Professional Advocacy & Public Awareness (PAPA)PAPA Paper Topics:Supporting Transgender and Gender Expansive College Students Within the past years decade there has been a significant shift in college counseling and higher education to recognize those who identify as Transgender and Gender expansive (TGGE), a population that is unique and distinct from the LBGQ community (Bryne et al., 2012). A such, there are significant implications for counseling centers. As a response to this trend, this white paper aims to educate clinicians who work in college counseling centers who may not have received formal training in working with TGGE clients. This paper also aims to empower counselors to advocate for this often-marginalized college student population on their campuses. Authors: Justin Jacques, Ed. S., LPC, CAC II, ACS, NCC, Penn State Medical School View the PAPA Paper on Supporting Trans Students Supporting Trans Students The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics C.5. Non-discrimination states that “Counselors do not condone or engage in discrimination against prospective or current clients, students, employees, supervisees, or research participants based on age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/ partnership status, language preference, socioeconomic status, immigration status, or any basis proscribed by law” (p. 9). Therefore, it is crucial for counselors to recognize their ethical responsibility and duty to foster an open, safe, and supportive environment for trans students equal to their cisgender (i.e., those whose birth sex is congruent with their gender identity) peers. Authors: Malvika Behl, Ph.D, NCC, West Texas A&M University Tracy Ferezan, M.S., LCDCi, Walden University John Watson, MS, LPC, Drexel University Justin Jacques, Ed.S., LPC, CAC II, ACS, NCC, Penn State Medical School View the PAPA Paper on Supporting Trans Students College Counselor Resource Guide for Working with Transgender Students One of the challenges facing college counselors and counseling centers is having competency in working with transgender students or those who are considering a gender related transition. A majority of training programs at the masters and doctoral level do not provide adequate training and resources to work with this marginalized population to the level of achieving competency in clinical practice. As such, this guide was created so that a collection of resources are located in one place for college counselors to have access to this specialized knowledge when working with transgender college students. The hope is that this guide will be a starting point and help you, the college counselor, obtain the answers and resources needed to increase greater proficiency and to improve treatment outcomes for this underserved population. This knowledge is crucial as this population is increasingly seeking services at university counseling centers. Resource List Editors: Justin Jacques, Ed.S., LPC, CEAP, CAC II, NCC, ACS, The George Washington University Andrea Parodi, Ed.S., NCC, The George Washington University View the PAPA Paper on College Counselor Resource Guide for working with Transgender Students Increased Need for Counseling ServicesThrough a collaboration between the PAPA Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee this PAPA paper looks at the increased need for counseling services. Authors: Malvika Behl, Ph.D, NCC, West Texas A&M University Michelle Sullivan, Student, Rollins College - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program View the PAPA Paper on Increased Need for Counseling Services College SuicideHighlights of this contribution include:
College Counseling and Student RetentionOne of the challenges facing college counselors and counseling centers is articulating and advocating for their role in the lives of students and in the campus community. Direct connections between counseling and retention are difficult to demonstrate empirically. Counselors must look to the indirect relationships between counseling and retention. There is a growing consensus that colleges are expected to go beyond academic factors to developing the whole individual. Counseling plays a vital role in this broader development. So, what is the role of the college counselor in retaining students? What should it be? View the PAPA Paper on College Suicide Outsourcing of Counseling ServicesExplore the advantages and disadvantages of engaging in a contractual agreement to outsource college counseling services. | Quick LinksJoin Now! Job Board 2025 Conference Member Resources Contact UsUpcoming EventsJanuary Lunch and Learn ACCA Annual Conference Monthly Support Space
AnnouncementsView the press release on HEMHA's new guide to Animals on Campus Click here to access the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources ACCA joins the 4th edition of Health and Well being in Higher Education: A Commitment to Student Success Please note the addition of the College Counseling & Psychological Services Knowledge Base to the resources page. ACCA Members in the NewsBecca Smith is quoted in the Washington Post article "College mental health centers are swamped. Here's what parents can do." Andrew Lee is quoted in the Inside Higher Ed article on Suicidal Ideation Steffanie Grrossman is quoted in Online Counseling article College Students Diet and Mental Health Janelle Johnson comments on the state of mental services at community colleges. Janelle Johnson on College Counseling” Psychotherapy.net Interview. Follow the link to read the full interview. |