About
Our Motto
Professional counselors committed to leadership, advocacy, and the promotion of professional excellence.
Our Mission
TCA leads, educates and advocates to advance the counseling profession, to increase access to professional counselors, and to promote wellness.
Our Vision
TCA is the trusted resource and voice for professional counselors in Texas.
Our Values
- Accountability
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Respect
- Unity
TCA is the Professional Home for Counselors in Texas
The Texas Counseling Association (TCA) is a member-driven organization focused on promoting high professional standards and increasing access to professional counselors across Texas. TCA members work in an array of settings including private practice; elementary and secondary schools; college campuses; criminal justice programs; community mental health centers, hospitals, nursing homes and managed care facilities. TCA members also include counselor educators, LPC Supervisors, graduate students, LPC Associates, and affiliate members who support the mission of TCA. For additional information, contact info@txca.org.
TCA Statewide Divisions
The Texas Counseling Association (TCA) has 12 divisions that may be added to your TCA membership. Each division is led by volunteers and focuses on specific interests or specializations within the counseling profession. Joining the TCA division that aligns with your professional interests will help you access information and opportunities that directly impact your practice.
Local Chapters
The Texas Counseling Association (TCA) has 27 chapters organized geographically in 5 regions across Texas. Chapters provide opportunities in your community to network and consult with local professional counselors as well as earn continuing education hours close to home.
Our History
The Texas Counseling Association traces its roots back to 1935-1945 when interested guidance counselors would meet during the Annual Convention of the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA). On November 29, 1947, a group of counselors convened for the first time as the Guidance Section at the annual TSTA Convention. This meeting dealt mainly with establishing guidance programs in public schools. In 1948, the decision was made to develop a counseling association. By 1950, the Texas Guidance Association (TGA) constitution was completed, and an organization was born. The following year, the Deans of Women and Mental Hygiene Groups joined the association. In 1954, the association began its efforts to become a state branch of the American Personnel and Guidance Association (APGA). On April 9, 1963, TGA accepted the APGA state charter recognizing it as the Texas Personnel and Guidance Association (TPGA). In 1992, Texas followed the lead of APGA in changing its name to the American Counseling Association, TPGA‘s name was changed to the Texas Counseling Association (TCA). TCA led the campaign to pass legislation to license professional counselors in Texas by establishing the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors in 1981. Today, TCA represents both Certified School Counselors as well as Licensed Professional Counselors and remains the largest state branch of the American Counseling Association.
