This article presents the results of a study intended to establish baseline information and a database relative to counselors' receipt of third party payments. This database provides information against which to measure the success of future efforts to gain recognition and benefits for counselors with insurance agencies and other third party payers. Selected individuals (N=1,000) from several professional organizations responded to a questionnaire that addressed six issues: background of the respondent; state licensure and regulations; third party payment experiences; third party payment issues and concerns; importance of third party payments to counselors in various work settings; and knowledge of terms related to third party payments. The following conclusions were drawn based on results from this study: When applying for payments counselors should use their "psychologists" credential; less than half of participants use ACA's insurance carrier; many counselors do not understand licensure or third party terminology and issues; ACA needs to support advocacy on the behalf of counselors and focus on issues of counselor recognition; and third party payments needs to be addressed at the association level. (Contains six tables and five references.) (MKA)