ACA News

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.

SAMHSA Terminates Mental Health and SUD Grants

Late on Jan.13, 2026, hundreds of grantees received termination letters from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), canceling congressionally appropriated grants.

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.

Affordable Care Act Marketplace Subsidies

As of Dec. 17, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace subsidies have not been extended.Despite weeks long debate and several proposed bills, Congress has failed to pass legislation that would extend subsidies for the ACA Marketplace.

SUPPORT Act Reauthorization Becomes Law

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (SUPPORT Act) was signed into law on December 1, 2025. The legislation reauthorizes and updates FY2026–FY2030 funding for a range of grant programs.

Take Action: Federal Student Loan Caps Threaten Access to Counseling Programs

As part of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Education (ED) could be making significant changes to federal student loan limits.

The Next Right Thing: How a Counselor Ended Up Running for Office

By Annalisa Smithson, LPC, NCC I didn’t set out to run for office. I just kept saying “yes” to the next right thing. Six years ago, I decided to put my listening skills to good use by knocking on doors and advocating for candidates who shared my values.

Government Shutdown Ends

After 43 days, the federal government will reopen. Congress has passed, and President Trump has signed, a Continuing Resolution (CR) that will fund the federal government through January 30, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Chiles v. Salazar Oral Argument Update

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the Supreme Court heard the oral argument for Chiles v. Salazar. The case grapples with whether Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.

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.