The APC was founded by individuals and groups who have long advocated for inclusion of ALL counselors within our professional organizations, and at state and federal levels. We are a true alliance of counseling professionals, educators, and allies. We value the diversity of graduate programs across academic disciplines that have historically contributed to the profession and the training of highly competent Professional Counselors. We believe that this rich tradition best serves the public's diverse counseling needs... The APC is passionately committed to defending and promoting the right of all qualified counselors to obtain certification and licensure, and to practice in the counseling specialty areas in which they have been trained. We promote a vision of unity in the counseling profession, and seek to advance professional identity through standards based upon evidence, and the removal of false dividing lines... The mission of APC is to educate and inform the public, policy makers..