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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

Christine Suniti Bhat Begins Term as President of American Counseling Association
Jun 27, 2024|2 min read

Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD, an Ohio University professor and an expert on cyberbullying prevention, begins her term as 2024-2025 president of the American Counseling Association on July 1.
Tags:
- Counselors
Rhode Island Becomes 37th State to Sign Interstate Counseling Compact into Law
Jun 27, 2024|3 min read

The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues to move forward with Governor Daniel McKee signing into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation.
Bradley Erford Named Incoming Editor of ACA Flagship Journal
Jun 20, 2024|3 min read

Bradley T. Erford, PhD, a Vanderbilt University professor and expert on psychoeducational tests and counseling outcomes research, has been named incoming editor of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD)
Tags:
- Counselors
- Professional Development

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Media Mentions

Tech developers say AI chatbots can battle loneliness and depression. Experts are skeptical.

Published February 9, 2026 on NBC News

More the 700 ACA counselors participated in an NBC News survey about the use and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on mental health. Olivia Uwamahoro, co-chair of ACA’s AI Work Group, explained why counselors are skeptical of the future of AI on mental health and wellness. Read Full Article

AI & U: Developing romantic relationships with chatbots

Published February 9, 2026 on NBC News

In response to an NBC News survey, 86% of ACA counselors believe that developing romantic relationships with AI chatbots leads to increased social withdrawal and unhealthy dependencies. ACA’s AI Work Group co-chair, Olivia Uwamahoro, questions the impact of AI chatbots on the public’s overall wellness. Watch the Video

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