ACA News

ACA Responds to APA's Recommendations for Training, Licensure and Regulations for Masters-Degree Psychology Professionals

ACA’s Governing Council submitted a public statement to APA’s “Proposed Title and Draft Scope of Practice” during the comment period, which ended on November 24, 2024.

Washington, D.C. Signs Interstate Counseling Compact Legislation

The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues to move forward with Mayor Muriel Bowser signing Counseling Compact legislation for enactment in her city.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) October Developments

CMS’s Office of Minority Health shared the Coverage to Care initiative and the Roadmap to Behavioral Health to help people understand what behavioral health and substance use services are available.

DOE Funding for School-Based Mental Health Services

On October 17th, the Department of Education announced it will provide $70 million in grants to support school-based mental health services.

Senators Urge Permanent Extension of Telehealth Flexibilities for Medicare Beneficiaries

A bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging them advance the CONNECT for Health Act, which would permanently extend telehealth Medicare beneficiaries.

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.