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


  • ACA Announces President-Elect for 2019-2020
    Feb 12, 2019|2 min read

    Sue Pressman, nationally recognized as one of the country?s leading career management and transition experts, has been named President-Elect of the American Counseling Association (ACA) for 2019-2020. She will begin her term as ACA President-Elect on ...

  • Suicides in VA parking lots spotlight veterans? mental health care
    Feb 12, 2019|2 min read

    A total of 19 suicides occurred at Veterans Administration facilities, including seven in VA hospital parking lots, from October 2017 to November 2018. The Washington Post examined the unfolding tragedy in a feature article titled “The Parking ...

  • Support New Legislation That Would Provide Medicare Reimbursement to Counselors
    Feb 1, 2019|1 min read

    On Jan. 31, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Representative John Katko (R-NY) introduced the Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2019. This measure would include Licensed ...

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