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


  • ACA Members Asked to Respond to Hurricane Harvey
    Aug 28, 2017|1 min read

    So far, Hurricane Harvey has devastated 12,000 square miles in Texas and Louisiana and affected millions of people. The American Red Cross is in great need of disaster mental health volunteers to help individuals and families cope with the trauma of ...

  • ACA Brings Training Session to Boys & Girls Clubs Staffers
    Aug 23, 2017|2 min read

    The American Counseling Association brought a discussion of trauma and disaster mental health to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia, as part of its ongoing partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

  • ACA Responds to Charlottesville Violence
    Aug 14, 2017|2 min read

    On Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, a rally was held in Charlottesville, Va., called "Unite the Right." While the United States supports free speech and the right to peaceably assemble, this event was nothing of the sort. Violence, bigotry, and hatred were ...

Media Mentions


When It Feels Like Your Family Is Making Your Depression Worse

Published April, 2026 on WebMD

Criticism from family members on the care of loved ones with depression can worsen a care giver’s own depression. ACA President Elect Victoria Kress and Shari Moody, discuss how care givers can manage their depression and how they can deal with family members. Read the Full Article

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