International Professional Organizations
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) is the international and professional academic honors society for counseling students, counselor educators, and professional counselors, and it values, fosters, and acknowledges both academic and professional excellence in counseling. Its mission is to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling as well as to recognize high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling.
Epsilon Kappa Upsilon is EKU’s local chapter of CSI. EKU’s counseling students who have completed the equivalent of at least one full academic term (semester) of counseling courses and have maintained an overall scholastic grade point average of 3.5 or better are encouraged to become members. The Chapter engages in activities/events that promote and support the functioning of the counseling program; aide in student development, cohesion, and leadership; and connect with and support the community through outreach and volunteerism. Students interested in becoming a member of CSI and EKU’s chapter of it should contact the Chapter Advisor, Dr. Mi-Hee Jeon.
National Professional Associations
The American Counseling Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. By providing leadership training, publications, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy services to nearly 45,000 members, ACA helps counseling professionals develop their skills and expand their knowledge base.
The American Mental Health Counselors Association’s (AMHCA) missionis to enhance the profession of clinical mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education, and professional development. AMHCA is a national organization representing licensed clinical mental health counselors and state chapters that maintains consistent standards of education, training, licensing, practice, advocacy, and ethics.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) supports school counselors’ efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. It provides a wealth of information and resources to support school counselors’ work; supports and disseminates ongoing research, especially in regard to best- or evidence-based practices; and connects school counselors across the nation for help and support.
State Professional Associations
The Kentucky Counseling Association (KCA) is an organization of counseling professionals who work in educational, health care, residential, private practice, community agency, government, business, and industry settings. KCA is a state branch of the American Counseling Association that is committed to support of its state-level members and practitioners as well as those issues most pertinent to Kentucky’s communities and mental health needs.
The Kentucky Mental Health Counselors Association (KMHCA) is dedicated to the growth and development of mental health counseling, networking with other counseling professionals, providing continuing education opportunities, promoting standards of excellence in the profession through effective licensure and advocating for the profession and mental health issues.
The Kentucky School Counselor Association (KSCA) is a non-profit organization that represents Kentucky school counselors and provides support to school counselors through professional development, resources, and advocacy at the state and national level. They empower school counselors to lead systemic change by delivering to all students an ASCA National Model program aligned with state standards for academic, personal/social, and career development.
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Counselors examines and licenses all eligible candidates for entry into the profession as a professional.