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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

President Biden Highlights Mental Health Care in the State of the Union
Mar 11, 2024|2 min read

During the 2024 State of the Union address, President Biden made mention of mental health care. In his comments, the President unveiled elements of his administration’s strategy to address a mental health crisis of isolation and loneliness.
College Students Appear Resistant to Using 988 Crisis Phone Line
Feb 22, 2024|3 min read

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched across the U.S. nearly 2 years ago. But college students appear disinclined to use it, according to new research published in the Journal of Addiction & Offender Counseling
Tags:
- Assessment, Diagnosis & Treatment
- Suicide Prevention
The White House Convening on Equity
Feb 21, 2024|2 min read

The White House held a forum on the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication toward advancing equity. One year after President Biden signed the Executive Order, the Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

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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