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


  • Counseling Compact Update
    Apr 5, 2021|2 min read

    April 5, 2021By Dominique N. Marsalek What is the Counseling Compact?The Counseling Compact is an occupational licensure agreement based on the mutual recognition model, in which a practitioner’s home state[1] license is mutually recognized by ...

  • ACA Responds to the Recent Voter Suppression Law in Georgia and Upcoming Bills in Other States
    Apr 1, 2021|2 min read

    ACA stands with the many voters, voting rights organizations and lawyers, who have condemned legislation that imposes unconstitutional burdens on the right to vote.

  • Maryland State Legislators Pass Counseling Compact Bill
    Mar 30, 2021|3 min read

    Grassroots efforts by local professional counselors are lauded for the success. The Counseling Compact, which allows counseling practice across state lines, is in effect when ten states enact the legislation. Maryland is the second state to pass ...

Media Mentions


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

As AI Therapy Grows, Clinicians Try to Chart a Path Forward

Published August 5, 2025 in Healthcare Brew

Bots have the potential to both help and hurt the mental health crisis, and clinicians hold varied perspectives about AI for therapy. ACA’s AI work group members Russell Fulmer and Olivia Uwamahoro Williams discuss the pros and cons and are cited in this article. Read Full Article

What Does Disorganized Attachment Style look Like in Adults?

Published July 28, 2025 in WebMD

A person with disorganized attachment often wants conflicting things, so they have contradictory behavior. ACA’s President-Elect, Victoria Kress explains this attachment style and is quoted in this article. Read Full Article