development, family systems, learning styles, educational structures, and legal limitations.
Pennsylvania Association of Counselor Education & Supervision (PACES)
For professional counselors with an interest in research/teaching-related and/or clinical supervision issues.
Pennsylvania Association of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Issues in Counseling (PAGLBTIC)
For professional counselors with an interest in issues related to counseling clients who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual or who are questioning their sexual orientation and/or clients who are exploring gender identity, including but not limited to individuals who are considering hormonal interventions, are participating in hormonal interventions, have undergone, or are currently undergoing sex-reassignment procedures.
Pennsylvania Association of Multicultural Counseling & Development (PAMCD)
For professional counselors with an interest in issues related to counseling clients from diverse backgrounds.
Pennsylvania Association of Specialists in Group Work (PASGW)
For professional counselors with an interest in issues related to the group counseling modality.
Pennsylvania College Counseling Association (PACCA)
For professional counselors with an interest in issues related to career, mental health, or substance abuse counseling in the higher education setting.
Pennsylvania Mental Health Counselors Association (PAMHCA)
For professional counselors who work in agency/community mental health counseling or private practice. To learn more, visit the PAMHCA website at www.PAMHCA.org.
Note: If interested in activating a PCA division for professional counselors who have an interest in 1) psychological assessment and diagnostic issues, 2) issues related to practicing in the government office setting, 3) issues related to helping people prepare for, enter, understand, and progress in the world of work, 4) humanistic/existentially-oriented counseling practices, or 5) the use of creative arts counseling techniques, please e-mail the PCA Main Office.
PCA Regional Chapter
A PCA regional chapter is a unit of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association organized geographically.
Greater Pittsburgh Counseling Association (GPCA)
For professional counselors who live and/or practice in the Pittsburgh metro area and Greene County.
Northeast Pennsylvania Counseling Association
The Northeast Pennsylvania Counseling Association as a regional "branch" chapter of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, accepts the responsibility to serve and represent the professional counselors of the Northeast area of Pennsylvania by providing leadership and professional development. The purpose of the regional branch chapter is to enhance human development throughout the life span and to promote professional counseling.