CCMHC Spotlight: Chase Morgan-Swaney

Chase Morgan-Swaney, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, LMHC, LPCC-S, never considered becoming a counselor while he was growing up. When he was younger, he imagined becoming a meteorologist, performer, or politician. 

“Counseling wasn’t on my radar. It wasn’t until after earning my psychology degree that I became aware that a counseling profession existed,” he admits, adding that after beginning a clinical mental health counseling master’s program, “I began to recognize psychology and counseling as distinct disciplines. I remember feeling both excited and frustrated—excited because I had found a profession that aligned so well with my personal values, and frustrated that I hadn’t known about it sooner.” 

It was a discovery that changed the course of his life. 

“That realization fueled my dedication to protecting, promoting, and strengthening our professional identity as counselors, ensuring that future generations don’t have to stumble upon this career haphazardly as I did,” he says. 

Dr. Morgan-Swaney, who obtained the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential in 2022, is now Associate Director of Arbor Sana Counseling & Wellness in Ohio,. He is also a Senior Lecturer at The University of Akron’s School of Counseling and teaches multicultural counseling, practicum, and introduction to clinical counseling. 

“What drew me to counseling was its salutogenic orientation—focusing on wellness,” he says. “I appreciate that as counselors, we help clients recognize their strengths and use what’s going well in their lives to address areas of concern. This perspective is empowering, and I emphasize it in my teaching, encouraging students to guide clients in leveraging their existing resilience and resources. Counseling isn’t just about addressing distress; it fosters growth, self-awareness, and long-term well-being. 

“Our work matters, and our impact extends far beyond the counseling room—it shapes communities, policies, and the future of mental health care.” 

He finds forming bonds as a counselor and educator especially rewarding.

“Relationships are at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s in the therapeutic space with clients, guiding counselors-in-training through supervision, mentoring emerging professionals, or fostering friendships with colleagues. I find deep meaning in the process of forming connections—the vulnerability, the uncertainty, the trust that develops over time. There’s a certain risk and reward in it all, and that dynamic is what makes the work so meaningful,” he continues, adding that “the process—showing up, engaging, and being fully present—matters most. It can be a beautifully agonizing experience at times, and that’s what makes it real and transformative. Whether teaching, supervising, or counseling, I find the greatest fulfillment in the shared moments of connection, growth, disconnection, and, if we’re lucky, in the coming together again.”

Dr. Morgan-Swaney is an ardent supporter of the populations he counsels. 

“As a queer and neurodiverse counselor, ensuring that these similarly situated clients have access to affirmative counseling is central to my clinical work and advocacy efforts because it saves lives.

“I navigate this challenge by being transparent with my clients,” he continues. “I tell them we will work together to ensure they get what they need while minimizing harm. It’s about balancing advocacy with practical support, helping clients and empowering them in the process. At the same time, I stay engaged in larger conversations about systemic change.” 

He is also a dedicated advocate for fellow counselors and the profession. 

“Because of my own experience, I am deeply committed to advocacy for the counseling profession,” he says. “I believe it’s essential that we continue to educate the public, policymakers, clients, and students about the vital role counselors play in mental health care. One of the first things I do when orienting a client to the counseling process is provide some education about who I am as a professional counselor and how that informs how I show up in this work. Whether through clinical work, advocacy, or teaching, I strive to ensure that counseling is recognized, respected, and accessible to those who need it. By strengthening our professional identity, we not only support the next wave of counselors but also reinforce the importance of our work in creating meaningful change in people’s lives.” 

Dr. Morgan-Swaney is a member of several professional organizations, including serving as President of the Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (OACES), Immediate Past President of the North Central Ohio Counseling Association (NCOCA), and as a former President of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities of Ohio (SAIGEO). He looks forward to beginning his term as President-Elect of the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) in June and will serve as its President in 2026–27. 

“This is an incredible opportunity to advocate for our profession at a critical time, particularly as Ohio prepares to host the ACA Conference and Expo next year,” he says. “I’m eager to engage with counseling professionals across the nation and beyond, working to strengthen our professional identity, expand advocacy efforts, and ensure that Ohio remains a powerhouse of the profession. 

“One of the many reasons I am proud to be an Ohio counselor is the OCA’s dedication to legislative advocacy,” he continues. “OCA’s annual Legislative Advocacy Day at the Statehouse in Columbus allows members to meet directly with legislators to discuss bills that could either support or harm our clients. I firmly believe that as counselors, we have a professional and ethical mandate to use our voices beyond the counseling space.” 

He is excited about joining the Department of Counseling at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, this fall as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. 

“This role is particularly meaningful, because it allows me to maintain a firm footing in clinical practice while helping shape a counseling program that is still in its early stages,” he says. “With the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program welcoming only its second-ever cohort of students this fall, I look forward to contributing to its growth, ensuring that we build a strong, student-centered foundation that prepares future counselors for the evolving needs of the profession.” 

Dr. Chase Morgan-Swaney is Associate Director of Arbor Sana Counseling & Wellness in Ohio and a Senior Lecturer at the School of Counseling at The University of Akron. He earned his PhD in counselor education and supervision from The University of Akron. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with training supervision designation in Ohio (LPCC-S) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington state. He is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).

**Opinions and thoughts expressed in NBCC Visions Newsletter articles belong to the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or practices of NBCC and Affiliates.