Dr. Mark Schwarze

04/01/2026

The April column is out!

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

03/31/2026

This decision is a troubling example of what happens when ideology outweighs science. The research is clear and consistent: conversion therapy is harmful, ineffective, and linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and su***de. As counseling professionals, our responsibility is to protect client well-being through evidence-based, ethical care. When policy departs from science, it is vulnerable individuals who bear the cost.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is profoundly disappointed in today's ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Colorado's ban on conversion therapy. Despite the ruling, the evidence remains clear: conversion therapy is harmful, discredited, and unsupported by science, and its risks to client well-being are well documented. ACA, SAIGE and other leading mental health organizations remain committed to ethical, evidence-based, and affirming care, and will continue to oppose practices that violate these standards of care.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bUJdbE

03/24/2026

Honored and grateful to share that I’ve been selected as the 2026 Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award recipient by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation.

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.

I’m incredibly proud that this recognition reflects work done through my time serving as Chair of the NC Board for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors and in my 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, which makes this even more humbling.

I’m thankful to be part of a profession committed to ethical practice, meaningful access to care, and preparing the next generation of counselors.

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...

03/06/2026

As a mental health counselor, professor, and researcher, I’m reminded daily that older adults deserve more than just mental health care, they deserve the care that truly fits them.

As a mental health counselor, professor, and researcher, I’m reminded daily that older adults deserve more than just mental health care, they deserve the care that truly fits them. And

02/22/2026

Enjoyed my time at this year’s conference.

02/16/2026

Tomorrow at 6pm!

Interested in becoming a clinical mental health counselor? Join us for the App State CMHC Virtual Open House!
📅 February 17 at 6:00 PM (virtual)
You’ll have the chance to:
• Learn about our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
• Meet Program Director Dr. Mark Schwarze
• Ask questions about admissions, coursework, and what it’s really like to be a student
🔗 Register to receive the link to join.
We hope to see you there!
Register here: https://grad.appstate.edu/register/...

Interested in becoming a clinical mental health counselor? Join us for the App State CMHC Virtual Open House!

📅 February 17 at 6:00 PM (virtual)

You’ll have the chance to:
• Learn about our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
• Meet Program Director Dr. Mark Schwarze
• Ask questions about admissions, coursework, and what it’s really like to be a student

🔗 Register to receive the link to join.
We hope to see you there!

Register here: https://grad.appstate.edu/register/?id=e9c5eb07-b0cf-40fd-8bb8-f678766c2a80

02/04/2026

I’ll just leave this here for all of you looking out the window in the high country right now.

In the High Country of Western North Carolina, winter is more than just a season, it is an environment that shapes daily life. As I write this, I am looking

01/13/2026

Join us and learn about our program!

Interested in becoming a clinical mental health counselor? Join us for the App State CMHC Virtual Open House!

📅 February 17 at 6:00 PM (virtual)

You’ll have the chance to:
• Learn about our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
• Meet Program Director Dr. Mark Schwarze
• Ask questions about admissions, coursework, and what it’s really like to be a student

🔗 Register to receive the link to join.
We hope to see you there!

Register here: https://grad.appstate.edu/register/?id=e9c5eb07-b0cf-40fd-8bb8-f678766c2a80

01/07/2026

Whatever you want to do, or accomplish, do it! Time is wasting.

Last year, for my January article, and in the spirit of the new year, I wrote about goals and how to best achieve them. It gave solid, concrete, and evidenced-based

12/05/2025

Check out this month's Mental Health Matters. Set those boundaries folks!

December is marketed as a season of joy, generosity, and togetherness, but for many people, it also becomes the most overcommitted and emotionally draining month of the year. Holiday events

11/18/2025

Proud to get this new publication out with some excellent colleagues.

11/05/2025

As a licensed clinical mental health counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how our perspective can dramatically influence our mental health. One of the most powerful tools we can cultivate, particularly during turbulent times, is gratitude.

Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University

Thanksgiving is around the corner and the one thing I wish I was better at doing on a daily basis is stopping, gaining perspective, and positioning my worldview in a