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


  • Dr. Marcheta Evans Elected As ACA's 59th President
    Feb 17, 2009|2 min read

    ACA is pleased to announce that Dr. Marcheta Evans has been elected to serve as the Association's 59th President. Dr. Evans has served as a volunteer leader at the state, regional, division, and national levels and has been dedicated to the profession ...

  • Graduate Students -- Your Thoughts Can Win!
    Feb 17, 2009|1 min read

    Topics have just been announced for the ACA Foundation's annual Graduate Student Essay Contest, open to all graduate students in counseling or related programs. The first place winner will receive $500, and five winning essays will appear in ...

  • ACA Sponsored Counseling Delegation to China and Tibet
    Feb 4, 2009|1 min read

    People to People and The American Counseling Association are pleased to announce a unique overseas cultural and professional exchange opportunity. Dr. Jane Goodman, a past ACA president, will lead a delegation of professional counselors to China and ...

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