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 Statement of Support for Japan
    Mar 15, 2011|1 min read

    ACA expresses its sorrow to the people of Japan who are coping with enormous loss and suffering due to the earthquake and tsunami.

  • ACA Professional Member Logo
    Mar 15, 2011|2 min read

    As we approach Counseling Awareness Month (April), we are very pleased to promote our ACA member benefit -- the ACA member logo, which you can use on your business cards, stationery, your website, in private practice brochures, and in many other ways.

  • ACA Election Results
    Feb 15, 2011|2 min read

    ACA Nominations and Elections Chair Lynn Linde and I would like you to know that Dr. Bradley T. Erford has been elected to serve as the Association's 61st President.

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