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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

Reflections on the 2024 SAMHSA OBHE Conference: A Milestone for Behavioral Health Equity
Dec 24, 2024|2 min read

2024 SAMHSA Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE) Conference, themed "Re-Envisioning the Behavioral Health Workforce Focusing on Underserved Communities," highlighted transformative efforts to promote equity in mental health & substance use care.
ACA Responds to APA's Recommendations for Training, Licensure and Regulations for Masters-Degree Psychology Professionals
Dec 5, 2024|2 min read

ACA’s Governing Council submitted a public statement to APA’s “Proposed Title and Draft Scope of Practice” during the comment period, which ended on November 24, 2024.
Washington, D.C. Signs Interstate Counseling Compact Legislation
Oct 31, 2024|2 min read

The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues to move forward with Mayor Muriel Bowser signing Counseling Compact legislation for enactment in her city.

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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