Dr. Jonna Byars
Dr. Jonna Byars is a counselor educator, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in counselor education, clinical supervision, and mental health practice. She has taught extensively in Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, with expertise in diagnosis, trauma counseling, addictions, multicultural counseling, ethics, couples and family counseling, adolescent counseling, human development, practicum, and internship supervision. In addition to her teaching roles, she has served as a clinical director, advisor, dissertation chair, and subject matter expert, while also maintaining experience in private practice and student success mentoring. Students benefit from her strong emphasis on integrating theory, ethics, and real-world clinical application into counselor training.
Dr. Byars is the author of Education Under Pressure: Management of Stress and Anxiety in Graduate Students and has contributed four textbook chapters in areas including women and substance addictions, disruptive and conduct disorders in children, personality disorders, and trauma-informed counseling. Her scholarly work and presentations focus on trauma, grief, addictions, spirituality, counselor wellness, technology addiction, and ethical clinical practice. She has been a featured speaker and presenter at regional, national, and international conferences, including presentations for the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and the Texas Counseling Association. Her teaching approach is student-centered and designed to help future counselors develop clinical competence and professional identity.
Programs
Master of Science in Education Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Courses
Human Growth and Development
Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors
Counselor Professional Identity, Function, and Ethics
Assessment in Counseling
Counseling Adolescents and their Families
Counseling Women
Crisis Counseling
Trauma Counseling
Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
Substance Abuse: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Counseling Practicum
Counseling Internship
Psychopathology
Family Theory of Counseling