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John C. Nance to Serve as ACA’s 2026-2027 President-Elect

We are pleased to announce that John C. Nance, PhD, LCMHC-S, NCC, has been elected the 2026 – 2027 �ֲ���ý (ACA) president-elect. He will begin his term on July 1.

Department of Health & Human Services Summit on Mental Health and Overmedicalization

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Institute hosted a summit titled, “Mental Health and Overmedicalization.” During his closing remarks, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy introduced a plan to “promote appropriate...

Rule Finalized Reducing Access to Federal Student Loans

The Trump Administration has finalized its rule reducing counseling students’ access to federal student loans. Starting July 1, 2026, as part of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of Education (ED)...

Advocacy Win- CareSource of Ohio Suspends Planned Clawbacks

Counselors in Ohio reported that CareSource, a nonprofit Medicaid managed care organization (MCO), was planning on taking back payments for behavioral health services after reviewing past claims.

New Data Shows Lack of Parity Between Mental and Physical Health Care

Kennedy Forum, Third Horizon, American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and Ballmer Group analyzed data from four major insurance providers.

History Is Made: Louisiana Allows Counselors to Practice Across State Lines

As part of the historic interstate Counseling Compact agreement, Louisiana is the latest state that can now start granting privileges to licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines.

Announcing the Winners of the �ֲ���ýAwards for Achievement and Excellence in Professional Counseling

Every year the �ֲ���ý (ACA) recognizes excellence in research, career and humanitarian achievement among counseling professionals and students with its awards and honors program.

Supreme Court Ruling in Chiles v. Salazar Poses Serious Threat to LGBTQ+ Rights and to Professional Counselors Nationwide

Alexandria, Va. — In Chiles v. Salazar, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, the practice of trying to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The March 31 ruling compromises the ethical standards...

Counseling Awareness Month Celebrates the Pivotal Work of Counselors in Strengthening Mental Health

Alexandria, Va. (April 1, 2026) — To honor and recognize the counseling profession and to increase public awareness about when and how to engage with a counselor, the �ֲ���ý (ACA) celebrates Counseling Awareness Month each April.

Tennessee LPC/MFT Licensure Board Update

The Tennessee General Assembly advanced a bill (SB 2227/ HB 2539) that would eliminate the Licensed Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy Board and house the administrative functions of the board under a Department of Health commission.

�ֲ���ýEndorses Bill to Raise Medicare Reimbursement for Counselors

On March 25, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Maggie Hassan.

TIPSHEET: Counseling Experts Present Latest Research at the 2026 �ֲ���ýConference & Expo, April 9–11 in Columbus, Ohio

SELECT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Broaching Current Events with Clients, April 10, 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ET Current events can profoundly affect mental health, yet many counselors struggle with when and how to address sociopolitical realities in session.

Research Highlights at 2026 �ֲ���ýConference & Expo: Disaster’s Effect on Children, Mental Health Misinformation, How Body Acceptance Can Lead to Flourishing in Middle Age + More

The 2026 �ֲ���ýConference & 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.

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

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

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...

�ֲ���ý to Hold 2026 �ֲ���ýConference & Expo

The 2026 �ֲ���ýConference & Expo is the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors.

�ֲ���ý Adds TheraNest to Prestigious Strategic Partner Network

The �ֲ���ý (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

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...

Call for Proposals: Special Issue - Humanistic Counseling Supervision

The Journal of Humanistic Counseling seeks proposals for a new special issue on Humanistic Counseling Supervision. Proposals are due March 16, 2026

Brian D. Banks Joins the �ֲ���ý as Its Next CEO

The �ֲ���ý (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.