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Update on New Executive Order About Substance Use Disorder

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced a series of new substance use disorder (SUD) treatment & mental health initiatives aligning with President Trump’s EO called the Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.

New Executive Order on Substance Use Disorder

President Trump issued a new Executive Order (EO) “Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.” EO launches the “White House Great American Recovery Initiative,” which will help coordinate substance use disorder (SUD) treatment...

Study Finds Religion/Spirituality May Protect Against Depression Among Young Adult Online Gamers

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

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

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

The �ֲ���ý (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

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 �ֲ���ýMarketplace.

SUPPORT Act Reauthorization Becomes Law

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

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.

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...