Heather Uphold

Dr. Heather Uphold is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Department of Counseling and Social Work. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (2022) and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), alongside a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Her work focuses on adventure-based interventions for combat veterans and trauma recovery, with over 20 years in human services and mental health.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2022)
• Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Bachelor’s in Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Research Interests: Dr. Uphold specializes in adventure therapy, veteran mental health, trauma-informed care, and substance abuse counseling. Her doctoral research explored the impact of adventure-based counseling on combat veterans’ mental health symptomology, emphasizing experiential interventions.

Professional Affiliations:

• Vice President of Canyon Heroes, a nonprofit providing adventure therapy for veterans
• Co-founder of the Pennsylvania Division of the Military and Government Counseling Association
• Member of the American Counseling Association, Association for Specialists in Group Work, and others

Teaching Experience: Taught in Counseling Psychology programs at Robert Morris University and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.