American Counseling Association

12/30/2025

📚 Check out this special CE opportunity! 📚

Learn about the concept of ambiguous loss and its relevance to the refugee experience and identify the mental health impacts of ambiguous loss on refugees, such as identity distress, trauma symptoms and family functioning issues.

Register: https://bit.ly/4awzIR3

12/29/2025

: Ethics is essential, and as counselors, your work is rooted in ethical decision-making and professional responsibility. Bringing together experts in clinical, academic, legal and insurance sectors, the Ethics of Counseling Summit will highlight practical risk mitigation strategies, high-risk scenarios and actual trends in liability claims to inform your ethical decision-making and professional responsibility.

Join us online on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, for a jam-packed day. Registration includes access to all content through March 1, 2026.

More info: https://bit.ly/4iSd6fF

12/26/2025

Small moments of self-care can make a big difference this holiday season.

12/25/2025

All of us at the American Counseling Association wish you a very Happy Holidays!

Please note that the ACA offices will be closed for the holidays until January 5th.

12/24/2025

The American Counseling Association recognizes and rewards member excellence through a dynamic awards program that celebrates professional achievements at every stage of a counseling career.

Applications and nominations are still open for two Graduate Student Ethics Awards categories! Submissions are due Jan. 15, 2026.

More info: https://bit.ly/455WWK4

12/24/2025

Held before the official start of on Thursday, April 9, pre-conference Learning Institutes offer attendees in-depth exploration, meaningful discussion and interactive learning on the hottest topics in the field. Plus, you’ll earn 3 CE credit hours upon completion.

From sessions on aviation mental health to management essentials for clinicians and ethical documentation, there is something for every counselor, no matter your career level or practice setting. Take your education experience the extra mile with Learning Institutes. Note: An additional fee applies for all Learning Institutes.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/498cyxT

12/23/2025

As of Dec. 17, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace subsidies have not been extended.

Despite weeks long debate and several proposed bills, Congress has failed to pass legislation that would extend subsidies for the ACA Marketplace. These subsidies have been key to making coverage affordable and a lapse in these subsidies is expected to lead to about 4 million Americans losing coverage.

What does it mean for you? https://bit.ly/45lcLfY

12/23/2025

📚 Check out this special CE opportunity! 📚

Identify the legal and ethical obligations of mental health professionals when responding to subpoenas in divorce and custody cases, learn about the legal custody process and discover how to implement best practices to preserve confidentiality and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship under legal scrutiny.

Register: https://bit.ly/498U68r

12/22/2025

The Department of Education has proposed lowering federal student loan limits for many counseling students, what happens next?

We expect the Department to post the proposed rule in the Federal Register in early 2026, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on it (generally 30-60 days). The Department then reviews the feedback and may make changes to the rule based on comments. Following this step, the final rule is formally published in the Federal Register, at which point the regulatory changes are scheduled to take effect in accordance with the effective date outlined in the rule.

This public comment period is extremely important- it lets us shape the final rule by sharing our thoughts and lived experiences. A robust public comment response also shows Congress this is an important issue and encourages them to take legislative action.

ACA will be submitting a public comment about the proposed changes to federal student loan limits, and we’ll be launching a campaign to help you submit comments too. Look for this campaign in early 2026!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MQQUqn

12/22/2025

Here's a reminder that taking care of your mental health starts with small, intentional choices, and it starts with you.

12/19/2025

Starting July 1st, 2026, students in graduate programs (including master’s level counseling programs) could only receive $20,500 in federal student loans a year. This change would be incredibly disruptive and challenging for students, pushing some towards expensive private lenders and discouraging others from pursuing counseling altogether.

The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act would raise federal student loan limits for graduate programs to be equal with professional programs. Support counselors today and ensure counseling students have equal access to federal student loans- advocate for the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act!

Support the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act to ensure counselors have equal access to federal student loans!

12/19/2025

Seeking a professional counselor who understands cultural nuances is an important step in strengthening your mental health.

https://bit.ly/3YzIx5a