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


  • You Can Count on ACA to Be Your Voice in Uncertain Times and Beyond
    Mar 23, 2020|2 min read

    By: Brian D. Banks, Director Government Affairs & Public Policy As I sit in my home office practicing social/physical distancing, I am contemplating what I would like to share with you. This contemplation is not an avoidance of our current ...

  • ACA Requests Additional Mental Health Policies Related to COVID-19 in a Sign-On Letter to Congress
    Mar 20, 2020|1 min read

    Thus far, legislative packages have not addressed needs of mental health and substance use providers, patients, advocates, family members, and communities. The letter includes recommended next steps for Congress and the Administration to address these ...

  • 2020 Election Update
    Mar 20, 2020|5 min read

      (Updated August 28, 2020 at 4:36 p.m. (EDT))   1. 2020 Presidential Candidates  Former Vice President Joe Biden (D-DE). If you know about this former vice president’s personal story, then you won’t be ...

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