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


  • Urgent: Disaster Mental Health Assistance Needed in Louisiana
    Aug 16, 2016|1 min read

    Louisiana is currently experiencing catastrophic flooding on the level of Hurricane Sandy. As of August 15, 2016, over 24,000 households have been affected and at least 7 fatalities reported. Over 10,000 people are staying in 60 Red Cross shelters. In ...

  • 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 ...

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