Michael Gerald

Michael Gerald is an Assistant Professor and CRC Clinic Director in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University (Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services). He holds a PhD from the University of Iowa (2019), focusing on ethical issues in sex offender treatment. His clinical and academic career includes roles as a clinician, clinical manager, and instructor in rehabilitation and mental health counseling.

Education:

• PhD, Rehabilitation and Counselor Education (2019), University of Iowa
• MS, Rehabilitation Counseling (2012), California State University, Fresno
• BA, Psychology (2008), California State University, Fresno

Research and Interests: Dr. Gerald specializes in ethics in counseling, sex offender treatment, addictions counseling, and mental health services for marginalized populations. His work emphasizes ethical boundaries in clinical practice and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with disabilities. He has published in Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education and contributed to textbooks on counseling ethics.

Awards:

• Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty of the Year (2023, Utah State University)

Grants & Service: He has submitted grant proposals on disability and mental health, including a $500k NIDILRR project on youth with disabilities. His roles include clinical supervision, teaching graduate courses (e.g., Mental Health Assessment, Group Counseling), and leadership in the CRC Clinic. He is a member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers and Utah Mental Health Counselors Association.

Labs/Teams: Involved in the Utah Behavior Support Clinic and projects like ASSERT (Autism Support Services).