Noel A. Ysasi, Ph.D., LPC-A

Dr. Ysasi is a U.S. veteran who pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, and criminal justice from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Following that, he entered the graduate program in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV. However, he found his calling and opted to pursue a Master’s and Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling. Throughout his academic journey, he collaborated with faculty on research and served on various student organizations (i.e., Psychology Club and Psi-Chi Honor Society).

Dr. Ysasi’s professional work experience includes life care planning, training and research consulting, professional guidance counseling, and serving as director for the UTRGV Veteran Services Center. Following, Dr. Ysasi was an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, Northern Illinois University, and East Carolina University. Dr. Ysasi has over 16 years of experience in teaching and research. To date, he has published 31 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. In 2018, he co-edited his first book, Disability and Vocational Rehabilitation in Rural Settings: Challenges to Service Delivery. He also received the 2018 National Council on Rehabilitation Education Researcher of the Year Award.

Dr. Ysasi’s research interests include veteran mental health, military culture, veteran adjustment post-military discharge, psychosocial adjustment to disability, perceptions of people with disabilities, and forensic rehabilitation. Dr. Ysasi has also served on various local, state, and national committees, which have included roles such as Chair for Public Policy, Legislation, and Human Rights, President-Elect, President, and Past-President of the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association, At-Large Board of Director for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), and Standards and Examination Committee Member for CRCC.