What are National Associations?

Mental health providers are typically a member of a national organization, sometimes several. The association sets forth standards to be a member and expectations. Membership is typically defined by experience level or license type.

APA is the American Psychological Association; APA represents psychologists in the United States and provides resources for research, education, and practice in psychology. The APA occasionally allows for other disaplines to join. For example, I am an LMFT and I am an Associate member with the APA. APA also provides writing guidelines and academic journal.

ACA is the professional association for counselors. ACA Serves professional counselors and provides resources, education, and advocacy for the counseling profession.

AAMFT is the professional organization for LMFTs. AAMFT focuses on marriage and family therapy, providing resources, education, and advocacy for marriage and family therapists.

Each association has their own Code of Ethics and members are expected to follow these codes.