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Advancing the counseling profession, mental health and well-being through education, advocacy, community, inclusion and research.
What Is the Counseling Compact?
The Counseling Compact is an agreement among states to legislatively recognize other states’ counseling licenses.
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The Counseling Singularity: Empathy & Artificial Intelligence in the Art of Healing
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Latest News
Ohio Becomes the 3rd State to Grant Counseling Compact Privileges
Jan 5, 2026|3 min read
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
Dec 18, 2025|3 min read
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
Dec 10, 2025|2 min read
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.
Call for Contributors to Second Edition of the ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling
Nov 24, 2025|2 min read
ACA invites applications from qualified contributors for the forthcoming second edition of The ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling, which will be published in 2027 in commemoration of ACA’s 75th anniversary. This is open to members and non-members.
Take Action: Federal Student Loan Caps Threaten Access to Counseling Programs
Nov 21, 2025|2 min read
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.
Government Shutdown Ends
Nov 13, 2025|2 min read
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.
October Issue of Journal of Counseling & Development Released Today
Oct 1, 2025|3 min read
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
Sep 30, 2025|4 min read
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.
Announcing the 2025 Presidential Research Grant Awardees
Sep 9, 2025|1 min read
ACA is thrilled to announce the outstanding research proposals and awardees chosen for the inaugural Presidential Research Grant — an initiative of ACA Past President, Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD, LPC, LSC (OH).
In a Challenging Labor Market, Black Women with Disabilities Are Choosing Self-Employment
Aug 27, 2025|3 min read
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
ACA Fights for Counselor Access to Mental Health Funding
Aug 22, 2025|1 min read
On July 17th, the Department of Education released new guidance on two of the largest Bipartisan Safer Communities Act mental health grants.
Journal Special Issue Spotlights Disability in the Black Community and the Need for Culturally Appropriate Counseling Interventions
Aug 7, 2025|4 min read
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...
The Impact of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on Counselors and Mental Health Care
Jul 11, 2025|5 min read
On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill) into law. The legislation will have significant effects on education and health care in addition to other policy areas.
Indiana Counselors: Take Action to Stave Off Reimbursement Rate Cuts
Jul 8, 2025|1 min read
Anthem/Carelon collaboration has stoked concerns of a nearly 50% reduction in reimbursement rates for counseling services. Contact your lawmaker to ensure these reductions stay off the table.
M. Elsa Soto Leggett Begins Term as American Counseling Association President
Jul 2, 2025|3 min read
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.
Nevada Becomes 38th State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law
Jun 16, 2025|2 min read
The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues to move forward with Governor Joe Lombardo signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.
Proposed Health and Human Services Budget
Jun 11, 2025|2 min read
On May 30, the Trump-Vance Administration released its proposed budget for the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department.
American Counseling Association Adds Upheal to Prestigious Strategic Partner Network
May 22, 2025|2 min read
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...
Call for Editors: Second Edition of The ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling
May 13, 2025|2 min read
In celebration of the American Counseling Association’s 75th anniversary in 2027, ACA is pleased to announce the development of a fully revised and expanded second edition of the ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling, originally published in 2009.
American Counseling Association Announces Syvonne Carter as Interim CEO
May 6, 2025|2 min read
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.
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Federal Student Loan Caps Threaten Access to Counseling Programs
Starting July 1, 2026, as part of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of Education (ED) could begin making significant changes to federal student loan limits. Under these guidelines, non-doctorate counseling programs are considered graduate programs, and therefore capping student borrowing power to $20,500 a year in federal student loans.
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