ACA News

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

Health Resources and Services Administration FY2025 Proposed Budget

This week, the White House released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 proposed annual budget. On Wednesday, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) held a briefing that outlines the agency’s plan to tackle the mental health crisis ...  

Department of Education FY2025 Proposed Budget

On March 11, 2024, the Department of Education (DOE) held a briefing detailing the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. The DOE requests $82.4 billion in discretionary budget authority for FY2025,

President Biden Highlights Mental Health Care in the State of the Union

During the 2024 State of the Union address, President Biden made mention of mental health care. In his comments, the President unveiled elements of his administration’s strategy to address a mental health crisis of isolation and loneliness.

College Students Appear Resistant to Using 988 Crisis Phone Line

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched across the U.S. nearly 2 years ago. But college students appear disinclined to use it, according to new research published in the Journal of Addiction & Offender Counseling

The White House Convening on Equity

The White House held a forum on the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication toward advancing equity. One year after President Biden signed the Executive Order, the Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

South Dakota Becomes 33rd 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 Kristi Noem signing into law her state's Counseling Compact legislation.

AI Can Support — But Not Replace — Human Counselors, According to New Recommendations

Artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise as a valuable support tool but the American Counseling Association (ACA) warns that consumers should not use AI as a substitute for a human counselor. 

Administration Announces New Program: the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model

On Thursday January 18, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) held a behavioral health stakeholder meeting...

The House and Senate Vote to Pass Temporary Extensions on Government Funding

On Thursday January 18, 2024, the Senate and House passed the continuing resolution (CR), the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act of 2024, that provides short term government funding through March 1, 2024.

New Jersey Becomes 32nd 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 Phil Murphy signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.

Passage of the Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act Could Benefit Licensed Professional Counselors

The Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) are rates set by statute and formula. Physicians and some practitioners are paid the full fee schedule amount ... while other non-physician practitioners are paid a percentage of the fee schedule amount.

Government Affairs December 2023 Updates

Medicare UpdateThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are currently accepting applications for any counselors interested in becoming a Medicare provider.

DC Mayor Signs Bill Offering Financial Assistance for Counseling Students

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is pleased to announce ... a unique funding program offering tuition and further funding to graduate students attending the HBCU University of the District of Columbia (UDC).

Wisconsin Becomes 31st State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law (CC)

The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines took another step forward as Governor Tony Evers signed into law his state’s Counseling Compact legislation. 

An Update on the Brokamp Case

In 1976, Virginia became the first state to gain licensure for counselors; in 2009, California became the 50th. In the interim 33 years, counselors worked tirelessly across the country to convince state legislators ...