Pioneering Research to Advance the Counseling Profession

The Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center (PARC) was established in July of 2024 through the vision of the National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates (NBCC). The vision was to build a research center that would operate to advance the counseling profession by providing counselors with the resources and guidance they require to perform their duties at the highest level.

The PARC team designs and manages a robust research agenda that informs advocacy for the advancement of equitable access to counseling through workforce development and training and support for counselors and mental health professionals. This research agenda provides governmental and regulatory bodies with the analysis needed to allow public officials to make informed decisions that will support the counseling profession and the well-being of the clients supported by counselors.

PARC also provides the NBCC Government Affairs team with the resources they need to promote legislative and public policy issues vital to the success and future of the counseling profession.