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


  • Application Deadlines Extended For Student Loan Forgiveness Programs Benefitting LPCs
    Feb 21, 2019|2 min read

    February 21st, 2019  The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has extended the deadline for accepting applications for a new student-loan-forgiveness program for behavioral health clinicians working in drug-treatment programs in ...

  • Help Support the Mental Health Services for Students Act
    Feb 12, 2019|3 min read

    We need your help! The American Counseling Association (ACA) needs your help to encourage members of Congress to support H.R 1109 the Mental Health for Student Act.  On February 8, 2019 Congressional Mental Health Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Grace F. ...

  • 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 ...

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