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


  • Report from the Dedication of the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial
    Sep 11, 2008|1 min read

    ACA accepted an invitation to attend the September 11, 2008 dedication of the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial and was represented by Chief Professional Officer David Kaplan. The ceremony included remarks from President Bush and Secretary of Defense Gates. Each ...

  • ACA Members Needed To Provide Disaster Mental Health (DMH) Support for Hurricane Ike
    Sep 10, 2008|2 min read

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, the American Red Cross is in great need of licensed mental health professionals. If you are interested and available for a national deployment for 10 days to 3 weeks, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.

  • 600+ ACA Members Respond to Call for Services to Veterans
    Sep 10, 2008|1 min read

    More than 600 ACA members responded to a late August call by Heritage of America, a designated disabled veteran owned company, to provide compensated counseling services to veterans who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries.

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