ACA News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Ohio Becomes the 3rd State to Grant Counseling Compact Privileges

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is thrilled to announce that Ohio is the latest state to begin granting privileges under the Counseling Compact, marking another significant milestone in expanding access to mental health care.

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”...

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

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...

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.

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...

American Counseling Association Announces Syvonne Carter as Interim CEO

The American Counseling Association (ACA), the largest U.S. membership organization serving professional counselors and counselors in training, is pleased to announce the appointment of Syvonne Carter as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

ACA Awards Recognize Achievement and Excellence in Professional Counseling

Orlando, Fla. (March 27, 2025) — Each 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.

Counseling Experts Present Latest Research at the 2025 ACA Conference & Expo, March 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.

More than 150 posters to be presented covering nicotine dependence and cognitive function among young adults to mental health implications of forced family separation at the border and more.

ACA Conference to Feature Sessions on Climate Change, Today’s Political Landscape, Impact of the Loneliness Epidemic on Youth & More

The 2025 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.

Boynes Announces Departure; ACA Governing Council Announces Plans for Interim Leadership

Shawn Boynes, CEO, has announced his departure effective April 15, 2025. During his tenure, Boynes oversaw a 10% cumulative revenue growth, implemented a focused strategic plan, & launched the ACA Strategic Partner Network.