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


  • ACAeNews Volume X, Issue No. 14 (July 15, 2008)
    Jul 15, 2008|8 min read

    The latest issue of ACA eNews is online! In this issue: Judy Shepard, Adolfo Bermeo to Keynote 2009 ACA Conference * COPARC to Meet in Late July * ACA Best Sellers: Ideal for Summer Reading * Reliable Resource: Online Tool Promote Opportunities for ...

  • ACA Launches NIU Pro Bono Initiative
    Jul 2, 2008|2 min read

    Responding once again to a traumatic incident on a college campus, the American Counseling Association, in collaboration with the Illinois Counseling Association, has organized an effort to provide free counseling sessions for students of Northern ...

  • Helping with the floods: Certified Red Cross Mental Health Volunteers needed in IN, IA, & WI
    Jun 18, 2008|1 min read

    The Red Cross has asked ACA to put out a call for currently certified Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteers in Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin who can respond to the massive flooding and displacement that has occurred in these states.

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