ACA News

Millions Allocated for Behavioral Health Education, Training, and Community Programs

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced an additional $68.5 million in grants to support behavioral health education, training, and community programs.

How Counselors Can Advocate during Suicide Prevention Month

During Suicide Prevention Month in September, ACA applauds several major recent step that the federal government has taken steps to assist those in crisis and improve mental healthcare accessibility.

White House Announces New Mental Health and Substance Use Parity Rule

The White House released a new rule about mental healthcare parity. The rule requires health insurance plans to provide the same level of mental healthcare coverage as they do with physical healthcare coverage. 

SAMHSA Announces $45.1 Million in Grant Awards

SAMHSA announced that it will be awarding $45.1 million in grants to support mental health and substance use services. The agency particularly emphasized funding for children and youth services, allocating $15.3 million specifically for this group.

New Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Funding Opportunities

SAMHSA has announced new funding opportunities for supporting women’s behavioral health. The Community-Based Maternal Behavioral Health Services Program allocates $15 million for improving access to maternal mental health and substance use treatment.

Final Behavioral Health Parity Rule Submitted to the White House

The U.S. Department of Labor submitted its final rule on behavioral health parity regulations. The proposed rule would strengthen the Mental Health Parity and Addiction

White House Administration Commits $27.5 Million to Women’s Behavioral Health

The American Counseling Association applauds the Biden Administration for creating new funding opportunities to enhance Women’s Behavioral Health.

Christine Suniti Bhat Begins Term as President of American Counseling Association

Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD, an Ohio University professor and an expert on cyberbullying prevention, begins her term as 2024-2025 president of the American Counseling Association on July 1.

Rhode Island Becomes 37th 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 Daniel McKee signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.

Bradley Erford Named Incoming Editor of ACA Flagship Journal

Bradley T. Erford, PhD, a Vanderbilt University professor and expert on psychoeducational tests and counseling outcomes research, has been named incoming editor of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD)

Journal Explores the Experiences of Minority and Young Populations Within LGBTQ+ Community

The experiences and mental health of children, youth and marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community is the focus of a special two-part series in the Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling.

Minnesota Becomes 36th 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 Tim Walz signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.

South Carolina Becomes 35th 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 Henry McMaster signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.

Professional Counselors Love Their Work, But Not Their Earnings

American Counseling Association survey reveals counselors’ concerns about income, education costs and professional support.

ACA CEO Testifies on Need for Improved Mental Health Care for Black Men and Boys

Today, ACA CEO Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE, testified at a congressional hearing about the role counselors can play in providing support for Black men and boys and dismantling stigma around mental health concerns.

ACA Applauds the White House Agenda on Suicide Prevention

The American Counseling Association applauds the Biden Harris Administration for a historic move in mental health advocacy and public policy -- the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Federal Action Plan.

Arizona Becomes 34th 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 Katie Hobbs signing into law her state's Counseling Compact legislation.

Counseling Awareness Month Honors Professionals Who Foster Mental Health and Wellness

The American Counseling Association celebrates the field’s role in debunking mental illness stigma and providing care.

ACA Awards Recognize Achievement and Excellence in Professional Counseling

Each year, the American Counseling Association recognizes excellence in research, career and humanitarian achievement among counseling professionals and students. This year’s awards will be presented at ACA’s 2024 Conference & Expo in New Orleans.

Biden Administration Proposes Increased Funding for Mental Health Services

The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans by providing for effective health and human services