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


  • 2015 Counseling Awareness Month Public Outreach Contest Winner Announced
    May 28, 2015|1 min read

    We are proud to announce Janet de Vries as the winner of our 2015 Counseling Awareness Month Public Outreach Contest! She will receive a complimentary registration to the ACA 2016 Conference & Expo in Montreal.

  • ACA in the News: Career Guidance
    May 27, 2015|1 min read

    ACA member and past president, Lynn Linde, spoke with EdSource.org about a growing focus on preparing high school students for college and careers, and the role that counselors should play.

  • ACA in the News: Suicide Prevention
    May 27, 2015|1 min read

    ACA members Dr. Darcy Granello and Dr. Paul Granello spoke to Fact Based Health about ways to identify suicidal signs and approach those who may be in need of help.

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