The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is a National progressive professional peak association of counsellors and psychotherapists with over 11,000 individual members

Membership

Becoming a Member

Thank you for your interest in joining the association, the following explains the mission and criteria of the association. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there are any points that need clarifying or do not fully explain to your satisfaction what is required.

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is Australia's leading single registration body for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, with over 12,000 members. The ACA is a self-regulating industry peak body and serves a crucial role in advocating and advancing the profession of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

ACA Membership gives you access to the most comprehensive and cheapest insurance, broadest range of professional development events, full time support staff, national and local representation, and much more.

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) fulfils a critical role within the counselling/psychotherapy industry - as will your involvement in the Association. The primary aims and functions of the Australian Counselling Association are:

  • To provide a single unified voice for the counselling and psychothereapy industry.
  • To provide a consistent Code of Ethics and set of Practitioner Standards for counsellors.
  • To establish a national complaints tribunal.
  • To assess, review and approve counsellor education courses.
  • To maintain a national register of practicing counsellors https://www.arcapregister.com.au/
  • To lobby on behalf of its membership to government and industry for the betterment of the profession.
  • To make the general public at large more aware of the counselling profession and the availability of reputable and registered counsellors.
  • To create employment opportunities for our members wherever possible.

How ACA defines its membership levels against AQF qualifications

All levels of AQF qualifications must be in counselling/psychotherapy or an ACA Accredited course to be eligible to apply for ACA membership. Note: Each of the below levels has additional requirements for registration with ACA.

  • AQF level 5 – Diploma in Counselling CHC51015 - Provisional, Levels 1 and 2
  • AQF level 6 – Advanced diploma/associate degree in Counselling Provisional, Levels 1 and 2
  • AQF level 7 – Bachelor's degree in Counselling Level 2 entry, can move to levels 3 and 4
  • AQF level 8 – Graduate Diploma in Counselling (excludes AQF 8 graduate certificate) Level 1 entry and as high as level 2 only.
  • AQF level 9 – Masters's degree In Counselling Level 2 entry, can move to levels 3 and 4
  • AQF level 10 – PhD (academic level members only).

What do I need to apply for Membership:

  • Certificate or Testamur of qualification certified by a JP (Justice of the Peace)
  • Full Academic Transcript of qualification certified by a JP (Justice of the Peace)
  • Post Qualification Supervision letter from a supervisor if relevant.

The ACA Scope of Practice page 15 states: https://www.theaca.net.au/documents/ACA_Scope_combined.pdf

Qualifications: ACA does not accept qualifications in psychology, social science, social work, welfare, mental health, education, theology, genetic counselling, financial counselling, rehabilitation counselling, or hybrid qualifications.

Apply Now

ACA Membership ACA Student Membership
Upgrade your ACA student membership to practising

Join Online Today

Become a member of the largest Counsellor registration body in the country. If you require more information please download the ACA Scope of Practice https://www.theaca.net.au/documents/ACA_Scope_combined.pdf, call 07 3356 4255 or email [email protected].

Counselling Jobs Listed 2024

0,045

Professional Colleges:
Do you specialise?

Learn more about ACA Professional Colleges  >>

Member Association

cvi