معرفی
Dr. James K. Matta Sr. is a full-time professor and the Program Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program at Geneva College, a position he has held since January 2021. He has been a faculty member in the program since 2008 and serves as the Director of the Clinical Mental Health track. He is actively involved in teaching, research, and professional leadership.
- Ed.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, Duquesne University, 2004
- M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education, Duquesne University, 1999
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Edinboro University, 1986
- B.A. in Psychology, Edinboro University, 1984
Dr. Matta's research and teaching focus on clinical mental health counseling, with specializations in addiction counseling, adolescent comorbidity, psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and career development. His work addresses critical issues in dual diagnosis, substance use disorders, and evidence-based treatment approaches such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.
His recent publications and presentations highlight a strong trend in substance use disorders in adolescents, comorbid mental health conditions, and career counseling in higher education. He has contributed to both clinical research and policy discussions, particularly around counselor licensure portability and workforce development in mental health.
Dr. Matta has received significant recognition for his contributions:
- Recipient of the 2021 Pennsylvania Counseling Association Lifetime Achievement Award
He has secured major grants, including funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Master of Arts in Counseling Resources for Opioid (MACRO) Workforce Enhancement Program and from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Researcher’s Loan Repayment Program. These grants support research and training for treating comorbid substance use and depression in youth. He mentors students and early-career researchers, particularly through his role as Faculty Advisor for Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honorary society.
Dr. Matta is deeply engaged in professional leadership. He served as Chair of the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors (2008–2018) and was the first Pennsylvanian elected President of the American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB) from 2017 to 2020. He has delivered approximately 60 presentations at professional conferences and participated in public media discussions on the opioid crisis, including as a panelist on KDKA Drug Summit.
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