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Call for Contributors to  Second Edition of the �ֲ���ýEncyclopedia of Counseling

The �ֲ���ý (ACA) invites applications from qualified contributors for the forthcoming second edition of The �ֲ���ýEncyclopedia of Counseling, which will be published in 2027 in commemoration of ACA’s 75th anniversary.

Take Action: Federal Student Loan Caps Threaten Access to Counseling Programs

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.

The Next Right Thing: How a Counselor Ended Up Running for Office

By Annalisa Smithson, LPC, NCC I didn’t set out to run for office. I just kept saying “yes” to the next right thing. Six years ago, I decided to put my listening skills to good use by knocking on doors and advocating for candidates who shared my values.

Government Shutdown Ends

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.

Chiles v. Salazar Oral Argument Update

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the Supreme Court heard the oral argument for Chiles v. Salazar. The case grapples with whether Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.

New Diversity Book Series – Apply for Series Editor

�ֲ���ýinvites applications for a Series Editor to help shape and launch a forthcoming book series tentatively titled The Inclusive Practice. This series will focus on counseling clients from diverse populations and with a wide range of lived experiences.

Federal Government Shutdown

Congress struck down a proposal to continue to fund the government at current levels through the end of November. Because Congress was unable to pass a continuing resolution (CR) by September 30th, the Federal government has officially shut down.

October Issue of Journal of Counseling & Development Released Today

The October print issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD), the quarterly flagship journal of the �ֲ���ý (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

The �ֲ���ý (ACA) today celebrates the launch of the long-awaited Counseling Compact, which allows licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines.

An Update on Conversion Therapy Case Before the Supreme Court

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 for minors during the 2025-2026 term.

Announcing the 2025 Presidential Research Grant Awardees

�ֲ���ýis thrilled to announce the outstanding research proposals and awardees chosen for the inaugural Presidential Research Grant — an initiative of �ֲ���ýPast President, Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD, LPC, LSC (OH).

In a Challenging Labor Market, Black Women with Disabilities Are Choosing Self-Employment

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

�ֲ���ýFights for Counselor Access to Mental Health Funding

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

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...

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is not only an opportunity to spread mental health awareness, but also a reminder that too often communities of color face structural barriers to accessing mental health care.

The Impact of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on Counselors and Mental Health Care

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

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.  

States Take Action to Stop Mental Health Funding Cuts

A coalition of 16 state attorney generals have filed a lawsuit opposing the Department of Education’s (ED) cancellation of almost $1 billion in mental health funding.

Reconciliation Bill Signed into Law

President Trump just signed H.R. 1 (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill) into law. The law cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and weakens the Affordable Care Act marketplace with millions of Americans expected to lose access to their health care.

M. Elsa Soto Leggett Begins Term as �ֲ���ý President

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 �ֲ���ý2025–2026 president on July 1.