Amanda C La Guardia

Dr. Amanda C La Guardia is an Associate Professor and Counseling Programs Coordinator in the School of Human Services at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. She holds a PhD in Counseling from Old Dominion University (2009), an MA in Counseling from East Tennessee State University (2006), and a BS in Biology and Psychology with a Criminal Justice minor (2002). Her clinical expertise includes adolescent mental health, family crisis intervention, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). She has served in roles such as Assistant Professor at Sam Houston State University (2010–2016) and has led multiple federally funded grants totaling over $4 million in mental health training initiatives.

Her research focuses on professional identity development, suicide prevention, and feminist/Adlerian therapeutic approaches. Notable grants include the HRSA BHWET grants (2016–2025) and the SAMHSA-funded interprofessional suicide prevention program (2018–2021). Dr. La Guardia co-authored Non-Suicidal Self-Injury throughout the Lifespan: A Clinical Guide to Treatment (2019) and has published widely in journals such as Journal of Counseling and Development and Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development.

As an educator, she teaches courses in counseling theory, research methods, and supervision. Her service includes roles as past-president of Chi Sigma Iota, assistant editor of the Counselor Education & Supervision journal, and consultant for school districts and mental health agencies. Dr. La Guardia’s awards include the ACA Best Practices Research Award and AARC Exemplary Practices Award.

Her consulting practice emphasizes trauma-informed care and workshops on topics such as adolescent NSSI and family crisis intervention. She maintains a private practice in Cincinnati, specializing in depression, anxiety, and family therapy.