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


  • Legislation to Protect Minors Signed Into Law Today
    Dec 22, 2014|2 min read

    Vincent Gray, the outgoing Mayor of Washington D.C. signed a bill into law today that bans minors from being subjected to so-called ?reparative therapy,? also known as ?conversion therapy? or ?sexual orientation change efforts? (SOCE). Washington D.C. ...

  • ACA Headquarters Moves to a New Location
    Dec 15, 2014|1 min read

    After 30+ years at 5999 Stevenson Avenue, the ACA staff said goodbye to the old headquarters building in 2014 and relocated one block to 6101 Stevenson Avenue!

  • ACA in the News: Counseling Men
    Dec 11, 2014|1 min read

    ACA President-Elect Thelma Duffey writes a monthly blog post for Psychology Today, which focuses on various issues related to mental health. Her most recent post shares observations from 25 years of counseling men.

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