Business Details
Professional Counseling Association in Arkadelphia, AR
The Arkansas Counseling Associations (ArCA) is a professional organization representing licensed counselors, school counselors, counseling supervisors, and graduate students in training. As a division of the American Counseling Association, we provide opportunities for professional networking, development, and advocacy. Our programs include annual conferences, regional workshops, and leadership institutes featuring nationally recognized speakers and quality presenters. We focus on expanding counselors' potential to better serve clients and students while promoting ethical practices, diversity, and collaboration. Our mission is to build public confidence in counseling and support members through training and representation.We emphasize values such as ethical conduct, diversity respect, knowledge acquisition, and leadership enhancement. Through our divisions like ArSAIGE and ArAMCD, we address specialized areas including gender identities and multicultural counseling. Our member benefits include discounted conferences, policy advocacy, and informational services via email updates and our website. We maintain alignment with the ACA 2014 Code of Ethics and collaborate with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling for licensure standards.
Services
Annual Conferences
Leadership Development
Workshops
Advocacy Programs
Member Networking
Counseling Training
Policy Representation
Ethics Guidance
Licensure Resources
Division Conferences
Highlights and features
- We offer professional networking opportunities with licensed counselors across Arkansas.
- Our annual conferences feature nationally recognized speakers and quality content sessions.
- We advocate for counseling profession standards and ethical practices statewide.
- Members receive exclusive discounts on educational and professional development events.
- We provide specialized resources through divisions addressing multicultural and LGBTQ+ counseling needs.
What people say
Annual conferences excellent
Strong advocacy efforts
Helpful member resources
Quality leadership training
Valuable networking opportunities
Services
Annual Conferences
Our annual conferences connect counselors with nationally recognized experts through workshops and presentations. These events focus on emerging counseling techniques, ethical challenges, and client care strategies. Attendees gain continuing education credits while networking with peers across Arkansas and neighboring states.
Leadership Development
The Leadership Development Institute cultivates future counseling leaders through mentorship programs and skill-building workshops. Participants learn advocacy strategies, organizational management, and diversity leadership practices. This program prepares professionals for roles in both state and national counseling organizations.
Advocacy Programs
We represent counselors' interests in legislative and regulatory matters affecting mental health services. Our advocacy efforts focus on licensure standards, insurance reimbursement policies, and mental health funding. Members receive alerts about critical issues and opportunities to participate in advocacy campaigns.
Division Conferences
Our divisions host focused conferences addressing specific counseling areas like multicultural issues and LGBTQ+ identities. These events provide targeted professional development and networking opportunities. Attendees gain specialized knowledge applicable to their specific counseling environments and client populations.
Ethics Guidance
We provide resources and consultations on ethical dilemmas following the ACA Code of Ethics. Our members access case study analyses and decision-making frameworks. This service helps counselors navigate complex situations while maintaining professional integrity and client trust.
People
Dr. Kelly Drye
ArCA President
Dr. Drye leads ArCA's strategic initiatives and represents the association in professional collaborations. With 15 years of counseling experience, she focuses on expanding mental health access across Arkansas.
Dr. Kristy Burton
ArCA President Elect
Dr. Burton prepares to assume leadership while managing current program developments. She specializes in school counseling and has contributed to state education policy reforms over her 12-year career.
Jessica Kitchens
ArAMCD President
Jessica leads multicultural counseling initiatives and organizes diversity training programs. With a decade of experience in cross-cultural counseling, she develops resources for serving diverse client populations across Arkansas.
Jade Stubbs
ArSAIGE President
Jade directs LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts and coordinates sensitivity training workshops. She brings 8 years of experience in gender-affirming counseling practices and community outreach programs.
Camden Lambert
ArCA Treasurer
Camden manages financial operations and budget planning for the association. With a background in nonprofit finance, he ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting program expansion initiatives.
Questions
What benefits do ArCA members receive?
Members get discounted conferences, advocacy representation, professional development resources, and networking opportunities with Arkansas counselors.
How can I join the Arkansas Counseling Association?
Visit our website to complete the online membership application and select your preferred membership category and benefits.
What counseling specialties does ArCA support?
We support school counselors, multicultural specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and mental health professionals through specialized divisions and resources.
Does ArCA offer continuing education credits?
Our conferences and workshops provide CEUs approved by relevant counseling licensing boards in Arkansas and surrounding states.
How does ArCA advocate for counselors?
We monitor legislative changes, submit policy recommendations, and collaborate with state agencies to protect counseling profession standards.
What leadership opportunities exist?
We offer division leadership roles, committee participation, and the Leadership Development Institute for career advancement.
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