Virginia Counselors Association  Advocacy Relations Committee 

Welcome!

VCA is dedicated to meeting the needs of Virginia counselors in a variety of work settings. The Association's mission is to advocate for the best counseling practices that enhance human development and functioning throughout the lifespan and promote public confidence in the counseling profession. 

VCA supports the following related to public policy/advocacy priorities 

• Support diversification of the counseling profession to better mirror the populations we serve. 

• Address mental health issues caused and/or exacerbated by social marginalization and factors such as housing, food, medical, educational, and financial security and access in all the ways these impact counselors, students, and the clients and communities we serve. 

• Protect the rights of counselors, counseling residents, counseling students and the clients, students, families, and communities we serve. 

People don't always understand what we do as counselors or the impacts of systems and regulations.  Advocacy is important and necessary to raise awareness and work on addressing issues, not just at a personal and social level but also at a legislative level.