The APA currently lists 69 APA-accredited schools in counseling psychology throughout the United States (with the exception of one in Canada). A complete and up-to-date listing of these colleges and universities can be found at the following website: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/accred-counseling.aspx.
Not only does the APA accredit colleges and universities specifically for doctoral-level psychology programs such as the counseling psychology program, but it also accredits other psychology-related activities such as internships and postdoctoral residency programs. The entire APA accreditation process includes three components: the self-study, the site visit review, and a decision by the Commission on Accreditation (which consists of at least 32 appointed psychology professionals.)
Once a graduate student has been accepted into an APA-approved counseling psychology program, he is automatically given American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) membership. APAGS membership will empower the student with additional tools and resources to help further his career in counseling psychology.
Though pursuing a degree from an APA-accredited institution ensures a solid foundation of counseling psychology curriculum, many states still require the counseling psychology graduate to obtain licensure prior to securing a position or practicing counseling psychology. The most widely known organization for pursuing licensure as a certified counseling can be achieved through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).