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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.

Advocacy

Indiana Counselors: Take Action to Stave Off Reimbursement Rate Cuts

Counseling Compact

Nevada Becomes 38th State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law

Latest News

World?s Largest Counseling Organization Denounces Attacks at US Capitol
Jan 7, 2021|2 min read

The American Counseling Association opposes violence. We strongly condemn the rhetoric from the president and others that led to this despicable event, knowing that it threatens to incite similar acts in the future.
ACA Acknowledges the $4.25 Billion Designated for Mental Health Services in the Pandemic Relief Bill; More is Required
Dec 22, 2020|2 min read

The funding is the largest amount mental health and substance use disorders has received in a single spending bill, indicating recognition of the mental health concerns caused by the pandemic.
Congress Finalizes New COVID-19 Relief Package
Dec 21, 2020|2 min read

On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Congressional leaders announced that they have finalized an agreement on a package that provides both COVID-relief and full fiscal year (FY) 2021 funding for the 12 federal appropriations bills. Because the two-day ...

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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