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


  • New Bill Authorizes Medicare Reimbursement for Counselors as Part of the Fight Against Opioids
    Apr 24, 2018|2 min read

    Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced a bill April 17 that takes a multi-pronged approach to combatting the opioid epidemic and includes language that would allow mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to participate in the ...

  • Maryland Legislature Passes Conversion Therapy Bill
    Apr 12, 2018|2 min read

    The Maryland State Legislature recently passed a measure that would ban the practice of conversion therapy on minors. The bill now goes to Governor Hogan for his signature. The legislation would impose fines or license suspension or revocation on ...

  • Get Ready. April is Counseling Awareness Month!
    Mar 30, 2018|2 min read

    Each year, the American Counseling Association designates April as Counseling Awareness Month. The celebration, first held in 2002, was created to recognize the important work done by professional counselors and to draw attention to the many ways ...

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