Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs CACREP

Overview

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a non-profit, independent accrediting body based in Alexandria, Virginia. Established in 1981, CACREP accredits master's and doctoral-level counseling programs in the United States and internationally. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), CACREP sets rigorous standards to ensure that counseling programs provide high-quality education and training, preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of diverse populations.

Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 1981, CACREP was established to set standards for counselor training and to promote the quality of counselor education programs. Its formation was part of a broader movement to professionalize counseling education and to ensure that programs met consistent and high standards. Over the years, CACREP has evolved to include various counseling specialties, including clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage, couple, and family counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. In 2017, CACREP assumed responsibility for accrediting graduate programs previously accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), further expanding its scope and influence in the field.

Mission, Vision and Objectives; Role in Higher Education

Mission: CACREP's mission is to promote the professional competence of counseling and related practitioners through:

• Development of preparation standards;
• Encouragement of excellence in program development;
• Accreditation of professional preparation programs.

Vision: To provide leadership and promote excellence in professional preparation through the accreditation of counseling and related educational programs. CACREP is committed to developing standards and procedures that reflect the needs of a dynamic, diverse, and complex society.

By setting and enforcing these standards, CACREP plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and consistency of counselor education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the counseling profession.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CACREP operates as an independent, non-profit organization. Its governance structure includes a Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the organization's activities and ensuring that it fulfills its mission. The Board is composed of professionals from various sectors of the counseling field, providing a broad perspective on the needs and challenges of counselor education. The President and CEO, currently Dr. M. Sylvia Fernandez, leads the organization and is responsible for its day-to-day operations. CACREP maintains its independence by adhering to policies and procedures that ensure impartiality and accountability in its accreditation processes.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

CACREP is a programmatic accreditor recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It accredits graduate-level counseling programs that meet its rigorous standards, which cover areas such as:

• Program mission and objectives;
• Curriculum content and structure;
• Faculty qualifications and workload;
• Student selection and advising;
• Practicum and internship experiences;
• Program governance and resources;
• Self-evaluation and continuous improvement processes.

Programs that achieve CACREP accreditation demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality education and training, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to serve the needs of diverse populations in various counseling settings.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CACREP is committed to fostering global excellence in counselor education. In 2008, it developed the International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP) to provide an international quality assurance recognition review process for counselor education programs worldwide. IRCEP serves as an international affiliate of CACREP, recognizing programs that meet international standards of excellence in counselor education. This initiative reflects CACREP's dedication to promoting high-quality counselor education globally and supporting programs in developing curricula appropriate to their cultural and regional contexts.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CACREP continues to influence the landscape of higher education by:

• Setting and maintaining high standards for counselor education programs;
• Ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the evolving needs of diverse populations;
• Promoting the professionalization of the counseling field;
• Encouraging continuous improvement and innovation in counselor education.

Looking ahead, CACREP aims to further enhance the quality and accessibility of counselor education, ensuring that programs remain responsive to societal changes and continue to produce competent and ethical counseling professionals.

Summary

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a pivotal organization in the field of counselor education. Through its rigorous accreditation processes, CACREP ensures that counseling programs provide high-quality education and training, preparing graduates to meet the diverse needs of the populations they serve. Its commitment to excellence, both nationally and internationally, underscores its vital role in shaping the future of the counseling profession.

FAQs

• What is CACREP?

  The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a non-profit, independent accrediting body that accredits graduate-level counseling programs in the United States and internationally.

• When was CACREP established?

  CACREP was established in 1981 to set standards for counselor training and to promote the quality of counselor education programs.

• What programs does CACREP accredit?

  CACREP accredits master's and doctoral-level counseling programs in various specialties, including clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage, couple, and family counseling, and rehabilitation counseling.

• Is CACREP recognized by other organizations?

  Yes, CACREP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and collaborates with international bodies to promote global excellence in counselor education.

• What is the International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP)?

  IRCEP is an international quality assurance recognition review process developed by CACREP to foster excellence in counselor education programs worldwide.

Organization Name

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Acronym

CACREP

Year of Establishment

1/01/1981

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

98

Address

500 Montgomery Street, Suite 350
Alexandria
22314 Virginia United States

Phone

+1 (703) 535 5990

Fax

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs's Wikipedia article

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