ACA News

Announcing the Winners of the ACA Awards for Achievement and Excellence in Professional Counseling

Every year the American Counseling Association (ACA) recognizes excellence in research, career and humanitarian achievement among counseling professionals and students with its awards and honors program.

Supreme Court Ruling in Chiles v. Salazar Poses Serious Threat to LGBTQ+ Rights and to Professional Counselors Nationwide

Alexandria, Va. — In Chiles v. Salazar, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, the practice of trying to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The March 31 ruling compromises the ethical standards...

Counseling Awareness Month Celebrates the Pivotal Work of Counselors in Strengthening Mental Health

Alexandria, Va. (April 1, 2026) — To honor and recognize the counseling profession and to increase public awareness about when and how to engage with a counselor, the American Counseling Association (ACA) celebrates Counseling Awareness Month each April.

Tennessee LPC/MFT Licensure Board Update

The Tennessee General Assembly advanced a bill (SB 2227/ HB 2539) that would eliminate the Licensed Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy Board and house the administrative functions of the board under a Department of Health commission.

ACA Endorses Bill to Raise Medicare Reimbursement for Counselors

On March 25, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Maggie Hassan.

TIPSHEET: Counseling Experts Present Latest Research at the 2026 ACA Conference & Expo, April 9–11 in Columbus, Ohio

SELECT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Broaching Current Events with Clients, April 10, 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ET Current events can profoundly affect mental health, yet many counselors struggle with when and how to address sociopolitical realities in session.

Research Highlights at 2026 ACA Conference & Expo: Disaster’s Effect on Children, Mental Health Misinformation, How Body Acceptance Can Lead to Flourishing in Middle Age + More

The 2026 ACA Conference & Expo, the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors, will feature 200+ education sessions, organized across 24 mental health and counseling topic areas.

New Survey Reveals Professional Counselors Concerns About Consumers Use of AI for Mental Health Therapy

With the rising popularity of artificial intelligence, consumers today are increasingly turning to AI for assistance in a variety of ways, including for mental health support.

New ACA Books Editorial Board – Call for Applications

ACA invites applications from current ACA members for service on the newly established Books Editorial Board. Applications due May 1, 2026.

Student Loan Borrowers Sue the Department of Education

Student loan borrowers have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education, asserting that the Trump Administration must restart the SAVE plan. The SAVE plan, created under the Biden Administration, is an income-driven repayment program designed...

American Counseling Association to Hold 2026 ACA Conference & Expo

The 2026 ACA Conference & Expo is the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors.

American Counseling Association Adds TheraNest to Prestigious Strategic Partner Network

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is pleased to announce that TheraNest by Ensora Health has been selected as the newest addition to its Strategic Partner Network.

Call on the Department of Education to formally recognize Counseling Programs as Professional Programs

The Department of Education (ED) is considering significant reductions to federal student loan limits. Under these new limits, counseling students would only be able to borrow $20,500 annually, potentially pushing students toward expensive private...

Call for Proposals: Special Issue - Humanistic Counseling Supervision

The Journal of Humanistic Counseling seeks proposals for a new special issue on Humanistic Counseling Supervision. Proposals are due March 16, 2026

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.

ACA Mentioned in Congressional Resolutions Supporting the Trans Community

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-7) introduced H.Res.1058 in the House of Rep while Senator Ed Markey (MA) introduced S.Res.604 in the Senate. These resolutions recognize the duty of the federal government to develop and implement a “Transgender Bill of Rights".

Update on New Executive Order About Substance Use Disorder

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced a series of new substance use disorder (SUD) treatment & mental health initiatives aligning with President Trump’s EO called the Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.

New Executive Order on Substance Use Disorder

President Trump issued a new Executive Order (EO) “Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.” EO launches the “White House Great American Recovery Initiative,” which will help coordinate substance use disorder (SUD) treatment...

Study Finds Religion/Spirituality May Protect Against Depression Among Young Adult Online Gamers

Internet use is part of daily life for many people in work, social interaction, entertainment, shopping, and many other activities. Many people engage in online gaming to facilitate social connection, though the activity can also contribute to other...

Update: Federal Mental Health and Addiction Grant Funding Restored

After a day of confusion and uncertainty, the Trump administration moved Wednesday night to restore approximately $2 billion in federal grant funding for mental health and addiction programs nationwide.