Dr. Kathleen Ruscitto

B.A, LaRoche University -Pittsburgh; M.A., Waynesburg University- Pittsburgh; Ph.D., Walden University 

Dr. Ruscitto is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor with more than a decade of experience in clinical practice, counselor education, supervision, and leadership. As Core Faculty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she has taught in synchronous, asynchronous, and residency-based learning environments. Grounded in humanistic and developmental perspectives, Dr. Ruscitto is committed to creating engaging learning experiences that bridge theory and practice while helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional identity necessary for success as counselors. Her teaching emphasizes critical reflection, ethical decision-making, and the application of counseling concepts to real-world clinical practice. 

In addition to her work in higher education, Dr. Ruscitto is the founder and owner of a growing private practice with multiple locations across Iowa. Through her clinical work, supervision, and leadership, she supports a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals while providing services to children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. She has extensive experience supervising practicum and internship students, pre-licensed counselors, and clinicians pursuing advanced credentials and is passionate about supporting the development of future counseling professionals. 

Dr. Ruscitto’s scholarship and professional interests focus on client and counselor wellness, counselor education and supervision, evidence-based and ethically grounded clinical practice, and behavioral health service delivery in rural communities. Her work emphasizes recovery-oriented care, counselor resilience, rural mental health, and best practices that enhance both client outcomes and professional development. She has served in leadership roles within the counseling profession, including President of the Iowa Counseling Association, and remains committed to advancing accessible, culturally responsive, and high-quality behavioral health care through teaching, scholarship, advocacy, and service. 

Courses 

Group Counseling, Counseling Children and Adolescents, Advanced Counseling Practices and Interventions, Research Methodology and Program Evaluation in Counseling, Human Growth and Development, Assessment & Appraisal Techniques in Counseling, Counseling Couple and Family, Counseling and Human Sexuality, Career Development and Assessment