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


  • State Affairs: AR HB 1570 Update | LBGTQIA Health Care
    Apr 15, 2021|3 min read

    April 15, 2021By Dominique MarsalekBiden Administration issued an Executive Order on January 20, 2021, reaffirming the United States Supreme Court’s decisive conclusion that Title VII’s prohibition on discrimination 'because of sex' covers ...

  • American Counseling Association Foundation Awards Five Grants
    Apr 14, 2021|2 min read

    The American Counseling Association Foundation provides grants twice a year to ACA members who are licensed professional counselors, counselor educators, or graduate students.

  • Biden Administration Introduces the American Jobs Plan
    Apr 9, 2021|2 min read

    In these times where it seems like everyone is struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy, the Biden administration introduced the American Jobs Plan, which could potentially make life easier for millions of Americans. The American Jobs Plan consists ...

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