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


  • The CARES Act Stimulus Payments - Part I: Eligibility
    Apr 23, 2020|4 min read

    April 21, 2020 During the week of April 13, 2020, Americans began receiving Economic Impact Payments, better known as “stimulus checks,” most of which were deposited directly into their bank accounts. These stimulus checks are one ...

  • The CARES Act Stimulus Payments - Part II: How Much Should You Expect and More Information
    Apr 21, 2020|6 min read

     HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE?Individuals whose AGI does not exceed $75,000 will receive $1,200. Head of household filers whose AGI does not exceed $112,500 will also receive $1,200. Married couples filing joint returns whose AGI does not exceed ...

  • 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 ...

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