Eastern Ohio Counselors Association seeks to promote the development of professional counselors (Licensed Professional Counselors – LPC; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors – LPCC; Professional School Counselors – LSC) trained in Counselor Education programs working in clinical mental health, addictions, school, college, residential and other professional settings.

The OCA Legislative Page provides specific advocacy issues for professional counselors.

Multiple ways professional counselors in EOCA can engage in advocacy.

·         Lobby state and federal authorities to change policies that block professional counselors from VA positions, Medicaid reimbursement.

·         Lobby local authorities for policies that benefit professional counselors.

·         Participate in policy and rule discussion for clinical counselors with the OCSWMFT board or school counselors with the Ohio Department of Education.

·         Advocate to local school principals, superintendents, and boards to adopt policies and procedures for school counselors that conform to the ASCA model (e.g. hire more school counselors to meet the 1:250 standard).

·         Educate local employers about the training and expertise of professional counselors to promote the hiring and promotion.

·         Highlight the work of professional counselors in local newspapers (e.g. Youngstown Vindicator; Warren Tribune; Record-Courier) and through awards.

·         Provide professional development opportunities to enhance the education and expertise of professional counselor’s post-masters (e.g. workshops, publications).

·         Identify and educate undergraduate students regarding a career in professional counseling (Community, School, College, Addictions, etc.)