Press Release

Press Release

M. Elsa Soto Leggett Begins Term as American Counseling Association President

Elsa Soto Leggett, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, professor and practicum/internship coordinator at Truman State University and sole proprietor of Shelter Counseling and Supervision, began her term as ACA 2025–2026 president on July 1.

Latest News


  • Don't Miss: Author Signings, Film Festival, Sessions by ACA Authors!
    Feb 20, 2007|2 min read

    The countdown has begun! Our bags are packed...and so are our books (and films!) for the ACA Convention Bookstore. We want to make sure that you know about several events going on in the ACA Bookstore and in the COBO Exhibit Hall.

  • ACAF Announces Student Essay Competition Topics
    Feb 20, 2007|2 min read

    Topics for the 2007 American Counseling Association Foundation's Graduate Student Essay Contest have just been announced by ACAF Chair Jane Goodman.

  • ACA Bookstore Event With Authors Scheduled for Detroit
    Feb 20, 2007|1 min read

    Be sure to attend one of the most popular events at the ACA Convention-the ACA Author Book Signings! Participants will have the opportunity to converse with some of the most influential and distinguished counselors in the field while they sign their ...

Media Mentions


Burrow Blueprint Tackles Mental Health in Appalachian Schools

Published November 18, 2025 on The Post

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Joe Burrow Foundation have partnered on a new program, the Burrow Blueprint, to provide and support mental health treatment in Appalachian Ohio schools. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat explains the importance of providing mental health services to students in rural Appalachian Ohio. Read Full Article

Protecting Kids and Teens on TikTok

Aired September 25, 2025 on Spectrum News Columbus

More should be done to combat the dark side of social media that can endanger kids and teenagers. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat discusses the dangers of social media, its influence on societal pressures on young people and the role of parental supervision in protecting them. Watch the News Segment

AI Therapist Might Be Illegal Soon. Here’s Why

Published August 27, 2025 in CNN

As AI chatbots become a popular way to access cost-free counseling and companionship, a patchwork of state regulation is emerging, restricting how the technology can be used in therapy practice. ACA’s AI work group member Russell Fulmer provides insight on using AI in counseling in this article. Read Full Article

Moving to a New Home or School Can Stress Kids Out. How to Make it More Manageable

Published August 19, 2025 on Associated Press

Transitioning to a new home or school environment can be an anxious time for kids, with worries about making new friends and adapting to new routines. ACA’s President Elect Victoria Kress provides insight on how these changes can affect kids. Read Full Article