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


  • Conference Attendees Give Back to the Community
    Mar 24, 2011|2 min read

    Three busloads of ACA members - approximately 150 individuals -- participated in the Give Back to the New Orleans Community project on Thursday morning as part of the 2011 ACA Conference.

  • ACA Institute for Leadership Training
    Mar 20, 2011|2 min read

    I look forward to seeing many ACA branch, regional, and division leaders in just a few weeks at our first-ever ACA Institute for Leadership Training. Just as society has changed, we also recognize the changing needs of today's leader.

  • ACA ALERT: New Medicare Counselor Coverage Bill in Senate!
    Mar 17, 2011|2 min read

    Legislation to establish Medicare coverage of state-licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists has been introduced in the Senate.

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