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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

Nearly Half of Mental Health Practitioners Say They Are Unprepared to Help Clients Cope with Climate Change
Aug 28, 2023|2 min read

Many mental health counselors feel ill-equipped to help their clients deal with psychological issues around climate change, according to a new study published in the Journal of Humanistic Counseling, a journal of the American Counseling Association.
Black Men Reap Mental Health Benefits from Otherfathering
Aug 9, 2023|3 min read

Black men serve a variety of parental roles in their communities ? from teaching to coaching to mentoring youth. A new study reveals how this work, called otherfathering, influences the men?s mental health.
The Biden Administration Pushes for Mental Health Parity
Jul 27, 2023|1 min read

The White House recently announced new steps to expand access to mental health care in America. Almost 15 years ago, the bipartisan Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) became law. It called for health insurance companies ...

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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