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


  • SAMHSA Provides Child-Informed Trauma Resources
    Sep 24, 2018|2 min read

    High-profile tragedies involving children and youth—such as natural disasters and mass shootings—happen far too frequently in contemporary America. In addition, less publicized and non-publicized traumatic events affect children in every ...

  • Red Cross Issues Call for Mental Health Volunteers for Florence Response
    Sep 17, 2018|1 min read

    Although now a tropical depression, Florence has devastated the Carolinas, dumping more than 30 inches of rain in some communities, causing catastrophic flooding. More than 19,000 people are living in temporary shelters and it will be some time before ...

  • Help Wanted: HRSA Presents a Virtual Job Fair for Professional Counselors
    Sep 14, 2018|3 min read

    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is hosting a virtual job fair for behavioral health professionals on Oct. 17. The virtual job fair, an online event, enables mental health professionals located throughout the nation to interact ...

Media Mentions


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

What Does Disorganized Attachment Style look Like in Adults?

Published July 28, 2025 in WebMD

A person with disorganized attachment often wants conflicting things, so they have contradictory behavior. ACA’s President-Elect, Victoria Kress explains this attachment style and is quoted in this article. Read Full Article