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: Expanded Mental Health Coverage
    Nov 14, 2013|1 min read

    On Tuesday, November 12, the American Counseling Association?s CEO, Richard Yep, was interviewed by CBS?s local affiliate in Washington, DC, WUSA-9. Topics of discussion: the Affordable Care Act, increased access to mental health services through the ...

  • Improved Access to Mental Health Care!
    Nov 8, 2013|1 min read

    This morning, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced final rules for the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act at a mental health conference at the Carter Center in Atlanta with former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

  • ACA in the News: Technology and Bullying
    Nov 4, 2013|1 min read

    ACA's CEO, Richard Yep, was recently interviewed by Boston radio station, WERS-FM, regarding cyber-bullying. In the segment, ?A Safe Place: The new breed of bully,? Yep, along with Katie Davis of MTV?S ?A Thin Line? and Felicia Vargas of Boston Public ...

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