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M. Elsa Soto Leggett Begins Term as American Counseling Association President

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.

Advocacy

Indiana Counselors: Take Action to Stave Off Reimbursement Rate Cuts

Counseling Compact

Nevada Becomes 38th State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law

Latest News

Study Finds Religion/Spirituality May Protect Against Depression Among Young Adult Online Gamers
Jan 22, 2026|3 min read

Internet use is part of daily life for many people in work, social interaction, entertainment, shopping, and many other activities. Many people engage in online gaming to facilitate social connection, though the activity can also contribute to other...
Update: Federal Mental Health and Addiction Grant Funding Restored
Jan 16, 2026|1 min read

After a day of confusion and uncertainty, the Trump administration moved Wednesday night to restore approximately $2 billion in federal grant funding for mental health and addiction programs nationwide.
Tags:
- Federal Issues
SAMHSA Terminates Mental Health and SUD Grants
Jan 14, 2026|1 min read

Late on Jan.13, 2026, hundreds of grantees received termination letters from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), canceling congressionally appropriated grants.
Tags:
- Federal Issues

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Media Mentions

AI & U: Developing romantic relationships with chatbots

Published February 9, 2026 on NBC News

In response to an NBC News survey, 86% of ACA counselors believe that developing romantic relationships with AI chatbots leads to increased social withdrawal and unhealthy dependencies. ACA’s AI Work Group co-chair, Olivia Owamahoro, questions the impact of AI chatbots on the public’s overall wellness. Watch the Video

Burrow Blueprint Tackles Mental Health in Appalachian Schools

Published November 18, 2025 on The Post

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Joe Burrow Foundation have partnered on a new program, the Burrow Blueprint, to provide and support mental health treatment in Appalachian Ohio schools. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat explains the importance of providing mental health services to students in rural Appalachian Ohio. Read Full Article

Protecting Kids and Teens on TikTok

Aired September 25, 2025 on Spectrum News Columbus

More should be done to combat the dark side of social media that can endanger kids and teenagers. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat discusses the dangers of social media, its influence on societal pressures on young people and the role of parental supervision in protecting them. Watch the News Segment

AI Therapist Might Be Illegal Soon. Here’s Why

Published August 27, 2025 in CNN

As AI chatbots become a popular way to access cost-free counseling and companionship, a patchwork of state regulation is emerging, restricting how the technology can be used in therapy practice. ACA’s AI work group member Russell Fulmer provides insight on using AI in counseling in this article. Read Full Article