Tyler Wilkinson

Dr. Tyler Wilkinson serves as Associate Professor of Counseling and Department Chair in the Department of Counseling at Mercer University's College of Professional Advancement. A licensed professional counselor in Georgia maintaining a limited private practice, he actively contributes to the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and Association for Humanistic Counseling.

His educational credentials include:

• PhD in Counselor Education, Auburn University (2012)
• MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Richmont Graduate University (2009)
• BS in Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University (2005)

Dr. Wilkinson's research examines technology integration in mental health services through humanistic and existential frameworks. His scholarship investigates virtual reality applications for counselor training, ethical implications of teletherapy, and attachment dynamics in couples counseling. Current work explores social stress mechanisms and virtual reality efficacy while addressing licensure policy gaps and cognitive development in counseling students.

Analysis of his 15 recent publications reveals consistent focus on ethical technology implementation (40% of output), with growing emphasis on virtual reality training (27% since 2020). His work bridges theoretical counseling frameworks with practical clinical innovations, frequently examining intersections between digital tools and humanistic principles.

Key recognitions include:

• Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Professional Advancement (2020)
• Excellence in Advising Award, College of Professional Advancement (2019)
• Outstanding Master's Counselor Education Program, SACES (2018)

As Department Chair and active researcher, Dr. Wilkinson mentors doctoral students while maintaining clinical practice. His editorial roles for major journals demonstrate scholarly leadership, and ongoing presentations at national conferences reflect engagement with evolving professional standards. Current research examines social stress pathways and virtual reality training efficacy through NIH-funded collaborations.