Advancing Knowledge Through Research and Innovation
UNO Counseling faculty and students conduct impactful research and pursue grant-funded initiatives that advance evidence-based counseling, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation of counseling professionals.
The Counseling Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is committed to advancing the counseling profession through impactful research, scholarly collaboration, and externally funded initiatives. Faculty and students work together to address emerging mental health challenges, strengthen evidence-based counseling practices, improve the well-being of individuals, families, schools, and communities, and advance research that informs best practices in the education, supervision, and training of behavioral health providers. Through this work, the department contributes to the development of an innovative, well-prepared workforce equipped to meet the evolving mental health needs of diverse populations.
A distinctive feature of the Office of Clinical Practice and Research is its integration with the Department's Community Counseling Clinic, which serves as both a community mental health resource and a training clinic for counselors-in-training in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The Office provides a unique environment where clinical practice, research, and counselor education are intentionally integrated to improve client outcomes while advancing best practices in the preparation of future behavioral health professionals. Graduate counseling students provide counseling services under the supervision of doctoral faculty and licensed clinical supervisors, creating a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes evidence-based care, ethical practice, clinical excellence, and continuous evaluation of training methods that strengthen counselor education and supervision. This integrated model prepares graduates to become reflective practitioners, effective leaders, and lifelong contributors to the advancement of the counseling profession.
Together, the Office of Clinical Practice and Research and the Community Counseling Clinic support projects that expand access to quality mental health services, strengthen counselor education, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and create lasting, positive change through research, clinical practice, and community engagement.
Our faculty, staff, and students engage in collaborative research that advances the science and practice of counseling while informing the education and training of future behavioral health professionals. Areas of research include:
Our research is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnerships, with the goal of improving behavioral health services, informing public policy, and advancing evidence-based practices in counseling and counselor education.
The Office of Clinical Practice and Research actively pursues external funding to expand research, strengthen behavioral health services, and improve the education and training of future counselors. Grant-supported initiatives focus on:
Through externally funded research and collaborative partnerships, the Office creates opportunities for faculty and students to contribute to innovative scholarship while improving the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of behavioral health services throughout Nebraska and beyond. The department has demonstrated significant growth in external funding, with all core faculty participating in grant-funded projects that support research, workforce development, and community engagement.
Our department's research strengths are driven by the expertise of our faculty. Visit the Faculty Research page to learn more about individual faculty members, their current research programs, scholarly interests, grants, and collaborative opportunities.
Interested in collaborating, supporting our work, or learning more about our research initiatives?
Office of Clinical Practice and Research
UNO Counseling Department
Dr. Ashley Blount
Email: ablount@unomaha.edu
