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


  • ACA Partners With SAMHSA for 2016 Voice Awards on August 10
    Aug 9, 2016|1 min read

    ACA is proud to be a program partner of the 2016 SAMHSA Voice Awards, which honor exemplary television/film productions that educate the public about behavioral health and consumer/peer/family leaders who demonstrate that recovery from mental health ...

  • ACA in the News: Opt-out Rule for Counselors Gains Approval in Arkansas
    Jul 13, 2016|1 min read

    Yesterday, Arkansas lawmakers passed a bill that permits a counselor to opt out of working with a client if the provider has a conflict of "conscience." ACA immediately issued a statement condemning the passage, citing a direct violation of the ACA ...

  • ACA Responds to Shootings in Baton Rouge, Minneapolis and Dallas
    Jul 8, 2016|2 min read

    ?We are all saddened by the latest shootings in Baton Rouge and outside of Minneapolis. This is all further heightened by the shooting in Dallas. We take comfort in knowing that ACA members provide valuable services to communities and individuals who ...

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