About Us

The mission of AARC is to promote and recognize excellence in assessment, research, and evaluation in counseling.

What Our Members are Saying

Membership in AARC is a great way to become involved in the counseling profession. As a graduate student, AARC was one of the first counseling organizations I joined. Its members were quick to make me feel at home and let me know that my voice and participation were welcomed. In addition to meeting many colleagues whom I now call my friends, AARC helped me become a better advocate for the counseling profession.”

Joshua C. Watson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS

What Our Members are Saying

As a member of AARC for over 10 years, I have had the opportunity to network and collaborate with emerging and seasoned scholars who are interested in advancing the world of research, program evaluation, assessment, and diagnosis to benefit counselors and their clients. I believe I am a stronger researcher and evaluator due to my membership and the benefits it affords. AARC is a great way to get involved in this profession, no matter your degree of "expertise" in assessment and research!”

Danica G. Hays, PhD, LPC, NCC

Vision

The Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC) is an organization of counselors, educators, and other professionals that advances the counseling profession by promoting best practices in assessment, research, and evaluation in counseling.

AARC is positioned to fulfill six fundamental purposes for counselors, clients, and other stakeholders:

  • Professional Development: to promote  professional development which enhances  competence in assessment, research, and  evaluation
  • Professionalization: to advance the  professionalization of counseling through the  appropriate use of assessment, research, and  evaluation
  • Research and Knowledge: to develop and  disseminate knowledge regarding assessment,  research, and evaluation procedures used in  counseling
  • Human Development: to advocate for optimal  human development through culturally competent  assessment, research, and evaluation practices
  • Public Awareness: to support public policies and  legislation that advance the ethical use of  assessment, research, and evaluation
  • Collaboration: to enhance communication and  collaboration among AARC, leadership within ACA and its divisions, and other professional  organizations that address common, assessment,  research, and evaluation concerns.