Yegan Pillay

Yegan Pillay is a tenured full Professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at the Patton College of Education, Ohio University. He is based on the Athens Campus and holds dual professional licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and as a Counseling Psychologist in South Africa. His work bridges clinical practice, counselor education, and research with a strong focus on multicultural and global mental health contexts.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, Ohio University
• M.Ed. in Counseling, Ohio University
• B.A. Honors in Psychology, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
• B.A. in Psychology & Sociology, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Dr. Pillay’s research interests center on the intersection of mental health and chronic illness, particularly depression in individuals with type 2 diabetes, as well as the psychological well-being of international and marginalized student populations. He explores innovative therapeutic modalities such as digital narratives, mind mapping, and mindfulness-based group interventions. His work emphasizes cultural competence, clinical supervision, and tele-supervision in counselor training.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward integrated care models, multicultural counseling, and the adaptation of mental health services during global crises like the pandemic. He frequently collaborates on interdisciplinary research involving diabetes, depression, and behavioral health interventions.

Scientific Awards and Leadership:

• Active leadership roles in the American Counseling Association (ACA) and Ohio Counseling Association (OCA)
• International engagement in counseling and mental health advocacy

Dr. Pillay is actively involved in advising graduate students in counselor education, particularly in areas of trauma, supervision, multicultural issues, and international student mental health. His research is supported by grants focused on depression treatment in chronic illness and counselor training standards. He is also engaged in clinical supervision and continues to practice as a psychotherapist.

He is affiliated with research teams working on Program ACTIVE II, a multi-center intervention for depression in diabetes patients, and has contributed to national surveys on CACREP accreditation standards. His lab and team activities emphasize community-based, interdisciplinary approaches to mental health service delivery in both rural and urban settings.