Manivong Ratts

Manivong Ratts is Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Seattle University's College of Education. A licensed mental health counselor, he pioneered social justice counseling as a 'fifth force' in counseling paradigms and chaired the development of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) adopted by the American Counseling Association.

Research focuses on integrating social justice into counseling theory and practice, particularly through the Counselor-Advocate-Scholar model. Additional investigations examine LGBTQ courtesy stigma experienced by heterosexual allies. His work transforms counseling paradigms to address power, privilege, and systemic inequality.

Publications consistently advance multicultural-social justice integration in counseling. Recent works focus on advocacy frameworks, classism awareness, and educational leadership applications. Awards recognize lifetime contributions to social justice advocacy.

• Counselors for Social Justice O'Hana Award
• WACES Multiculturalism and Social Justice Advocacy Award
• LGBTQ Ally Award
• AMCD Professional Development Award

Supervises graduate students including Myra Flor-Arpin, Michael Matsumoto, Paula Olson, and Maryam Brown. Previously served as department chair and associate dean, securing grants for Safe Space LGBTQ ally programs.