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Press Release

M. Elsa Soto Leggett Begins Term as American Counseling Association 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 ACA 2025–2026 president on July 1.

Advocacy

Indiana Counselors: Take Action to Stave Off Reimbursement Rate Cuts

Counseling Compact

Nevada Becomes 38th State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law

Latest News

Controversial Nominee Picked to Oversee SAMHSA
May 5, 2017|2 min read

A former chief medical director at SAMHSA has been chosen to oversee the agency. She criticized its approach to severe mental illness after she left, and the Congressman who helped create the post overseeing the agency has criticized the nomination.
Supreme Court Turns Away Challenge to Conversion Therapy Ban
May 1, 2017|2 min read

The Supreme Court upholds California's conversion therapy ban, which was challenged on religious freedom grounds and previously on free speech grounds. This protects bans in other states as well. Congress is considering a nationwide ban on conversion ...
Bills Introduced in Congress Would Ban Conversion Therapy. Add your support
Apr 28, 2017|3 min read

Bills in the House and Senate would ban conversion therapy as a fraudulent practice because sexual identity is not a treatable medical condition, or a medical condition at all. You can add your support.

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Media Mentions

Burrow Blueprint Tackles Mental Health in Appalachian Schools

Published November 18, 2025 on The Post

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Joe Burrow Foundation have partnered on a new program, the Burrow Blueprint, to provide and support mental health treatment in Appalachian Ohio schools. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat explains the importance of providing mental health services to students in rural Appalachian Ohio. Read Full Article

Protecting Kids and Teens on TikTok

Aired September 25, 2025 on Spectrum News Columbus

More should be done to combat the dark side of social media that can endanger kids and teenagers. ACA Past President Christine Suniti Bhat discusses the dangers of social media, its influence on societal pressures on young people and the role of parental supervision in protecting them. Watch the News Segment

AI Therapist Might Be Illegal Soon. Here’s Why

Published August 27, 2025 in CNN

As AI chatbots become a popular way to access cost-free counseling and companionship, a patchwork of state regulation is emerging, restricting how the technology can be used in therapy practice. ACA’s AI work group member Russell Fulmer provides insight on using AI in counseling in this article. Read Full Article

Moving to a New Home or School Can Stress Kids Out. How to Make it More Manageable

Published August 19, 2025 on Associated Press

Transitioning to a new home or school environment can be an anxious time for kids, with worries about making new friends and adapting to new routines. ACA’s President Elect Victoria Kress provides insight on how these changes can affect kids. Read Full Article