Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work Subject Guide: Professional Associations

The mission of the American Psychological Association (APA) is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

The American Psychiatric Association has more than 37,400 members involved in psychiatric practice, research, and academia representing the diversity of the patients for whom they care. The leading psychiatric organization in the world now encompasses members practicing in more than 100 countries.

The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. Founded in 1952, ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings.

Home to thousands of leading psychological science researchers, practitioners, teachers, and students, the APS promotes the integration of scientific perspectives across the field of psychology, advances global collaboration among researchers, and promotes the application of psychological science to public policy.

The mission of the NJPA is "the advancement of psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting health and human welfare in an atmosphere that supports the diversity of its members and the society at large."

NJCA is the leading state organization of counselors who work to create an environment in which quality counseling services are accessible, available, and utilized.