Welcome to the Department of Counseling. I am proud of our department and the contributions our faculty make to support the missions of the School of Education, UNC Pembroke, and the UNC System. I hope this website provides useful information about our educational programs, faculty, and students and demonstrates how we are "changing lives through education" in the Department of Counseling.

A central component of our mission is promoting positive mental health and wellness. We understand that the success of K-12 students and their families are supported by our preparation of competent, collaborative, and committed professional school counselors. Furthermore, our clinical mental health counseling students are equipped with the knowledge, attitudes and skills to meet diverse mental health needs across the lifespan.

We offer two distinct graduate-level, hybrid counseling programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) and Professional School Counseling (PSC). We also offer a graduate certificate in Advanced School Counseling for Postsecondary Success (ASCPS) for individuals holding the appropriate credentials. We offer certificates in Addictions Counseling as well as Play Therapy, and we offer post-master's certificates in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling.

Our programs are led by experienced, award-winning scholars and educators who hold licenses and credentials in their respective fields. Directors of each program maintain a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for work in an ever-changing society. Our education programs are nationally accredited by CACREP and  received a Professional Identity Award from NBCC.  We are committed to professionalism at the highest level and prepare students as leaders across the region, state, nation, and globally.

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is known for its diversity, personal touch, celebrated heritage, and strong support for regional initiatives. The Department of Counseling embodies these characteristics through its rich history of academic excellence. Our core faculty engage in a wide range of activities including student mentoring, research, scholarship, grant projects, and service that advance our field and contribute to the larger community. These efforts are tied to our educational missions and integrated throughout our coursework. We also are committed to interdisciplinary efforts with colleagues throughout the campus as well as the regional, state and national levels. 

In summary, the Department of Counseling prepares clinical mental health counselors and professional school counselors who are competent, collaborative, and committed to meeting the needs of the students, families, and individual clients they serve. This is accomplished with an emphasis on excellence, equity, inclusiveness and professionalism. We strive to change lives through education. Thank you for visiting with us.

Nicole Stargell, PhD, LCMHC, LSC, NCC, BC-TMH
Professor of Counseling
Chair, Department of Counseling