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 Senate Finance Looks Good for Counselors
    Apr 4, 2022|2 min read

    The American Counseling Association (ACA) commends the recent release of the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) report, “Mental Health Care in the United States: The Case for Federal Action” and their work to support bipartisan mental health ...

  • Maine Becomes Seventh State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law
    Apr 4, 2022|2 min read

    The American Counseling Association and licensed professional counselors nationwide are celebrating the signing of Maine House Paper 1427 in support of the Counseling Compact, which will authorize counselors to practice across state lines once enacted.

  • Utah Becomes Sixth State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law
    Mar 28, 2022|2 min read

    The American Counseling Association and licensed professional counselors nationwide are celebrating the signing of Utah State Bill 237 in support of the Counseling Compact, which will authorize counselors to practice across state lines once enacted.

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