Ryan Burkhart

Dr. Ryan M. Burkhart is Dean of the School of Counseling and Professor of Counseling at Colorado Christian University’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies. He serves as the CACREP Liaison for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and has been instrumental in advancing professional counseling standards in Colorado through advocacy and leadership.

Education:

• Ed.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, Argosy University
• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Colorado Christian University

Dr. Burkhart’s research and professional work center on improving adolescent mental health outcomes through innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly wilderness therapy. His focus includes measuring improvements in executive functioning using the BRIEF-SR and comparing efficacy across inpatient, outpatient, and wilderness settings. He is deeply committed to counselor education, clinical supervision, and aligning state practices with national standards.

His legislative contributions have helped establish the LPCC license, strengthen clinical supervision requirements, and pass suicide prevention legislation in Colorado. As Executive Director of the Colorado Counseling Association, he represents over 10,000 professional counselors and serves on key state mental health committees.

Scientific Awards:

• Colorado Counseling Association's Outstanding Counselor Educator of 2016 Award

Dr. Burkhart advises and teaches in CCU’s graduate counseling programs, contributing to curriculum development and accreditation. He maintains a small clinical supervision and consultation practice. He has led significant grant-supported or institutional initiatives, including the successful eight-year CACREP reaccreditation of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

He is actively involved in the Behavioral Health Partnership and regulatory efforts with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, working closely with state agencies to shape mental health policy and professional practice standards.