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


  • Department of Education Announces ESSCP, Mental Health Integration Grants
    Jan 12, 2010|3 min read

    Below are grant announcements released today by the U.S. Department of Education, for grants under both the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP) and Grants for the Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems.

  • Happy New Year & 2009 Highlights
    Dec 31, 2009|1 min read

    President Lynn Linde, the Governing Council, staff, and volunteers of the American Counseling Association (ACA) would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your membership, support, and the trust you have bestowed upon us, your ...

  • ACA Helps Welcome New SAMHSA Head
    Dec 14, 2009|2 min read

    The American Counseling Association was invited as representatives of the counseling profession to meet and welcome Pamela Hyde, the new Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), on the evening of ...

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