We are the home for professional counseling.
Advancing the counseling profession, mental health and well-being through education, advocacy, community, inclusion and research.
What Is the Counseling Compact?
The Counseling Compact is an agreement among states to legislatively recognize other states’ counseling licenses.
Latest Update:
Forthcoming Book Releases
ACA books support your education, research and practice needs across the full spectrum of the counseling profession and the populations they serve. Our winter 2025/spring 2026 lineup highlights diverse voices and valuable research that will inform, empower and elevate your practice.
See all our upcoming releases and sign up to be the first to know when they release!
LEARN MORELatest News
October Issue of Journal of Counseling & Development Released Today
Oct 1, 2025|3 min read
The October print issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD), the quarterly flagship journal of the American Counseling Association (ACA), published today. “The October issue is a diverse mix of topics needed by practicing counselors”...
Ability to Practice Across State Lines Now a Reality for Thousands of Professional Counselors
Sep 30, 2025|3 min read
The American Counseling Association (ACA) today celebrates the launch of the long-awaited Counseling Compact, which allows licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines.
Announcing the 2025 Presidential Research Grant Awardees
Sep 9, 2025|1 min read
ACA is thrilled to announce the outstanding research proposals and awardees chosen for the inaugural Presidential Research Grant — an initiative of ACA Past President, Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD, LPC, LSC (OH).
In a Challenging Labor Market, Black Women with Disabilities Are Choosing Self-Employment
Aug 27, 2025|3 min read
While the employment landscape for Black women continues to shift, Black women with disabilities are actively pursuing self-employment as a viable career option, according to new research published in the Journal of Multicultural Counseling & Development
ACA Fights for Counselor Access to Mental Health Funding
Aug 22, 2025|1 min read
On July 17th, the Department of Education released new guidance on two of the largest Bipartisan Safer Communities Act mental health grants.
Journal Special Issue Spotlights Disability in the Black Community and the Need for Culturally Appropriate Counseling Interventions
Aug 7, 2025|4 min read
People with disabilities often struggle to find licensed professional counselors who have the training needed to help them navigate their unique challenges and circumstances. Black people with disabilities — whose conditions are compounded by race...
The Impact of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on Counselors and Mental Health Care
Jul 11, 2025|5 min read
On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill) into law. The legislation will have significant effects on education and health care in addition to other policy areas.
Indiana Counselors: Take Action to Stave Off Reimbursement Rate Cuts
Jul 8, 2025|1 min read
Anthem/Carelon collaboration has stoked concerns of a nearly 50% reduction in reimbursement rates for counseling services. Contact your lawmaker to ensure these reductions stay off the table.
M. Elsa Soto Leggett Begins Term as American Counseling Association President
Jul 2, 2025|3 min read
Elsa Soto Leggett, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, professor and practicum/internship coordinator at Truman State University and sole proprietor of Shelter Counseling and Supervision, began her term as ACA 2025–2026 president on July 1.
Nevada Becomes 38th State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law
Jun 16, 2025|2 min read
The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues to move forward with Governor Joe Lombardo signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.
Proposed Health and Human Services Budget
Jun 11, 2025|2 min read
On May 30, the Trump-Vance Administration released its proposed budget for the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department.
American Counseling Association Adds Upheal to Prestigious Strategic Partner Network
May 22, 2025|2 min read
The American Counseling Association is pleased to announce that Upheal has been selected to join the ACA Strategic Partner Network. Launched in 2024, the Strategic Partner Network provides companies with a year-long engagement with ACA members...
Call for Editors: Second Edition of The ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling
May 13, 2025|2 min read
In celebration of the American Counseling Association’s 75th anniversary in 2027, ACA is pleased to announce the development of a fully revised and expanded second edition of the ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling, originally published in 2009.
American Counseling Association Announces Syvonne Carter as Interim CEO
May 6, 2025|2 min read
The American Counseling Association (ACA), the largest U.S. membership organization serving professional counselors and counselors in training, is pleased to announce the appointment of Syvonne Carter as Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Executive Order on College Accreditation Process
Apr 29, 2025|2 min read
On April 23, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order (EO) and fact sheet directing an “overhaul” of the college accreditation process, stating that universities must maintain accreditation to receive federal financial aid.
Cuts to the Health and Human Services Department
Apr 3, 2025|2 min read
The Trump Administration has begun a reduction in force for the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). The Administration plans to lay off up to 10,000 employees across several agencies within the department.
ACA Awards Recognize Achievement and Excellence in Professional Counseling
Mar 27, 2025|4 min read
Orlando, Fla. (March 27, 2025) — Each year, the American Counseling Association (ACA) recognizes excellence in research, career and humanitarian achievement among counseling professionals and students with its awards and honors program.
Counseling Experts Present Latest Research at the 2025 ACA Conference & Expo, March 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.
Mar 24, 2025|5 min read
More than 150 posters to be presented covering nicotine dependence and cognitive function among young adults to mental health implications of forced family separation at the border and more.
ACA Conference to Feature Sessions on Climate Change, Today’s Political Landscape, Impact of the Loneliness Epidemic on Youth & More
Mar 24, 2025|5 min read
The 2025 ACA Conference & Expo, the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors, will feature 200+ education sessions, organized across 24 mental health and counseling topic areas.
Boynes Announces Departure; ACA Governing Council Announces Plans for Interim Leadership
Mar 21, 2025|2 min read
Shawn Boynes, CEO, has announced his departure effective April 15, 2025. During his tenure, Boynes oversaw a 10% cumulative revenue growth, implemented a focused strategic plan, & launched the ACA Strategic Partner Network.
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