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Advancing the counseling profession, mental health and well-being through education, advocacy, community, inclusion and research.

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Code of Ethics Review

Share your comments on the draft 2026 ACA Code of Ethics.

2026 Conference & Expo

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What Is the Counseling Compact?

The Counseling Compact is an agreement among states to legislatively recognize other states’ counseling licenses.

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Latest Update:

Ohio Becomes the 3rd State to Grant Counseling Compact Privileges

Jan 5, 2026

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National Immigrant Justice Center

Know Your Rights: All individuals in the United States have rights, regardless of immigration status.

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Latest News

New Survey Reveals Professional Counselors Concerns About Consumers Use of AI for Mental Health Therapy

Mar 18, 2026|3 min read

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.

Student Loan Borrowers Sue the Department of Education

Mar 11, 2026|1 min read

Student loan borrowers have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education, asserting that the Trump Administration must restart the SAVE plan. The SAVE plan, created under the Biden Administration, is an income-driven repayment program designed...

American Counseling Association to Hold 2026 ACA Conference & Expo

Mar 10, 2026|1 min read

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

Feb 27, 2026|3 min read

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

Feb 20, 2026|1 min read

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...

Brian D. Banks Joins the American Counseling Association as Its Next CEO

Feb 19, 2026|3 min read

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

Jan 22, 2026|3 min read

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

Jan 16, 2026|1 min read

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

Jan 14, 2026|1 min read

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

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.

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...

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