ACA News

Federal Government Shutdown

Congress struck down a proposal to continue to fund the government at current levels through the end of November. Because Congress was unable to pass a continuing resolution (CR) by September 30th, the Federal government has officially shut down.

October Issue of Journal of Counseling & Development Released Today

The October print issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD), the quarterly flagship journal of the American Counseling Association (ACA), published today. “The October issue is a diverse mix of topics needed by practicing counselors”...

Ability to Practice Across State Lines Now a Reality for Thousands of Professional Counselors

The American Counseling Association (ACA) today celebrates the launch of the long-awaited Counseling Compact, which allows licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines.

An Update on Conversion Therapy Case Before the Supreme Court

On March 9, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review  Chiles v. Salazar to rule on the constitutionality of Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors during the 2025-2026 term.

Announcing the 2025 Presidential Research Grant Awardees

ACA is thrilled to announce the outstanding research proposals and awardees chosen for the inaugural Presidential Research Grant — an initiative of ACA Past President, Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD, LPC, LSC (OH).

In a Challenging Labor Market, Black Women with Disabilities Are Choosing Self-Employment

While the employment landscape for Black women continues to shift, Black women with disabilities are actively pursuing self-employment as a viable career option, according to new research published in the Journal of Multicultural Counseling & Development

ACA Fights for Counselor Access to Mental Health Funding

On July 17th, the Department of Education released new guidance on two of the largest Bipartisan Safer Communities Act mental health grants.

Journal Special Issue Spotlights Disability in the Black Community and the Need for Culturally Appropriate Counseling Interventions

People with disabilities often struggle to find licensed professional counselors who have the training needed to help them navigate their unique challenges and circumstances. Black people with disabilities — whose conditions are compounded by race...

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is not only an opportunity to spread mental health awareness, but also a reminder that too often communities of color face structural barriers to accessing mental health care.

The Impact of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on Counselors and Mental Health Care

On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill) into law. The legislation will have significant effects on education and health care in addition to other policy areas.

Indiana Counselors: Take Action to Stave Off Reimbursement Rate Cuts

Anthem/Carelon collaboration has stoked concerns of a nearly 50% reduction in reimbursement rates for counseling services. Contact your lawmaker to ensure these reductions stay off the table.  

States Take Action to Stop Mental Health Funding Cuts

A coalition of 16 state attorney generals have filed a lawsuit opposing the Department of Education’s (ED) cancellation of almost $1 billion in mental health funding.

Reconciliation Bill Signed into Law

President Trump just signed H.R. 1 (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill) into law. The law cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and weakens the Affordable Care Act marketplace with millions of Americans expected to lose access to their health care.

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.

ACA Speaks Out Against Medicaid Cuts

ACA joins more than 190 leading health care organizations in calling on Senate leadership to oppose devasting cuts to Medicaid.

What to Expect at 2025 Hill Day

We invite all members to join us in Washington, D.C., Oct 21-22 for 2025 Hill Day. Over two days, attendees will engage in unparalleled opportunities for advocacy, professional development and networking.

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

The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues to move forward with Governor Joe Lombardo signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.

Proposed Health and Human Services Budget

On May 30, the Trump-Vance Administration released its proposed budget for the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department.

American Counseling Association Adds Upheal to Prestigious Strategic Partner Network

The American Counseling Association is pleased to announce that Upheal has been selected to join the ACA Strategic Partner Network. Launched in 2024, the Strategic Partner Network provides companies with a year-long engagement with ACA members...

Call for Editors: Second Edition of The ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling

In celebration of the American Counseling Association’s 75th anniversary in 2027, ACA is pleased to announce the development of a fully revised and expanded second edition of the ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling, originally published in 2009.