Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Counseling Advocacy in Washington
The Washington Counseling Association (WCA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the counseling profession across Washington State. As a state branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA), we bring together mental health professionals, school counselors, educators, and advocates committed to excellence in practice and service. Our mission focuses on fostering professional development, promoting public confidence in counseling professionals, and providing resources that support ethical, effective counseling practices. With a diverse membership spanning private practice, education, government, and agency settings, we cultivate a collaborative community that addresses evolving challenges in mental health and education.Through advocacy, networking opportunities, and access to cutting-edge training, we empower our members to deliver high-quality services that positively impact individuals and communities. Our leadership team and committees work year-round to ensure counselors have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in their careers while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Services
Professional Development
Advocacy
Networking Events
Annual Conference
Legislative Updates
Membership Benefits
Counseling Resources
Training Opportunities
CE Credits
Community Engagement
Highlights and features
- We offer professional development opportunities for counselors across multiple disciplines.
- Our partnership with the American Counseling Association provides national resources with local focus.
- We promote public confidence in counseling professionals through ethical standards and advocacy.
- Our members receive exclusive access to training, CE credits, and legislative updates.
- We provide networking platforms connecting counselors across diverse practice settings.
Services
Professional Development
We provide ongoing professional development opportunities through workshops, webinars, and conferences designed to enhance counseling skills and knowledge. Our programs cover emerging trends, ethical practices, and specialized techniques tailored to diverse counseling disciplines. These resources help professionals maintain licensure requirements while staying current with industry advancements.
Advocacy
Our advocacy efforts focus on shaping policies that support counselors and improve access to mental health services. We collaborate with legislators and stakeholders to address regulatory challenges, funding issues, and professional recognition. By amplifying counselors' voices, we work to create systemic changes that benefit both practitioners and the communities they serve.
Networking Events
We organize networking events that connect counselors across Washington State, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among peers. These gatherings include regional meetups, special interest groups, and social mixers that build professional relationships. Participants gain access to mentorship opportunities and collective problem-solving for common practice challenges.
Annual Conference
Our annual conference delivers comprehensive training, keynote speakers, and interactive sessions covering critical counseling topics. Attendees earn continuing education credits while exploring innovative approaches to client care and practice management. The event also features exhibitors showcasing tools and resources to enhance professional effectiveness.
Legislative Updates
We monitor legislative developments affecting counseling practices and provide timely updates to members. Our advocacy team analyzes proposed laws, regulations, and funding changes that impact the profession. This service ensures counselors remain informed about compliance requirements and opportunities to influence policy decisions.
People
Dr. Roberto Valdez
President-Elect
Dr. Valdez brings extensive leadership experience in counseling education and advocacy. He has served on multiple ACA committees and focuses on expanding access to mental health services through policy reform.
Dr. Becky Rudd
Past President
Dr. Rudd has over 20 years of experience in school counseling and counselor training programs. Her work emphasizes professional standards and ethical practice development for emerging counselors.
Kristina Li
Secretary
Kristina Li specializes in administrative leadership for counseling organizations. She manages WCA's operational workflows and ensures effective communication between committees and members.
Stefanie Davis
Treasurer
Stefanie Davis oversees financial planning and budget management for WCA. With a background in nonprofit finance, she ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting program expansion initiatives.
Terry Schwartz
Bylaws and Ethics Chair
Terry Schwartz provides expertise in ethical guidelines and organizational governance. He develops policies that maintain professional integrity while addressing contemporary counseling practice challenges.
Questions
What benefits does WCA membership provide?
Members receive quarterly newsletters, CE opportunities, legislative updates, networking events, and discounted conference registration.
How can I join the Washington Counseling Association?
Visit our website to complete the membership application and select your preferred membership level.
Does WCA offer continuing education credits?
Yes, we provide CE credits through workshops, conferences, and online learning modules approved by relevant licensing boards.
What advocacy issues does WCA prioritize?
We focus on counselor licensure recognition, mental health funding, school counseling resources, and insurance reimbursement policies.
How does WCA support new counseling professionals?
We offer mentorship programs, career development resources, and reduced membership rates for early-career counselors and students.
When is WCA's annual conference held?
Our annual conference occurs every fall, featuring keynote speakers, skill-building sessions, and networking opportunities.
