We walk this path together!
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is typically a 2 to 3 year program. During this time of commitment to personal and professional growth, our students often remark on the sense of 'community' they develop with one another. Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is quite competitive, and we believe our students are a significant aspect of our success as a professional counselor preparation program.
Here, you will find profiles of featured students selected to demonstrate the variety of interests and backgrounds within our student community.
Featured Students
Kiara Boyer, B.S. (she/her)
Entry Year: 2024
Academic Tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Addictions Certificate
Prior Education: Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Diplomacy from Mercy College
Why I Chose App: I choose App State because I was so impressed by the faculty in the program, their work experiences, and qualifications. The open house made me want to go to App State when I saw their personalities and welcoming nature shine through.
Counseling Interests and Professional Goals: My professional goals are to help people with addictions but also I would be interested to work with people who have experienced trauma to help them live a happier and healthier life.
Program Reflections: What has been exciting for me is getting to know my cohort and finding unity within each other. We have become very close and all support each other in this program.
Sandrine Ingabire, B.A.
Entry Year: 2022
Prior Education: Bachelor in Arts in International Studies with a minor in Business from Abilene Christian University
Why I Chose App: I chose App because of the beautiful mountains, I mean who could say no? (lol). But on a more serious note, I chose App because of the CMHC program. Unlike some other schools, what impressed me the most with App was the unique experiences each professor brought to the table. It took some research, but I realized that most professors had their own private practice, publications or other relevant professional experiences. It's one thing to be smart and be able to lecture, but it's a different thing to accompany that with first hand experience in the field. I knew then that the program was legit, not to mention the marvelous outdoor scene!
Counseling Interests and Professional Goals: My ultimate goal is to have a private practice. I do want to work in the field for a few years though post graduation. I am interested in areas of trauma, relationship issues, potentially substance use, and other life stressors. I'd like to work with young adults mostly, but also open to adults and families. I see myself working with minority groups, especially immigrants. I hope to continue my education in relevant areas especially to be culturally competent while working with different groups of people.
John Dorris, B.S.
Entry Year: 2022
Academic Tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Prior Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The University of Tennessee
Why I Chose App: I chose App State because I was thoroughly impressed by the faculty and their commitment to mental healthcare around the state of North Carolina and nationally. App State also happens to fit will with my love of the mountains and various opportunities for expression.
Counseling Interests and Career Goals: My plan is to eventually open my own practice to serve clients in underserved communities, multicultural clients, couples, families, and those affected by addiction. I also hope to continue to play music with my band, Grunge Harmony, on the side.
Sylvia Sequina, B.S.
Entry Year: 2022
Academic Tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy
Prior Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Why I Chose App: I chose App State because of the incredible staff and the opportunity to pursue a Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. The atmosphere of this school is like no other and I feel right at home in these mountains.
Counseling Interests: I am interested in developing specialties in working with Trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Sex Education, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Eco-therapy. I am planning to apply for the Registered Expressive Arts Therapist credential post-graduation.