Mission & Vision Statement

As ambassadors of health and wholeness, the South Carolina Counseling Association’s mission is to promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for the profession, and ensure ethical and
culturally-inclusive practices that protect those using counseling services.

About Us

Leadership. Advocacy. Education

Unified in profession, purpose, and process, South Carolina Counseling Association (SCCA) is the only state chartered organization of the American Counseling Association (ACA) committed to providing leadership, advocacy, and education that promotes the growth and development of all professional counselors and those whom we serve in the great State of South Carolina.
Any person whose primary responsibilities or interests are in the area of human development is eligible for membership.
The South Carolina Counseling Association is an educational and charitable organization which has established itself as a leader in serving the diversity of helping professions that exist in South Carolina.

SCCA is organized and operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes. This organization monitors legislation of interest to its members as a service and disseminates related information, but it does not participate in any political campaigns.

SCCA, which supports a membership of over 1000 counselors, is a proud state branch of the AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION (ACA). Included in the state's organization are 4 chartered divisions and 3 active interest groups, all of which have direct affiliation with corresponding national divisions of ACA. In addition, there are state chapters: Coastal (Horry); Tri-County (Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester); and an Anderson Interest Group. There is also a student interest group for full-time graduate students.

Strategic Initiatives

1. Professional development

Expanding continuing education to online platforms, live annual and regional training events
Utilizing regional partners and membership expertise to expand the knowledge and experience of the association and its members

2. Advocacy for the profession

Increasing our influence over public policy decisions by expanding the roles of the public policy committee and generating a path for a mental health-focused lobbyist
Networking with other counseling associations within the region/state to increase influence on policies affecting the counseling profession
Promoting counselor membership by creating online platforms, annual and regional conferences, and networking opportunities

3. Ethical and culturally sensitive practices

Creating a platform to update members and adhere to changes in legislation related to ethics to increase counselor competency
Supporting diverse practices within the region by promoting educational experiences that teach counselors about the diverse populations within South Carolina

You will find support and shared interests in many ACA Divisions representing practice areas and settings in South Carolina including: