Irv Esters

Irv Esters is Professor and Department Head of the Department of Counseling in the College of Education & Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He also serves as Graduate Coordinator and has led faculty in training mental health and school counselors for over 25 years.

His research and professional work focus on counseling education, ethical and legal issues in counseling, and clinical supervision. He teaches core courses such as Orientation to Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues in Counseling (COUN 500), Helping Relationships (COUN 505), and Advanced Seminar in Counseling (COUN 521), shaping the next generation of counseling professionals.

Dr. Esters is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and LPC Supervisor in Louisiana, contributing to both academic and clinical standards in the field. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and Counseling from McNeese State University and earned his Ph.D. in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).

He is actively involved in academic leadership and professional development, though no specific scientific awards or grants are mentioned in the provided text.

Dr. Esters is affiliated with the Picard Center for Child Development & Lifelong Learning, where his office is located in Room 231. He plays a central role in the administration and academic direction of the counseling program, integrating clinical practice with educational excellence.