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: Crisis Counseling
    Dec 16, 2013|1 min read

    Dr. David Kaplan, ACA's Chief Professional Officer, was recently interviewed by NBC News for an article about crisis counseling on the one-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. ?What you are there for, more than anything else, ...

  • Dr. David Kaplan Sheds Light on Emotional Trauma
    Dec 12, 2013|1 min read

    School Nutrition Magazine recently interviewed the American Counseling Association?s Dr. David Kaplan for a story on recovery after a traumatic event.

  • New Image Contest Provides Chance to Represent the Profession
    Dec 9, 2013|1 min read

    Showcase your creativity as an artist, designer, or photographer! Submit an original work representing "the power of counseling in today's world" and you could win an ACA eGift Certificate. ACA will also create a Counseling Awareness Month poster ...

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