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 Now Accepting Committee Nominations
    Sep 3, 2015|1 min read

    ACA President-Elect Catherine Roland is seeking nominations for American Counseling Association committee appointments. She will be appointing professional members for each committee who will serve three-year terms, as well as a student representative ...

  • ACA Issues Call for 2016 National Awards Nominations
    Sep 2, 2015|1 min read

    Know someone who deserves special recognition for his or her commitment to the counseling profession? Nominate an Outstanding Counseling Professional for the ACA 2016 National Awards!

  • ACA Media Spotlight: Ashley Madison Hack
    Aug 28, 2015|1 min read

    ACA member Ryan Thomas Neace spoke with EmpowHER about rebuilding marriages after the Ashley Madison hack.

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