ABOUT BCACC
A rich history
Since 1988, BCACC has been setting the standards for public confidence while growing the profession of Clinical Counselling/psychotherapy in British Columbia.
Who we are
As British Columbia’s Clinical Counselling/psychotherapy hub, we are a trusted source for mental health professionals, resources and education.
Our Vision
Making mental health and well-being a health priority.
Our mission
Building the profession through accountable, well-resourced and supported Clinical Counsellors /psychotherapists.
OUR MEMBERSHIP IS GROWING
The BCACC’s membership has grown to 10,713 members in the past year with 9513 active Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and over 1200 student members. Currently 509 members hold the RCC-ACS designation and they help uphold the professionalism and quality of care expected of Clinical Counsellors/Psychotherapists.
%
90% of all clinical counsellors/psychotherapists in BC belong to the Association
what RCCs do
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) are specifically trained to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Clinical Counselling/psychotherapy is typically sought when a person experiences challenging situations, thoughts, feelings, or circumstances. Clinical Counselling/psychotherapy is a partnership between RCC and clients, who work together to reach agreed-upon goals and outcomes.
Who RCCs Serve
RCCs work with many kinds of people: individuals, couples, and families in individual and group settings.
Where RCCs practice:
Registered Clinical Counsellors /psychotherapists work in many different settings, and some RCCs practice in multiple settings.
Private practice
Health authorities
Employee assistance programs
Care facilities
Governmental agencies
Rehabilitation centres/program
Universities
Breakdown by regional health authority regions
What BCACC does
BCACC is committed to the protection of the public and to upholding the value and established trust enshrined in the Registered Clinical Counsellor designation.
We strive to increase access to mental health services while supporting our members through the provision of robust educational opportunities and advocacy for the profession.
Profession advocacy
Member support and programming
Public access/services
Supporting clinical excellence
2023-2026 Strategies
We know where we’re going, and we know how we’ll get there.
Our 2023-2026 strategies have been designed with growth, sustainability, and value for members in mind.
Prepare our members for regulation under the new Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA)
Be an integral and contributing partner to the Clinical Counselling /Psychotherapy regulatory process along with the Ministry of Health
Prepare the BCACC to be THE premier mental health association for professionals in British Columbia
Enhance the governance and operations of the Association to effectively fulfill its strategies.
Student membership growth
Interest in the counselling profession continues to grow. In 2024, BCACC’s student membership surpassed 1,000 members, and by 2025 it has increased to approximately 1,200 student members.
This growth reflects not only rising demand for mental health services, but also a strong commitment among emerging practitioners to build their careers on a foundation of clinical excellence, ethical practice, and professional standards from the outset.
Supporting the next generation of clinical counsellors and psychotherapists remains a key priority for BCACC. Through collaboration with master’s programs across the province, the association helps students develop the competencies, reflective practices, and professional judgment needed to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality care.
BCACC continues to provide students with access to guidance, training opportunities, and professional resources aligned with evolving standards of practice—helping ensure they are well prepared to enter the profession with confidence and integrity.
BCACC looks forward to continuing to grow its student community and strengthen pathways into a profession grounded in clinical excellence.
The Association continued to strengthen relationships with master’s programs in counselling psychology and psychotherapy, supporting the development and engagement of the next generation of the profession.
RCC REGISTRATION GROWTH
In 2025, BCACC granted the RCC designation to 1,110 members, representing a 12% increase in the number of RCCs year-over-year.
The RCC designation continues to gain recognition across employers, insurers, and institutions and remains a sought-after credential among mental health professionals.