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: Sleep & Memory
    Jul 30, 2014|1 min read

    Robert Turner, a licensed professional counselor and member of the American Counseling Association, recently spoke with EmpowHER, a leading health website for women, about the link between sleep deprivation and memory loss.

  • Final TRICARE Rules More Beneficial to Licensed Professional Counselors
    Jul 18, 2014|2 min read

    Many Licensed Professional Counselors will benefit under the Final Rule published by the Department of Defense (DoD) on July 17, 2014. The Final Rules apply to the TRICARE Certified Mental Health Counselors (TCMHC) category. Several provisions ...

  • ACA Testifies to Ban Reparative Therapy in the District
    Jun 30, 2014|1 min read

    Dr. David Kaplan, ACA's Chief Professional Officer, testified on Friday, June 27 before the DC Committee on Health.

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