Press Release

Press Release

Brian D. Banks Joins the American Counseling Association as Its Next CEO

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian D. Banks as its new chief executive officer. Banks is a nationally recognized leader in government affairs, public policy and strategic advocacy.

Latest News


  • AMCD Statement on Racialized Violence and Discrimination
    Jun 3, 2020|2 min read

    AMCD strongly denounces the senseless, brutal killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the countless other instances of brutal killings and abuses of power towards black and brown individuals living within a plethora of systemic ...

  • ACA Endorsed Anti-Trans Legislation Position Statement
    May 21, 2020|3 min read

    The American Counseling Association Governing Council, at its Wednesday, February 12, 2020 meeting, endorsed the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities Division (formerly Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, ...

  • Apply Now: American Counseling Association Foundation Offers Summer Grants
    May 20, 2020|2 min read

    The American Counseling Association Foundation is seeking proposals from American Counseling Association members for grants of up to $500. The grants are available for projects that support the mission of the American Counseling Association ...

Media Mentions


AI & U: Taking Your Chatbot on a Dinner Date

Published February 16, 2026 on NBC News New York

AI developers are creating opportunities to explore relationships with chatbots and to use AI technology to search for human companionship. However, results from a new survey of over 700 ACA counselors show concern about developing unhealthy dependencies on chatbots. Watch the Video

AI & U: How Artificial Intelligence is Leading to Anxiety in the Workforce

Published February 13, 2026 on NBC News New York

There’s growing concern about the ability of AI to displace humans in the workforce. ACA’s AI Work Group co-chair, Russell Fulmer, talks with NBC News about what counselors are hearing from their clients. Watch the Video

AI & U: Could ‘Grief Bots’ Be a Source of Comfort, or a Mental Health Risk?

Published February 11, 2026 on NBC News New York

Emerging AI technology is making it possible to create AI versions of deceased loved ones. But in a new survey of ACA counselors, 89% says that these new grief bots interrupt the grieving process. Watch the Video

Tech developers say AI chatbots can battle loneliness and depression. Experts are skeptical.

Published February 9, 2026 on NBC News

More the 700 ACA counselors participated in an NBC News survey about the use and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on mental health. Olivia Uwamahoro, co-chair of ACA’s AI Work Group, explained why counselors are skeptical of the future of AI on mental health and wellness. Read Full Article