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 in the News: Recognizing Rep. Rob Bishop for Standing By Veterans
    Nov 17, 2015|1 min read

    Art Terrazas, ACA Director of Government Affairs, recently wrote an op-ed for The Salt Lake Tribune praising Rep. Bishop?s amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will allow more Licensed Professional Counselors to practice ...

  • ACA in the News: Millennial Parenting
    Nov 13, 2015|1 min read

    ACA president Dr. Thelma Duffey recently discussed aspects of Millennial parenting, including openness to diversity, with the St. Joseph News-Press.

  • ACA in the News: Holiday Stress
    Nov 9, 2015|1 min read

    The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently featured tips from ACA members about getting through the holidays with less stress.

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