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


  • The Red Cross needs ACA volunteers for Hurricane Gustov
    Sep 2, 2008|2 min read

    The American Red Cross is in great need of disaster mental health volunteers following Hurricane Gustov's landfall in the Gulf Coast region this past weekend.

  • ACA Ethics Student Roundup!
    Sep 1, 2008|1 min read

    The ACA Ethics Committee will soon begin accepting registrations for the 5th Annual Ethics Case Study Competition-open to master's and doctoral level students in Counselor Education Programs.

  • Counselors Prepare to Assist Returning Servicemembers
    Aug 12, 2008|6 min read

    Almost 100 percent of American Counseling Association (ACA) members who completed a Capella University survey on military mental health issues have taken action to increase their understanding of post-combat and re-entry issues of returning ...

Media Mentions


When It Feels Like Your Family Is Making Your Depression Worse

Published April, 2026 on WebMD

Criticism from family members on the care of loved ones with depression can worsen a care giver’s own depression. ACA President Elect Victoria Kress and Shari Moody, discuss how care givers can manage their depression and how they can deal with family members. Read the Full Article

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