Membership Comparison: Oregon Counseling Association (ORCA), American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and American Counseling Association (ACA)

1. Oregon Counseling Association (ORCA)

• Cost: Student membership is priced at $25 annually.
• Benefits:
  • Access to Resources: Members can access a variety of professional resources, including newsletters and publications specific to counseling practices in Oregon.
  • Networking Opportunities: Membership provides access to events, allowing students to connect with fellow counselors and professionals in the field.
  • OACES Membership: The Oregon Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (OACES) within ORCA has additional activities focused on continuing education and mentorship for students.

For further details, you can check ORCA’s membership page here.

2. American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)

• Cost: The student membership fee is $84 annually.
• Benefits:
  • Professional Liability Insurance: Free liability insurance is included.
  • Continuing Education: Members benefit from free CEs and discounted continuing education opportunities.
  • Advocacy Resources: AMHCA promotes advocacy initiatives for the mental health counseling profession.
  • Networking Opportunities: Students can participate in various networking events.

For more information, visit their membership page here.

3. American Counseling Association (ACA)

• Cost: Student membership costs $60 annually.
• Benefits:
  • Liability Insurance: Free liability insurance is available for students.
  • Continuing Education: Access to free monthly CE courses.
  • Community and Support: The ACA hosts an online community and provides support services related to ethics and practice.
  • Advocacy Efforts: Members benefit from the ACA's advocacy resources.

You can find more about ACA memberships here.

Summary of Comparison

When comparing these three organizations:

• Cost: ORCA offers the most affordable option at $25, followed by ACA at $60, and AMHCA at $84.
• Liability Insurance: Both ACA and AMHCA offer free professional liability insurance, while ORCA does not explicitly state this benefit on their website.
• Continuing Education: AMHCA provides 12 free CEs yearly, while ACA offers monthly CE opportunities; ORCA focuses more on networking and professional resources.
• Networking Opportunities: All three associations provide avenues for networking, but ORCA emphasizes community within Oregon.

In conclusion, if cost is a significant factor, ORCA presents the best option. However, for additional resources like liability insurance and continuing education, ACA and AMHCA also provide substantial benefits. Your choice may depend on whether you prioritize cost, particular resources, or networking opportunities.

Sources

Oregon Counseling Association - HomeJoin us - Oregon Counseling AssociationOACES - Oregon Counseling AssociationMembership Tiers - American Counseling AssociationORCA Offering $1 Memberships for LMFTs through December 31 ...[PDF] MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONBecome an OSCA Member - Oregon School Counselor Association

Related Questions

How much is ACA student membership?

What are at least three benefits to student membership in ACA?

How much does it cost to be a member of the American Counseling Association?

Can you practice therapy in Oregon without a license?