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


  • ACA Response to the Derek Chauvin Trial
    Apr 20, 2021|2 min read

    ACA is built on a mission that promotes human dignity and diversity, respect, the attainment of a quality of life for all, empowerment, integrity, social justice advocacy, equity and inclusion.

  • ACA Announces the Winners of the 2021 American Counseling Association Awards
    Apr 20, 2021|3 min read

    The annual American Counseling Association Awards, created to recognize the best among the counseling profession?s students, counselors in practice and ACA members, acknowledge those who have made extraordinary contributions to the counseling profession.

  • Biden Administration Releases Top Line Budget Request
    Apr 16, 2021|6 min read

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released President Biden’s topline request for fiscal year (FY) 2022 discretionary funding. OMB stated the complete President’s Budget will not be available in time for the start of the ...

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