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


  • House Introduces Improved School Counseling Bill
    Sep 24, 2018|3 min read

    For more than 60 years, ACA has been at the forefront of supporting the establishment and enhancement of school counseling programs that provide students with the skills to face life’s challenges, deal with bullying, practice a respect for ...

  • 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 ...

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