Rafe McCullough

Rafe McCullough serves as Associate Professor in the Counseling, Therapy, and School Psychology Department at Lewis & Clark College, specializing in multicultural and social justice counseling frameworks with emphases on LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion. His scholarship directly impacts counselor training standards nationwide through foundational competency development.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in Counselor Education & Practice from Georgia State University
• MA in Counseling from Seattle University
• BA in Philosophy from Minnesota State University, Mankato

Dr. McCullough's research pioneers affirmative counseling practices for transgender and gender nonconforming populations while addressing systemic barriers in mental health services. His work integrates disability justice into social justice counseling models and develops culturally responsive strategies for school and clinical settings. He actively bridges theory with practice through community-based advocacy initiatives.

Analysis of his publication history reveals consistent focus on LGBTQ+ mental health disparities, counselor competence development, and intersectional identity exploration. His methodology frequently employs qualitative approaches like phenomenological studies and photo-elicitation to center marginalized voices, while his competency frameworks have reshaped national training standards in counselor education.

His distinguished recognition includes:

• American Counseling Association Courtland C. Lee Multicultural Excellence Scholarship Award
• ACES/SACES Emerging Leader designation
• Counselors for Social Justice Reese House Social Justice Advocate of the Year Award (2020)

Dr. McCullough demonstrates deep commitment to mentoring master's and doctoral students from historically excluded groups, preparing them for leadership roles in counseling professions. His professional service includes developing training protocols for national organizations and creating pipelines for underrepresented scholars through targeted mentorship.

He maintains active leadership across multiple American Counseling Association divisions including the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ), Society for Sexual/Affectational Identities in Counseling (SAIGE), and Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), while co-chairing the ACA Cultural Encounters Task Force.