Bryon Pickens

Dr. Bryon Pickens serves as an Associate Professor in the Counselor Education Department at The Chicago School, teaching in the online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Previously, he held faculty positions at Delta State University and Argosy University. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor in Tennessee, he maintains a private practice in Memphis specializing in couples counseling, addictions, and co-occurring disorders.

His educational background includes:

• Ed.D. in Counselor Education from The University of Memphis (2013)
• M.S. in Counseling from The University of Memphis (2008)

Dr. Pickens' research focuses on innovative approaches in counseling education and practice. He is particularly interested in humanistic-existential principles, substance abuse treatment, co-occurring disorders, and expanding mental health access in underserved communities. His work critically addresses diversity, GLBTQ issues, and socioeconomic factors in therapeutic contexts.

His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent interdisciplinary engagement, examining coping mechanisms in college students, strength-based interventions for adult learners, and experiential learning models in counselor training. These works reveal a strong commitment to evidence-based practices that bridge academic theory with community mental health needs.

With extensive grant development expertise, Dr. Pickens has secured approximately $3 million for mental health initiatives through:

• HRSA-funded programs supporting counseling student field experiences
• Subject Matter Expert role for CMS on grant matters
• Community mental health projects serving impoverished regions in Tennessee and Mississippi