As a professional organization founded in 1964, AAPC was originally established to bring standards, order and communication to the newly expanding profession of Pastoral Counseling. Responding primarily to the Christian community's need for a form of depth ministry, pastoral counseling specialists emerged, drawing together the inspiration of the church and the wisdom of behavioral sciences. While maintaining these historical roots and vision over the past 40 years, AAPC is evolving into a more diverse professional organization serving within an increasingly complex world. Our members now represent a broader spectrum of theological and spiritual traditions and work among a wide variety of health care providers and settings. They provide services within increasingly multi-cultural, interfaith, multi-disciplinary and racially diverse communities and within a vastly more interconnected, conflicted and technically sophisticated world scene.

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy 
American Association of Pastoral Counselors
American Psychological Association
Chi Omega Christmas Market
Mediation & Conflict Resolution Services
National Association of Social Workers
Samaritan Institute

The Samaritan Institute is the international office for an association of professional counseling Centers located throughout the United States and Japan. The Institute provides affiliated Centers with administrative and financial consultation, accreditation, management resources, educational events, leadership development, new program development, national representation and research. It also offers consultation to groups interested in starting new centers. The Institute’s mission is to help affiliated centers provide team-oriented, cost-efficient counseling, education, and consultation which emphasize the interrelatedness of mind, body, spirit, and community.