Professional Associations provide information through journals, newsletters, and workshops that supplement that education received in the YSU Counseling Program. Students are expected to develop a professional identity through membership in a variety of professional organizations.  All are encouraged to consider membership in one or more of the professional organizations such as: the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American School Counselor Association and other divisions of ACA, the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), or the National Association for Student Personnel Administration (NASPA). 

ACA is the national organization that represents the counseling profession. Membership in ACA enables students to receive a journal and a newsletter, and ensures them representation on Federal legislation affecting counselors. The Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) is the state branch of ACA. The OCA represents counselors on matters affecting counselors at the State level.  The organization sponsors a large statewide convention annually to give members the opportunity to earn continuing education credits while providing a means of networking with other professionals.  Membership in OCA guarantees student membership in the Eastern Ohio Counselors Association (EOCA).  The EOCA advocates for counselors on the local and regional level as well as providing quarterly opportunities for counselors to become involved in professional workshops.  The EOCA is the largest chapter of OCA and has always maintained a close association with the Counseling Program at Youngstown State University.  ASCA is the national organization for school counselors. ASCA is a division of ACA.  A membership in ASCA provides a journal, newsletter, and a number of online resources. The Ohio School Counselors Association (OSCA) is the state branch of ASCA.

ACPA is the national organization for student affairs professionals.  Membership in ACPA gives students the opportunity for professional development and networking with colleagues and experts.  ACPA can assist students in keeping current of cutting-edge issues in Student Affairs and provides a national convention placement service to assist students in career advancement.  The NASPA is the leading organization for student affairs administration, policy and practice.  Membership in NASPA provides professional development through the dissemination of information and models of practice.  The organization is designed to help senior student affairs administrators enhance student learning and development. The Ohio College Personnel Association (OCPA) is the state branch of ACPA.  The OCPA is a comprehensive student affairs organization that provides professional development opportunities as well as collaborative relationships among student affairs professionals.  The organization sponsors state-wide conferences that bring graduate students, new  professionals, seasoned professionals and senior student affairs professionals together for professional development opportunities.  OCPA is committed to building collaborative relationships with educators dedicated to the development of college students.

The following are links to professional associations that YSU Counseling Program students frequently join. 

• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
• American College Personnel Association (ACPA)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
• American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
• Chi Sigma Iota (CSI)
  • Eta Chapter - Chi Sigma Iota
• Eastern Ohio Counselors Association (EOCA)
• National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
• Ohio Counseling Association (OCA)
• Ohio College Personnel Association (OCPA)
• Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA)