List of Counseling Organizations in Washington State
Table of Contents
Coastline Counseling Association (CCA)
ACA of Washington State (American Counseling Association – WA Branch)
Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA)
Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)
Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA)
Washington Association for Addictions and Counseling Professionals (WAADAC)
Washington State Association for Play Therapy (WA4PT)
Evergreen Art Therapy Association (EATA)
Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA)
Introduction
Counselors in Washington State have access to a wide range of professional organizations that offer training, resources, and community. From statewide associations to local networks and specialty-focused groups, these organizations can help you develop your skills, connect with peers, and grow your practice. Below is a list of top counseling organizations in Washington to make it easier to find the ones that best match your professional needs.
Coastline Counseling Association (CCA)
About CCA: Based in Bellingham, Coastline Counseling Association is a Washington State-based professional community dedicated to supporting counselors at every stage of private practice. Whether clinicians are just beginning their journey into private practice, transitioning away from agencies or groups, or already running a practice and seeking insurance paneling, Coastline offers tailored guidance and resources to help clinicians succeed.
Who It's For: Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Washington who plan to enter private practice. CCA is particularly aligned with the needs of mid-career counselors who want more autonomy, financial control, and work-life balance while reducing burnout.
Membership Benefits & Services: CCA offers a comprehensive range of benefits for counselors looking to start or grow a private practice. Members receive step-by-step guidance, covering everything from business formation to attracting clients. The association provides insurance credentialing support and contract acquisition. Therapist billing services streamline administrative tasks and improve revenue flow, while marketing and SEO guidance help boost online visibility, optimize websites, and attract ideal clients. Members also gain access to ready-to-use business tools, including templates for intake, consent, billing, and policies. Members can be featured in CCA’s growing directory of WA counselors. A strong sense of community is fostered through peer consultation groups, experienced mentorship from those who have transitioned successfully from agency work, and networking events that create opportunities for collaboration.
Private Practice Support: CCA is one of the few Washington associations built entirely around supporting private practice setup, growth, and sustainability. Its combination of business operations support, marketing expertise, insurance contract procurement, insurance navigation, billing, and mentorship makes it uniquely valuable to counselors planning to transition out of agencies or simply looking to start a private practice.
Networking & Community: CCA’s approach blends structured mentorship with open, ongoing support, including regular social events that encourage WA clinicians to network and find new professional connections within the community.
ACA of Washington State (American Counseling Association – WA Branch)
About ACA: Statewide chapter of the American Counseling Association (ACA). ACA of Washington State is a grassroots, non-profit organization that focuses on advocacy efforts for counselors, informing members of national and state news, and providing continuing education.
Who It's For: All counseling professionals in Washington, spanning Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), school counselors, counseling educators, students, and other counseling specialists.
Membership Benefits & Services: ACA-WA extends ACA’s mission at the state level. It offers several networking events and Continuing Education (CE) opportunities annually for members. These events are specifically designed for Washington counselors, offering opportunities to connect with peers and learn from experts. Members also receive support in developing leadership skills through involvement in the chapter’s activities.
Private Practice Support: Although not exclusively focused on private practitioners, ACA-WA’s free CE workshops and networking events benefit counselors building practices by enhancing their professional skills and expanding their professional contacts. The chapter also organizes grassroots advocacy efforts (e.g. legislative action alerts) that often address issues impacting private practice, such as insurance reimbursement and licensure laws.
Events & Networking: Regular regional meet-ups and webinars are hosted for members. These gatherings enable professional networking across specialties and often highlight topics like ethics, private practice management, and emerging counseling methods. ACA-WA also develops public awareness campaigns and events to elevate the counseling profession statewide.
Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA)
About WMHCA: Statewide professional association for Licensed Mental Health Counselors and those on the LMHC licensure track. WMHCA is the Washington State chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), operating as a 501(c)(6) non-profit.
Who It's For: Primarily serves Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (pre-licensed counselors working toward full licensure), graduate counseling students, and other clinical mental health professionals in Washington. Members include clinicians in private practice, community agencies, and other mental health settings.
Membership Benefits & Services: WMHCA provides an extensive support system tailored to clinical counselors. Benefits include year-round legislative advocacy led by a professional lobbyist who champions counselors’ and clients’ rights in the state legislature. Members also have access to free ethics consultations; WMHCA covers the fee for members to consult with an attorney (who is also an LMHC) on ethical and business issues like confidentiality, malpractice, or setting up a private practice (e.g. forming an LLC/PLLC). Additionally, WMHCA offers discounted continuing education: members get reduced rates on WMHCA’s own trainings and on-demand CE courses via a partner platform. WMHCA also facilitates peer connection through an online member forum and committees, and it provides free advertising outlets for members: a public “Find a Clinician/Supervisor” directory, a classifieds section, and a job board where members can post listings.
Private Practice Support: WMHCA has offerings like free ethics/legal consultations on private practice matters, active lobbying for favorable regulations, and inclusion in the online therapist directory to empower counselors in private practice. Members in private practice benefit from WMHCA’s guidance and from networking with a community of fellow private clinicians.
Events & Continuing Education: WMHCA hosts an annual conference (e.g. the WMHCA Conference 2026 is in planning) focusing on clinical practice skill-building and professional issues. Throughout the year, it offers live CE workshops (often via webinar) and an on-demand training library for members. These programs frequently cover topics critical for practice. Many events are designed to meet Washington’s licensure renewal requirements. Members usually enjoy discounted registration fees for all WMHCA-sponsored education.
Networking & Community: WMHCA encourages members to connect through committees and meetups. There are committees for professional development, policy/advocacy, justice-equity-diversity-inclusion, membership outreach, and more. Members can attend open board meetings or volunteer for task forces, which is a great way to meet colleagues. WMHCA also holds informal networking events and an annual “Lobby Day” where counselors gather to speak with legislators. Through the member forum and social media, professionals seek case consultation, share referrals, and mentor new counselors.
Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)
About WAMFT: A statewide association for LMFTs in Washington. WAMFT is an Independent Affiliate of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). (Membership is coordinated through AAMFT, individuals join AAMFT and opt into the Washington affiliate.)
Who It's For: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Marriage and Family Therapist Associates (LMFTAs, who are working toward full licensure), MFT students, and educators/supervisors in the MFT field. WAMFT’s community also welcomes other professionals interested in systemic therapy and relational counseling.
Membership Benefits & Services: WAMFT offers resources focusing on the unique needs of couple and family therapists. The association provides educational events and training specific to marriage and family therapy. In addition, WAMFT runs an annual Spring Ethics Series and other continuing education programs tailored to meet Washington’s LMFT requirements. Members typically receive discounted rates on these events and access to an online learning library of past workshops. The association also facilitates professional networking opportunities. WAMFT recently launched a “Find a Therapist & Supervisor” directory on its website, allowing the public and new professionals to connect with member LMFTs or approved supervisors.
Private Practice Support: A large portion of LMFTs maintain private practices, and WAMFT caters strongly to this group. Through WAMFT, private practitioners gain visibility via the referral directory, which can directly generate client referrals. The association’s advocacy and public policy work help protect the ability of LMFTs to practice independently (for instance, lobbying for LMFT inclusion in insurance panels and defending the MFT scope of practice in state law). Additionally, the frequent training offerings help private MFTs stay current with continuing education and ethical standards required for licensure.
Events & Continuing Education: WAMFT’s calendar is filled with professional development opportunities. The flagship Annual Conference features keynotes and workshops on clinical techniques, research innovations, and ethics in MFT. Throughout the year, WAMFT hosts shorter seminars and webinars, and specialized trainings on Washington’s specific CE mandates. An Online Learning Library allows members to access recorded webinars at their convenience.
Networking & Community: WAMFT actively fosters a professional community among marriage and family therapists. The association has committees and task forces that members can join. Serving on a committee or the Board offers leadership development and a close connection with colleagues. WAMFT’s WA Community Forum (an online discussion board) lets members seek case advice, discuss practice challenges, or share job opportunities in a moderated, MFT-specific space. The association also produces communications such as the “It’s All Relational” podcast, which highlights MFT topics and member stories.
Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA)
About WSCA: The Washington affiliate of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and is dedicated to supporting and elevating the role of professional school counselors in K-12 education.
Who It's For: School counselors at all levels (elementary, middle, high school) in Washington State. This includes certified school counselors working in public or private schools, district-level counseling supervisors, counselor educators who train school counselors, and graduate students in school counseling programs. The focus is on counselors in educational settings rather than those in clinical practice.
Membership Benefits & Services: WSCA provides a wealth of resources tailored to the school counseling profession. Members benefit from professional development opportunities designed specifically for school counselors: WSCA hosts an Annual Conference each spring with workshops and keynotes on academic, college/career, and social-emotional topics relevant to K-12 students. Members receive discounted registration and free clock hours (continuing education credits for educators) at WSCA conferences and trainings. WSCA also offers standalone trainings such as workshops on Suicide Prevention, Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse, and other mandatory topics for ESA certification renewal. There is a members-only online community where counselors can discuss current issues and seek advice. WSCA publishes the WSCA Insights journal three times a year and a bi-monthly e-newsletter (WSCA Today), delivering practical resources, model programs, and association news to members’ inboxes. Members also have access to a curated Resource Library (lesson plan ideas, comprehensive school counseling program frameworks, etc.) and a Job Opportunities board listing school counselor positions around the state. For ethical and professional dilemmas on the job, WSCA offers free professional ethical consultation. WSCA actively recognizes excellence through an annual awards program, honoring the School Counselor of the Year and other award categories at the conference.
Private Practice Support: WSCA’s emphasis is on counseling within school settings, so it offers little to no direct support for private practice. Its resources (trainings, advocacy, ethics advice) are oriented toward issues in schools (e.g. student academic advising, school law, etc.) rather than running a private counseling business. School counselors typically work in educational institutions rather than private clinics.
Events & Continuing Education: WSCA’s marquee event is its Annual State Conference, which often draws hundreds of school counselors for 2-3 days of workshops, keynote addresses by leaders in education, and networking. The conference features sessions on implementing comprehensive school counseling programs, improving student outcomes, and personal development for counselors. WSCA also organizes an annual Leadership Development Conference for experienced counselors and district leaders to build advocacy and leadership skills. Throughout the year, WSCA provides shorter trainings and webinars, sometimes in collaboration with OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) or local Education Service Districts. WSCA is an approved provider of clock hours, which are needed for certification renewal; members can often earn these credits for free at WSCA events.
Networking & Community: Being a WSCA member connects school counselors across the state who might otherwise work in isolation at their schools. WSCA facilitates networking by hosting regional meet-ups and an online WSCA Member Community where counselors can post questions and share resources. Special committees bring together counselors around shared interests or identities to provide support and mentorship.
Washington Association for Addictions and Counseling Professionals (WAADAC)
About WAADAC: The state affiliate of NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals). It represents Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling professionals across Washington. (WAADAC was recently rebranded under this name as “the Voice for Washington State Addiction Professionals”.)
Who It's For: Addiction counselors and other SUD professionals in Washington State. This includes Substance Use Disorder Professionals (SUDPs) who are state-certified counselors specializing in addiction treatment, as well as counselors and therapists of other licenses who work in addiction services (e.g. LMHCs or LMFTs focusing on co-occurring disorders). WAADAC’s membership ranges from clinicians in outpatient treatment programs and community agencies to those in private practice or recovery coaching roles, plus program administrators and educators in the addictions field.
Membership Benefits & Services: WAADAC provides a platform for addiction professionals to connect, learn, and advocate together. Its mission includes creating a forum for common interests and concerns in substance abuse counseling, improving communication among professionals, and establishing a unified voice on policy matters. Key services offered:
Advocacy & Standards: WAADAC actively works on policy development and advocacy. It formulates recommendations for best-practice guidelines and standards for SUD treatment programs and personnel, and it uses its collective voice to influence public policy related to substance use disorders. The association publishes Legislative Updates and an end-of-session Legislative Report to inform members about new laws or budget decisions affecting addiction services. By engaging in state-level advocacy, WAADAC has input on issues like counselor certification requirements, treatment funding, and integrating SUD treatment into broader healthcare reforms.
Professional Development: WAADAC connects members with training and continuing education. As the NAADAC affiliate, it helps promote NAADAC’s Annual Conference and encourages Washington counselors to attend for high-quality education. WAADAC also partners on local events. Members can earn continuing education hours through such conferences and workshops, often at discounted rates.
Community & Networking: WAADAC invites members (and prospective members) to join its quarterly board meetings, which are open forums (with remote access via Zoom) for discussion and updates. This inclusive approach allows any addiction professional to get involved with the leadership, serve on committees, or simply network during these meetings. The association maintains an email list/newsletter to share news, job openings, and upcoming training announcements.
Private Practice Support: Traditionally, many certified addiction counselors work in agency settings or treatment programs, but WAADAC’s advocacy and resources are increasingly relevant to those in private practice, too. As more SUD professionals seek to offer recovery coaching, private counseling, or integrated behavioral health services, WAADAC provides support by keeping them informed on regulatory compliance and advocating for their right to practice independently. WAADAC also facilitates connections with the broader addiction treatment network, so a counselor in private practice can link to community resources and find peers for consultation. While WAADAC does not offer specific business management training for private practice, the general professional development and advocacy it provides are valuable for any addiction counselor’s practice.
Events & Continuing Education: In addition to promoting NAADAC’s national events, WAADAC may organize or endorse state and regional training. WAADAC also collaborates with other organizations (like the Empower Youth Network for the Counselor Camp) to bring relevant training to Washington. With NAADAC’s 2025 Annual Conference happening in Washington, WAADAC is likely involved in planning or volunteer coordination, giving local members a chance to present or attend affordably. Going forward, members can expect more workshops, webinars, and summits addressing both clinical skills (e.g. new treatment modalities for substance use) and professional issues (e.g. self-care for counselors, cultural competency in addiction services).
Washington State Association for Play Therapy (WA4PT)
About WA4PT: The Washington State branch of the Association for Play Therapy (APT). WA4PT is a statewide non-profit that promotes the practice of play therapy for mental health professionals working with children and families.
Who It's For: Play therapists and those interested in therapeutic play techniques across Washington. Members include licensed counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, psychologists, and school counselors who utilize play therapy in their practice, as well as graduate students pursuing play therapy training. You do not have to be a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) to join, but many members hold or are working toward that APT credential. Essentially, WA4PT serves any counseling professional who believes in the healing power of play for children, adolescents, and families.
Membership Benefits & Services: As the state branch of APT, WA4PT’s mission is to share a passion for play therapy through education and research. WA4PT organizes annual conferences and workshops dedicated to play therapy. These events feature experts in the field and cover both fundamental and advanced play therapy skills. In addition, WA4PT hosts numerous shorter trainings throughout the year. The site’s “Find a Play Therapist” function helps parents and agencies locate trained play therapists in Washington; members in private practice can be listed here as a referral source.
Community & Networking: WA4PT fosters a sense of community among play therapists who might otherwise be one of only a few in their workplace. Through networking events, professionals can share playroom ideas, get consultative support, and reduce isolation.
Private Practice Support: Many play therapists do work in private practice, often specializing in treating children. WA4PT indirectly supports these private practitioners by raising the profile of play therapy and connecting them with potential clients. Specifically, being listed in WA4PT’s public directory of play therapists can funnel client referrals to members’ practices. The association’s educational offerings help private practitioners maintain a niche expertise, which can differentiate their practice and improve clinical outcomes. However, WA4PT does not focus on general business management topics (like billing or marketing) outside of the play therapy context.
Events & Continuing Education: WA4PT’s ongoing events include conferences, webinars, and seminars. This provides members with consistent opportunities to learn new techniques and fulfill the continuing education hours needed for RPT credentialing or state licensure. WA4PT events are typically open to non-members as well, but members get priority registration and reduced fees.
Evergreen Art Therapy Association (EATA)
About EATA: The Washington State chapter of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). EATA is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of art therapy in Washington, fostering a community among art therapists and those interested in the therapeutic use of art.
Who It's For: Art therapists and allied professionals in Washington. This includes credentialed art therapists working in various settings, mental health counselors and therapists who incorporate art into their practice, students in art therapy or counseling graduate programs, and educators/supervisors in art therapy. Many members are dual-credentialed (such as LMHCs or LMFTs who also hold art therapy credentials), given that Washington does not have a state license solely for art therapy.
Membership Benefits & Services: EATA’s primary aim is to create community, collaborate, inspire, and educate about art therapy in the state. EATA hosts gatherings for art therapists to connect and share their work. These meetups provide a supportive space for professionals who may be the only art therapist in their workplace. EATA also holds periodic membership meetings where updates are given and members can contribute input to chapter plans.
Education & Workshops: The association organizes workshops and presentations on art therapy topics. These might include trainings on specific art therapy modalities (e.g. trauma-informed art therapy, using specific art materials like clay or collage therapeutically) or discussions on ethics and supervision in art therapy. Some events are member-only, while others are open to the public to raise awareness. EATA events often qualify for continuing education credits through the national Art Therapy Credentials Board.
Information & Resources: Through EATA’s website and communications, members stay informed about art therapy news. The EATA website provides information about what art therapy is (useful for advocacy), a “Find an Art Therapist” directory to help the public locate local practitioners, and links to resources like research articles, job postings in art therapy, and graduate programs. Members can be listed in the directory, which includes contact information and specializations, a benefit for those seeking referrals.
Collaboration & Support: EATA encourages collaboration by connecting members for peer supervision or project partnerships. They have a Board of Directors and committees that members can join. Working on chapter initiatives allows art therapists to support each other.
Private Practice Support: Many art therapists practice in agencies or institutional settings (hospitals, schools), but those in private practice gain valuable support from EATA. Art therapists often rely on clients finding them through specialty searches, and EATA’s therapist directory is one such avenue. EATA’s efforts to “educate about art therapy” help legitimize the modality, which can indirectly expand opportunities for private practitioners. The networking events allow private art therapists to trade practical advice on setting up studio space, managing art supply costs, or handling the unique ethical considerations when doing art therapy one-on-one. However, EATA does not provide specific business training. Its advocacy is more about professional recognition.
Events & Continuing Education: EATA typically schedules several virtual open studios or salons each year. In addition, they organize workshops, which may be half-day or full-day events. Occasionally, EATA co-sponsors events with nearby art therapy associations or with local universities that have art therapy programs. Members receive announcements and reduced fees for these events.
Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA)
About WSPA: The Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA) is a professional organization that supports psychologists and psychology students across Washington State. It advocates for the advancement of psychological practice, promotes mental health equity, and provides resources for professional development, ethical guidance, and private practice support. Through continuing education, networking opportunities, and a secure online community, WSPA fosters collaboration and growth among its members while working to influence public policy and uphold high standards in the field of psychology.
Who It's For: WSPA is designed for licensed psychologists, early-career professionals, students, researchers, and retired practitioners in Washington State. It welcomes individuals across all stages of their careers, offering resources and support tailored to both clinical and academic professionals in psychology.
Membership Benefits & Services: Members of WSPA gain access to advocacy efforts, legal and ethical consultations, discounts on practice tools, APA-approved continuing education, and a secure online community. These benefits are aimed at enhancing professional practice, supporting career growth, and fostering collaboration among psychologists.
Professional Development & Training: WSPA offers a range of professional development opportunities, including APA-approved continuing education, workshops, webinars, and conferences. These programs are designed to meet licensure requirements and support lifelong learning for psychologists in various specialties.
Networking & Community Building: Through its secure online platform, Circle, WSPA fosters a vibrant professional community where members can share referrals, join discussions, participate in committees, and collaborate on events. This helps build strong connections and a supportive network across the state.
Private Practice Support: WSPA provides confidential consultations and resources to help members navigate private practice challenges such as insurance, documentation, supervision, and telehealth. These services are led by experienced professionals and tailored to support both new and established practitioners.
Events & Continuing Education: WSPA hosts regular events, including CE trainings, annual conventions, and webinars. These gatherings offer opportunities for skill-building, staying current with industry trends, and connecting with peers, all while fulfilling continuing education requirements.
Conclusion
Each of these associations offers unique benefits tailored to its constituency. Counselors in Washington State can choose to engage with multiple organizations to meet different professional needs; for example, an LMHC in private practice might join CCA for startup support and ACA-WA for continuing education, whereas a school counselor might stick with WSCA, and a therapist specializing in play or art would add WA4PT or EATA to their professional affiliations. By participating in the events, services, and communities provided by these associations, counselors at all stages of their careers can find support, continuing education, advocacy, and a sense of professional home in Washington State’s vibrant counseling community.