Press Release

Press Release

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.

Latest News


  • Join ACA in Celebrating Teal Day (April 10th)
    Apr 10, 2020|1 min read

    We are right in the midst of Counseling Awareness Month and Teal Day has officially arrived! As an outward symbol of advocacy and hope for counselors and the profession, ACA has designated April 10th as Teal Day: an enthusiastic social initiative ...

  • COVID-19 UPDATES FOR STATES
    Apr 3, 2020|3 min read

    We understand that it has been a long couple of weeks as all of us shift gears in our professional and personal lives in order to address the COVID-19 crisis impacting the entire country. ACA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy team remain ...

  • The CARES Act and You: Part II
    Mar 30, 2020|8 min read

    On March 27, 2020, the United States House of Representatives passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The bill became law after the president signed it on the same date. The primary focus of this bill is to position ...

Media Mentions


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

As AI Therapy Grows, Clinicians Try to Chart a Path Forward

Published August 5, 2025 in Healthcare Brew

Bots have the potential to both help and hurt the mental health crisis, and clinicians hold varied perspectives about AI for therapy. ACA’s AI work group members Russell Fulmer and Olivia Uwamahoro Williams discuss the pros and cons and are cited in this article. Read Full Article