Press Release

Press Release

M. Elsa Soto Leggett Begins Term as American Counseling Association President

Elsa Soto Leggett, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, professor and practicum/internship coordinator at Truman State University and sole proprietor of Shelter Counseling and Supervision, began her term as ACA 2025–2026 president on July 1.

Latest News


  • 2011 ACA Year-in-Review
    Dec 22, 2011|1 min read

    On behalf of President Don W. Locke, the Governing Council, volunteer leaders, and staff of the American Counseling Association (ACA), I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your membership and support in 2011.

  • Appeals Court Protects the ACA Code of Ethics and GLBTQ Non-Discrimination
    Dec 21, 2011|2 min read

    On Friday, December 15, the US Court of Appeals upheld the Southern District Court of Georgia's decision to deny a preliminary injunction against Augusta State University (ASU) for expelling Jennifer Keeton, a graduate counseling student who refused ...

  • ACA Expresses DSM-5 Concerns to the American Psychiatric Association
    Nov 28, 2011|3 min read

    ACA President Don W. Locke has sent a letter to the American Psychiatric Association on behalf of professional counselors expressing current concerns about the DSM-5 revision process.

Media Mentions


Protecting Kids and Teens on TikTok

Aired September 25, 2025 on Spectrum News Columbus

More should be done to combat the dark side of social media that can endanger kids and teenagers. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat discusses the dangers of social media, its influence on societal pressures on young people and the role of parental supervision in protecting them. Watch the News Segment

AI Therapist Might Be Illegal Soon. Here’s Why

Published August 27, 2025 in CNN

As AI chatbots become a popular way to access cost-free counseling and companionship, a patchwork of state regulation is emerging, restricting how the technology can be used in therapy practice. ACA’s AI work group member Russell Fulmer provides insight on using AI in counseling in this article. Read Full Article

As AI Therapy Grows, Clinicians Try to Chart a Path Forward

Published August 5, 2025 in Healthcare Brew

Bots have the potential to both help and hurt the mental health crisis, and clinicians hold varied perspectives about AI for therapy. ACA’s AI work group members Russell Fulmer and Olivia Uwamahoro Williams discuss the pros and cons and are cited in this article. Read Full Article

What Does Disorganized Attachment Style look Like in Adults?

Published July 28, 2025 in WebMD

A person with disorganized attachment often wants conflicting things, so they have contradictory behavior. ACA’s President-Elect, Victoria Kress explains this attachment style and is quoted in this article. Read Full Article