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


  • School Counselors: Be Recognized in Counseling Today!
    Aug 27, 2012|2 min read

    Tell us your story, or about a school counselor you know, who has had a positive impact on the community. Several advocacy stories will be selected and written about in Counseling Today, others will be posted online. Submission deadline is September ...

  • Congressman Pushes VA on Hiring Counselors
    Aug 15, 2012|1 min read

    ACA is happy to announce that it has gained a champion in our effort to establish more mental health clinician positions for licensed professional counselors within the VA health care system.

  • Statement about the Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin
    Aug 8, 2012|1 min read

    In the wake of yet another tragic shooting, this time at Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Milwaukee, we at ACA extend our condolences to the community of Oak Creek and everyone who has been affected by this event.

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