ACA News

ACA Awards Recognize Achievement and Excellence in Professional Counseling

Orlando, Fla. (March 27, 2025) — Each year, the American Counseling Association (ACA) recognizes excellence in research, career and humanitarian achievement among counseling professionals and students with its awards and honors program.

Counseling Experts Present Latest Research at the 2025 ACA Conference & Expo, March 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.

More than 150 posters to be presented covering nicotine dependence and cognitive function among young adults to mental health implications of forced family separation at the border and more.

ACA Conference to Feature Sessions on Climate Change, Today’s Political Landscape, Impact of the Loneliness Epidemic on Youth & More

The 2025 ACA Conference & Expo, the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors, will feature 200+ education sessions, organized across 24 mental health and counseling topic areas.

Boynes Announces Departure; ACA Governing Council Announces Plans for Interim Leadership

Shawn Boynes, CEO, has announced his departure effective April 15, 2025. During his tenure, Boynes oversaw a 10% cumulative revenue growth, implemented a focused strategic plan, & launched the ACA Strategic Partner Network.

Continuing Resolution Extends Telehealth Through September

On March 14, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through September 30. This averted a federal government shutdown and largely maintains federal funding levels...

Counseling Compact Update: Committee Hearings in New Mexico and Nevada

On February 26, the Nevada General Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor held a hearing on the Counseling Compact legislation.

Highlighting Advocacy Tools

Share Your Parity Story We’re collecting counselors’ stories! These personal accounts leave a lasting impression on policymakers and are an opportunity to use your experiences to enact change.  

Advocacy Section Updates!

We are excited to share our updated Advocacy webpages with you- we hope these changes will help you get more involved in ACA advocacy and quickly find needed resources!

Artificial Intelligence Policy and Counseling

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly and becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life. While it has the potential to revolutionize the counseling profession, enhancing both practice and accessibility, it also presents significant risks.

The U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Conversion Therapy Ban

On March 9, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Chiles v. Salazar to rule on the constitutionality of Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy during the 2025-2026 term.

The Expiration of Telehealth Extensions

The most recent telehealth extension is set to expire on Monday, March 31, 2025. Along with our coalition partners, we have engaged congressional leaders to highlight the critical need for telehealth services...

Government Funding Deadline Quickly Approaching

As we approach the midpoint of the 2025 federal fiscal year (FY), the federal government continues to operate under a Continuing Resolution (CR) set to expire on Friday, March 14.

House Passes Budget Resolution That Threatens to Reduce Medicaid

Earlier this week in a 217-215 vote, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that marks the beginning of efforts to reshape the Medicaid program.

SimplePractice Joins the ACA Strategic Partner Network

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is pleased to announce the addition of SimplePractice to its Strategic Partner Network. This move expands the long-standing relationship between the two organizations.

Counseling Compact Update

Momentum continues on the Counseling Compact! Six states have introduced Counseling Compact legislation so far this session: Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Texas.

ACA Elects Victoria Kress as 2025–2026 President-Elect

We are pleased to announce the 2025–2026 ACA President-Elect. Victoria Kress, PhD, has been to elected ACA leadership and will begin her term on July 1, 2025.

ACA Engages 119th Congress on Mental Health Priorities

ACA proudly participated in January welcome receptions for the 119th Congress. ACA met with lawmakers to address America’s growing mental health crisis and advocate for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)

Reflections on the 2024 SAMHSA OBHE Conference: A Milestone for Behavioral Health Equity

2024 SAMHSA Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE) Conference, themed "Re-Envisioning the Behavioral Health Workforce Focusing on Underserved Communities," highlighted transformative efforts to promote equity in mental health & substance use care.

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.