PCA Membership

You can also use the on-line membership registration form here.

Message from the PCA Membership Committee

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 -- including a members-only section

Membership Categories

1. Professional Member: Individuals residing in Pennsylvania who hold a Master’s degree or higher in Professional Counseling or a closely related profession--psychology, social work, medicine (psychiatry), nursing (psychiatric nursing) from a regionally accredited college or university. To be a professional member, one must also be employed as a professional counselor (or a practitioner of a closely related profession) or supervisor of counselors. If a professional member is between positions but job searching, they may maintain professional membership as long as they are seeking employment. Professional members shall be eligible to vote and hold office.  

2. First-Year Professional: Individuals who previously met the criteria for student member and have graduated. Individuals must meet all criteria for professional membership, the only difference is an eligibility for a one year reduction in dues to facilitate their transition to professional status. First-year professional members shall be eligible to vote and hold office.

 3. Associate Member: Individuals who hold a Master’s degree or higher in Professional Counseling or a closely related profession--psychology, social work, medicine (psychiatry), nursing (psychiatric nursing) from a regionally accredited college or university. To be an associate member, one does not have to be employed as a professional counselor (or a practitioner of a closely related profession) or supervisor of counselors. In addition, associate members need not reside in Pennsylvania or be employed in the state of Pennsylvania. An Associate member is not eligible to hold office in the Association, but is eligible to vote on all matters except as restricted by the bylaws.  

4. Student Member: Individuals who are attending an institution of higher education in the State of Pennsylvania as a graduate student preparing for 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 graduate program preparing for professional counseling or a closely related profession. Student members have the same rights as Professional members. Student membership status shall not be extended beyond three years, requires at least ½ time enrollment, and the verification of an academic advisor.

5. Retired Member: 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).  

6. Emeritus Member: Individuals who shall be a Professional or Associate Member, who having retired from professional employment, may request Emeritus status. Emeritus status is granted by a vote of the PCA Executive Council and shall be based upon the longevity of membership and service in both this Association and the American Counseling Association. Emeritus members are exempt from payment of dues, but retain all rights and privileges of either Professional or Associate members. 

7 .Honorary Member: Individuals who are so designated by action of the PCA Executive Council and shall be based on the candidate’s services, support, etc., rendered to the Association. Honorary membership shall be for life, exempt from dues and not carry any rights and privileges as assigned to Professional and Associate members.   

Members of all types must agree to abide by the American Counseling Association’s ACA Code of Ethics.