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


  • California Counselor Licensure Bill on Governor Schwarzenegger?s Desk
    Aug 18, 2009|2 min read

    The counseling profession?s long-standing goal of achieving recognition in all 50 states is a major step closer to completion. In the final hours of its legislative session, the California legislature approved a bill establishing licensure of ...

  • 2010 ACA National Awards Nominations Now Open
    Aug 1, 2009|1 min read

    The Awards Committee of the American Counseling Association announces the start of the nomination process for the 2010 ACA National Awards. The Awards will be presented at the ACA 2010 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh.

  • ACA is blogging: my.counseling.org
    Jun 24, 2009|1 min read

    ACA just launched its newest communications vehicle: an ACA blog. Join the conversation. Recent topics: standards, TV shows that focus on mental health treatment and therapy, and much more!

Media Mentions


Burrow Blueprint Tackles Mental Health in Appalachian Schools

Published November 18, 2025 on The Post

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Joe Burrow Foundation have partnered on a new program, the Burrow Blueprint, to provide and support mental health treatment in Appalachian Ohio schools. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat explains the importance of providing mental health services to students in rural Appalachian Ohio. Read Full Article

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