Dr. Jonna Byars

• Instructor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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.