App State Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

05/18/2026

Congrats Dr. Mark Schwarze and Dr. Biddle!

Dr. Mark Schwarze, associate professor, and Dr. Katie Biddle, assistant professor, both in the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education, recently published in the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health.

Their article introduces an innovative framework using video creation and guided storytelling to support counseling with older adults. By addressing key themes—loneliness, grief, life transitions, and health — their work highlights how creative, technology-supported approaches can strengthen connection and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Click the link in the comments to read the article.

05/18/2026

Congrats Dr. Delaughter!

Dr. Paul Delaughter, assistant professor in the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education, was recently recognized with Article of the Week honors in Counselor Education and Supervision.

His article, “An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Counseling Interns’ Experiences Serving Older Adults,” examines how counselor education programs can better equip students to meet the growing mental health needs of aging populations.

Click the link in the comments to read the article.

05/05/2026

Dr. Schwarze’s May column is now available.

Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University

Public awareness of gender-expansive identities has grown in recent years, yet understanding often lags. For many individuals and families, questions about gender identity are not abstract. They are deeply personal,

05/04/2026

This installation at the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University highlights something we don’t talk about enough right now, community, resilience, and the strength that comes from people creating together. The Expressive Arts Gallery project organized by the Orchesis Group, brought students, artists, and community members into the same space to tell a shared story rooted in Appalachian identity, history, and care for one another.

What stands out most is the intention behind it. This is not just art on a wall. It is collaboration. It is voices being heard. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, people can build something meaningful side by side.

https://expressivearts.appstate.edu/current-students/orchesis-alliance

04/27/2026

That’s a wrap on Dr. Mark Schwarze’s Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling for the spring 2026 semester. Students showed up with gifts of Mt. Dew and dressed as Dr. Schwarze as a tribute to a great semester.

Here comes the summer!

04/23/2026

Check out our own Dr. Paul Delaughter with the CE&S Article of the Week!

CE&S Article of the Week ‘An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Counseling Interns' Experiences Serving Older Adults’

Meet the Authors
• Matthew C. Fullen, PhD, LPCC, Associate Professor, Virginia Tech
• Paul M. Delaughter, PhD, LPC, Assistant Professor, Appalachian State University
• Jonathan D. Wiley, PhD, LPC, NCC, Assistant Professor, Tennessee Tech University

Abstract
Demographic shifts and recent changes to Medicare will result in more older adults utilizing counseling. Field experiences, including internships, are vital opportunities for graduate students to gain exposure to new populations, including older adults. We interviewed eight participants who completed internships in a continuing care retirement community. An interpretative phenomenological analysis yielded three themes: (1) drawn toward older adults, (2)transformative learning and growth, and (3) unfolding self-determination. Implications for counselor education programs are provided.

Read more here:https://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/ACES/ACES-0422.pdf

04/14/2026

Congratulations to the 1st year CMHC cohort for an amazing job on the "Licensure Board Mock Hearing" held annually in Dr. Mark Schwarze's Legal and Ethic Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling course.

Students are assigned the roles of attorneys, complainants, respondents, witnesses, and board members and conduct a full hearing on a licensure complaint. The exercise allows these counselors-in-training to bring to life the ACA Code of Ethics and teaches them to critically think about ethic dilemmas.

Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University

04/01/2026

Dr. Mark Schwarze’s April column on understanding ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is one of the most widely discussed and misunderstood mental health conditions in both schools and clinical settings. As a counselor educator and

03/24/2026

Our own Dr. Mark Schwarze been selected as the 2026 Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award recipient by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates - NBCC

This award is especially meaningful because it was created for counselors, by counselors to recognize those working to expand access to mental health services, strengthen our profession, and support counselor education and advocacy.

This recognition reflects work done through Dr. Schwarze's time serving as Chair of the NC Board for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors and in his role as Program Director for the App State Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Appalachian State University

Only one award in this category was given nationally this year.

Congratulations Dr. Schwarze!

Dr. Mark Schwarze, associate professor and program director of the Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program at Appalachian State University, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award by the National Board for Certified Counse...

03/10/2026

Virtual Open House – App State Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Thinking about graduate study in counseling? Join us for a Virtual Open House to learn more about App State’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

April 16
6:00 PM
Virtual

✔ Learn about the program and curriculum
✔ Meet Program Director Dr. Mark Schwarze
✔ Ask questions about admissions, training, and career pathways

Register to receive the link to join.
We look forward to connecting with you!

https://grad.appstate.edu/register/?id=d6ce0cfc-3ccb-4d1f-8f9a-96fa27a44bf0