Dr. Mark Schwarze

02/06/2026

Despicable.

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

10/08/2025

Conversion therapy is a harmful practice. The research is clear on this.

In light of recent oral arguments at the Supreme Court in the Chiles v. Salazar case, ACA reaffirms that conversion therapy is a harmful practice. We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting policies that protect clients, uphold professional standards and advance the integrity of the counseling profession. As part of a coalition of mental health organizations, we have signed on to a friend of the court brief reiterating:

• Conversion therapy is a dangerous and discredited practice
• Psychotherapy is more than simply ‘talking’ — it is a medical treatment and therefore can be regulated by states
• Conversion therapy can fuel stigma and discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community

Learn more about our efforts: https://bit.ly/3JYgo3G

10/07/2025

COLUMN: Make no mistake, addiction is a neurological brain disorder. When the subject of addiction comes up, people often lean on familiar explanations. “They just need more willpower.” “Why can’t they stop making bad choices?”

Make no mistake, addiction is a neurological brain disorder. When the subject of addiction comes up, people often lean on familiar explanations. “They just need more willpower.” “Why can’t they

09/22/2025

The etiology of autism is primarily rooted in genetics. Large scale credible studies have found no connection to acetaminophen. Trust science.

09/04/2025

Leave toxic people and situations behind.

Maria Branyas Morera, who became the world’s oldest living person at 117, was once asked her secret to a long life. Her answer was to avoid toxic people. At first

08/05/2025

My new column is out! Is work making you sick?

Have you ever had the “Sunday Scaries?” That is the dreaded feeling of having to return to work after a weekend or time off. Usually this is indicative of at