Erin Barnes

Erin Barnes is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at the University of Iowa’s College of Education. She holds a PhD from the University of Iowa and is credentialed as both a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her career spans over 10 years in higher education teaching and clinical practice, with expertise in rehabilitation counseling, mental health advocacy, and homeless individuals’ well-being. Barnes focuses on experiential learning methods to enhance student skills in clinical mental health and rehabilitation contexts.

Education: Barnes earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa, with specializations in counselor education and rehabilitation.

Research Interests: Her work addresses diversity in counseling professions, psychopathology assessment, educational equity for marginalized groups, and culturally sensitive rehabilitation practices. She emphasizes the intersection of mental health, disability, and socioeconomic factors in her scholarship.

Awards: Barnes has received notable recognition, including the 2023 Collegiate Teaching Award and the Rehabilitation Counseling Alumnus of the Year Award (2017). Her leadership development includes participation in the HERS Leadership Institute and the National Research Mentor Network (NRMN).

Grants & Advising: Barnes directs grants focused on telemental health, community-engaged practice, and opioid epidemic response. She collaborates on projects like the Center for Community-Engaged Practice and Research for Counselor Educators and the Opioid Workforce Expansion Program. Her mentorship emphasizes inclusive pedagogy and supporting high-achieving, low-income students.

Labs/Teams: She leads initiatives through the University of Iowa’s Center for Community-Engaged Practice and Research, fostering partnerships between academic programs and community agencies to address mental health and disability challenges.