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


  • Former ACA President Bob Nejedlo Passes Away
    Dec 5, 2013|1 min read

    Dear Colleagues: I wanted to let you know that Bob Nejedlo, who served as ACA's 37th President (1988-89), passed away on December 4th. As many of you know, he led the organization during a critical time in our development. He was a counselor ...

  • ACA in the News: Using Technology to Connect With Youth
    Dec 3, 2013|1 min read

    Richard Yep, Chief Executive Officer of ACA, wrote a byline for eSchool News discussing how professional counselors are using specific platforms to assist in their efforts to reach younger clients.

  • Newtown Lions Foundation Sandy Hook Elementary Fund Needs Your Help
    Nov 25, 2013|2 min read

    The following is a heartfelt message from ACA?s Connecticut branch, the Connecticut Counseling Association, about the continued need to support those affected by the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

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