Dr. Jake Protivnak

Dr. Jake Protivnak

Professor

Psychological Sciences & Counseling

Beeghly Hall 4103

phone: (330) 941-1936

jjprotivnak@ysu.edu

Bio

Jake J. Protivnak, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor and Counseling Program Director in the Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling at Youngstown State University (YSU). He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervising (LPCC-S), Licensed Professional School Counselor (LPSC), and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Dr. Protivnak earned his doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University and his master's degree in Community Counseling from Kent State University.

Dr. Protivnak has 20+ years of experience as a counselor educator, counselor, and supervisor with work in clinical mental health, school, and college settings focusing primarily on counseling children, adolescents, and college-aged adults. He has authored 20+ refereed journal publications, 30+ book chapters and invited articles, and 100+ national, state, and regional presentations. Dr. Protivnak has received recognition from several professional organizations (e.g., American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Ohio Counseling Association, Ohio University, Youngstown State University) for his leadership, scholarship, teaching, and service. Most recently, he received the Counselor of the Year award from the Ohio Counseling Association. Dr. Protivnak served a Past-President of the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) and he has serves as the Faculty Advisor for the Eta Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society at YSU for 10+ years.

Within his local community, Dr. Protivnak is a founding board member and Past-President of State of Mind: Hudson, a non-profit advocacy organization composed of individuals from various non-mental health professions working together to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma of seeking treatment.

Research Interests

Counselor Education and Supervision Issues; Counseling Interventions for Children, Adolescents, and Transition-Aged Youth

Teaching Interests

COUN 6900 Counseling Methods, COUN 7002 Counseling Practicum II, COUN 7010 Counseling Internship, COUN 7020 Field Experience Supervision

• Education

  • 2005

    Ph D, Counselor Education and Supervision

    Ohio University

  • 2002

    MEd, Community Counseling

    Kent State University

  • 1998

    BS, Psychology

    Andrews University

  • 1996

    Other, Liberal Studies

    Ambassador University

• Awards and Honors

  • 2024

    Youngstown State University

    Libra Award

    Libra Award presented by Youngstown State University to the outstanding faculty advisor of a registered student organization, recognizing the contributions and commitment to furthering student leadership development made by faculty advisors. Presented April 2024.

  • 2023

    Youngstown State University

    Distinguished Professorship Award – Excellence in Scholarship

    Awarded to an individual who demonstrates excellence in research and scholarship.

  • 2022

    The Ohio Counseling Association

    Susan J. Sears Counselor of the Year Award

  • 2021

    Youngstown State University

    Distinguished Professorship Award – Excellence in Service

  • 2020

    The Ohio Counseling Association

    Research & Writing Award

  • 2020

    The American Counseling Association

    Don Dinkmeyer Social Interest Award

  • 2019

    Youngstown State University

    Excellence Award for Scholarship

  • 2018

    Chi Sigma Iota - International

    Outstanding Chapter Faculty Advisor Award

  • 2017

    YSU Office of Research

    Research Award

  • 2016

    The Ohio Counseling Association

    David Brooks Award

  • 2016

    The Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

    Counselor Educator of the Year

  • 2015

    The Ohio Magazine

    Excellence in Education

  • 2015

    Youngstown State University

    Walter E. & Caroline H. Watson Foundation Merit Award

  • 2014

    Youngstown State University

    Libra Award

  • 2013

    The American Counseling Association

    Robert Rencken Emerging Professional Leader Award

  • 2013

    Ohio University, Department of Counseling and Higher Education

    George E. Hill Distinguished Alumni Award

  • 2010

    The Ohio Counseling Association

    Past President Award

  • 2010

    The Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

    Outstanding Mentor Award

  • 2009

    Youngstown State University

    Distinguished Professorship Award – Excellence in Teaching

  • 2008

    The Ohio Counseling Association

    Herman J. Peters Award

• Administrative Assignments

  • 2020 - present

    Director

  • 2018 - 2020

    Department Chairperson

  • 2017 - 2017

    Department Chairperson

  • 2011 - 2013

    Coordinator

  • 2011 - 2017

    Department Chairperson

  • 2008 - 2013

    Coordinator

• Intellectual Contributions

  • 2023

    "Unrecognized grief: Counseling interventions for injured student-athletes"

    J. Protivnak, S. Tessmer, N. Lockard, T. Spisak

    Journal of Counselor Practice, volume 14, issue 1, p. 75-101

  • 2023

    "Celebrating 55 Years: Counseling Program History"

    J. Protivnak

    YSU, p. 14

  • 2022

    "Sugar and spice and everything nice: Non-traditional career decision-making"

    J. Protivnak

    Cognella, issue 2, p. 209-211

  • 2021

    "Penguin to penguin: Creating a connection in a disconnected world"

    K. DeMart, J. Protivnak

    Chi Sigma Iota Exemplar, volume 36, issue 1, p. 18-21

  • 2020

    "With a little help from my friends: School counseling and university outreach center partnerships"

    A. Cameron, J. Protivnak

    The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, volume 11, issue 1, p. 34-54

  • 2020

    "Addressing unrecognized grief of elementary students experiencing relationship loss"

    J. Protivnak, H. Scott, E. Herman, D. Matos

    The Journal of School Counseling, volume 18, issue 28

  • 2019

    "Celebrating 50 Years: Counseling Program History"

    J. Protivnak

    YSU, p. 12

  • 2018

    "Sugar and spice and everything nice: Non-traditional career decision-making"

    J. Protivnak

    Association for Specialist in Group Work, issue 1st, p. 265-268

  • 2017

    "Voices from the desks: Exploring master’s student experiences in counselor education"

    L. Foss-Kelly, J. Protivnak

    The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, volume 9, issue 2

  • 2017

    "Recruiting Undergraduate Students: Creating a Path to the Counseling Profession"

    J. Protivnak, J. Yensel

    The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, volume 9, issue 1

  • 2017

    "Preparing mental health first responders: College counselors supporting residence life professionals"

    M. Paylo, J. Protivnak, K. Choi, M. Walker

    The Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology, volume 6, p. 63-78

  • 2017

    "Invisible outsiders: Developing a working alliance with Appalachian clients"

    J. Protivnak, C. Pusateri, M. Paylo, K. Choi

    The Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology, volume 6, p. 79-91

  • 2016

    "The Experiences of At-Risk Male High School Students Participating in Academic Focused School Counseling Sessions"

    J. Protivnak, L. Mechling, R. Smrek

    Journal of Counselor Practice, volume 7, issue 1, p. 41-60

  • 2016

    "Group work with international students: Building collective cultural knowledge"

    K. Choi, J. Protivnak

    Journal for Specialist in Group Work, volume 41, issue 3, p. 1-24

  • 2016

    "Expectations for professional behavior among graduate students"

    J. Protivnak

    Oxford University Press, p. 97

  • 2015

    "Turn your MESS into a meaningful MESSage"

    C. Makoski, J. Protivnak

    Association for Specialist in Group Work, p. 159-161

  • 2015

    "Supervisor’s suggestions for enhancing counseling regulatory boards’ sanctioned supervision practices"

    V. Kress, R. Hoffman, J. Protivnak, N. Stargell

    Journal of Mental Health Counseling, volume 2, p. 109-123

  • 2015

    "Pre-tenured Counselor Educators Engagement in Direct Counseling Service: Results of a National Survey"

    R. Reljic, C. Lindsey, J. Protivnak

    The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, volume 7, issue 3

  • 2015

    "Office basketball: Talk and play"

    M. Crawford, J. Protivnak

    Springer Publishing, p. 200-202

  • 2015

    "A qualitative study of supervisors’ reflections on providing sanctioned supervision"

    V. Kress, R. Hoffman, J. Protivnak, N. Adamson, E. Herman

    The Clinical Supervisor, volume 34, issue 1, p. 38-56

  • 2014

    "Professional Credentialing"

    M. Paylo, J. Protivnak, V. Kress

    Sage

  • 2014

    "A Day in the Life of a College Student"

    E. Herman, J. Protivnak

    Association for Specialist in Group Work, p. 231-233

  • 2013

    "Career exploration in an urban high school: Implementing a comprehensive student portfolio program"

    D. Martin, N. Adamson, A. Graham, J. Protivnak, M. Martin

    Journal of Counselor Practice

  • 2013

    "The perceived value of counselor preparation for student affairs professionals"

    J. Protivnak, M. Paylo, J. Mercer

    Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, volume 5, issue 1

  • 2013

    "Campus Life and Mental Health"

    J. Protivnak, K. Choi, V. Kress

    ABC-CLIO/Greenwood, p. 99-102

  • 2012

    "Using values-based approaches in employment counseling and assessment: Professional and related occupations"

    R. VanVoorhis, J. Protivnak

    Journal of Employment Counseling, volume 49, issue 4, p. 160-171

  • 2012

    "Adding to the toolbox: Using creative interventions with high school students"

    L. Bruneau, J. Protivnak

    Journal of School Counseling, volume 10, issue 9

  • 2011

    "Letters from the future: The use of letter writing as a school counseling intervention"

    V. Kress, M. Gimenez Hinkle, J. Protivnak

    Australian Journal of Guidance and Counseling, volume 21, issue 3, p. 74-84

  • 2011

    "Career development idols: Influencing people and the profession"

    J. Protivnak

    Career Developments, volume 27, issue 3, p. 3-8

  • 2011

    "Abusive Partner Relationships in Secondary Schools: Identification and Intervention Strategies for School Counselors"

    J. Protivnak, J. McRoberts

    Australian Journal of Guidance and Counseling, volume 21, issue 3, p. 49-59

  • 2010

    "Ohio counselors at the Capital"

    J. Protivnak

    OCA Guidelines, volume 36, issue 3, p. 15

  • 2010

    "Begin with the end in mind"

    J. Protivnak

    OCA Guidelines, volume 36, issue 3, p. 3

  • 2010

    "Decade of development: Looking back, moving forward"

    J. Protivnak

    OCA Guidelines, volume 36, issue 2, p. 3-4

  • 2010

    "For those about the rock out (with your high school students), we salute you: School counselors using music interventions"

    T. Kimbel, J. Protivnak

    Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, volume 5, issue 1, p. 25-38

  • 2009

    "Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board Discussions"

    J. Protivnak

    OCA Guidelines, volume 36, p. 10-11

  • 2009

    "Medicare coverage of counselors: I can’t drive 65"

    J. Protivnak

    OCA Guidelines, volume 36, p. 3-4

  • 2009

    "Professional Development Plans to Remedy Problematic Counseling Student Behaviors"

    V. Kress, J. Protivnak

    Counselor Education and Supervision, volume 48, p. 154-166

  • 2009

    "Key People in Professional Identity and Ethics"

    J. Protivnak

    American Counseling Association (ACA), p. 414-417

  • 2009

    "Key People in Career Development"

    J. Protivnak

    American Counseling Association (ACA), p. 80-83

  • 2009

    "An exploration of themes that impact the counselor education doctoral student experience"

    J. Protivnak, L. Foss

    Counselor Education and Supervision, volume 48, p. 154-166

  • 2008

    "School Counselors Role in Academic Achievement"

    J. Protivnak

    ACA-ACES Syllabus Clearinghouse

  • 2008

    "By the numbers"

    R. Smrek, J. Protivnak

    OSCA Advocate, p. 8

  • 2008

    "President-Elect Nomination Statement"

    J. Protivnak

    OCA Guidelines

  • 2008

    "OASERVIC 2008 Spring Workshop"

    L. Foss, J. Protivnak

    Connections, volume 11, p. 3&5

  • 2008

    "Addressing abusive partner relationships of high school students"

    J. Protivnak, J. Knopp

    OSCA Advocate, p. 8-9

  • 2008

    "The impact of the supervision relationship on the behaviors of school counseling interns"

    J. Protivnak, T. Davis

    Journal of School Counseling, volume 6, issue 19

  • 2008

    "Family feud"

    J. Protivnak

    Association for Specialist in Group Work, p. 142-144

  • 2008

    "Counseling Clients Involved with Violent Intimate Partners: Mental Health Counselors’ Role in Promoting Client Safety"

    V. Kress, J. Protivnak, L. Sadlak

    Journal of Mental Health Counseling, volume 30, p. 200-210

  • 2006

    "Strategies for a Successful Co-Teaching Experience"

    T. Hawkins, J. Protivnak

    ACES Spectrum, volume 66, issue 3

  • 2006

    "An analysis of the impact of the onsite supervision relationship of school counseling interns in Ohio"

    J. Protivnak

    Dissertation Abstracts International, volume 66, issue 11, p. 3940

  • 2005

    "Collaborating with Counselor Educators: Students Moving Forward with Research"

    J. Protivnak, T. Moore, C. Roseman

    ACES Spectrum, volume 65, issue 4

• Professional Service

  • 2024 - present

    Other
    Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International

  • 2024 - present

    Other
    Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International

  • 2024 - present

    Committee Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA), Past President's Cabinet

  • 2024 - present

    Committee Member
    Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS)

  • 2021 - 2022

    Other
    Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International

  • 2021 - present

    Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer
    Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

  • 2020 - 2020

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference (AOCC)

  • 2019 - 2020

    Committee Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): President’s Advisory Council

  • 2019 - 2020

    Task Force Member
    Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) / Association for Mental Health Counselors (AMHCA)

  • 2019 - 2019

    Task Force Member
    Eastern Ohio Counseling Association (EOCA), Strategic Planning

  • 2019 - 2021

    Other
    Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International

  • 2019 - 2021

    Officer, Treasurer
    Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International

  • 2019 - 2021

    Committee Chair
    Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International, Chair of Chapter Development Grants and Statewide/Regional Networking Grants Committee

  • 2018 - 2018

    Task Force Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA), AOCC Conference Taskforce

  • 2017 - 2017

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference (AOCC)

  • 2016 - 2016

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference (AOCC)

  • 2016 - 2017

    Committee Chair
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): Archivist Committee

  • 2016 - 2017

    Task Force Member
    Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES): New Faculty Interest Network, Ohio Representative

  • 2016 - 2016

    Other
    Quest

  • 2015 - 2015

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference (AOCC)

  • 2015 - 2017

    Other
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA), Emerging Leaders Program Mentor

  • 2014 - 2014

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference (AOCC)

  • 2014 - 2014

    Session Chair
    11th Annual Educational Research Exchange at Youngstown State University

  • 2014 - 2014

    Other
    Quest

  • 2014 - 2014

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2014 - 2015

    Task Force Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA), Taskforce, Graduate Student Committee

  • 2014 - 2016

    Committee Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): Committee Member, Archivist

  • 2013 - 2013

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference (AOCC)

  • 2013 - 2013

    Session Chair
    10th Annual Educational Research Exchange at Cleveland State University

  • 2013 - 2013

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2013 - 2014

    Committee Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): Search Committee, OCA Executive Director

  • 2013 - 2014

    Committee Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): Search Committee, Editor of Journal of Counselor Practice

  • 2012 - 2012

    Session Chair
    9th Annual Educational Research Exchange at Kent State University

  • 2012 - 2012

    Other
    Quest

  • 2012 - 2012

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2011 - 2011

    Other
    Clemson University Department of Leadership, Counselor Education, and Human and Organizational Development

  • 2011 - 2011

    Other
    Quest

  • 2011 - 2011

    Session Chair
    8th Annual Educational Research Exchange at Youngstown State University

  • 2011 - 2011

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2011 - 2011

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference

  • 2011 - 2012

    Committee Member
    Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (OACES), Awards Committee

  • 2010 - 2010

    Other
    Quest

  • 2010 - 2010

    Session Chair
    7th Annual Educational Research Exchange at the University of Akron

  • 2010 - 2010

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2009 - 2009

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference

  • 2009 - 2009

    Other
    Quest

  • 2009 - 2009

    Session Chair
    6th Annual Educational Research Exchange at Cleveland State University

  • 2009 - 2009

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2009 - present

    Reviewer, Journal Article
    Journal of Counselor Practice

  • 2008 - 2008

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselor Conference

  • 2008 - 2008

    Other
    Quest

  • 2008 - 2008

    Session Chair
    5th Annual Educational Research Exchange at Kent State University

  • 2008 - 2008

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2008 - 2011

    Officer, President/Elect/Past
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA)

  • 2008 - 2012

    Committee Member
    National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), Ethics Hearing Committee

  • 2008 - present

    Reviewer, Journal Article
    Journal of Mental Health Counseling

  • 2007 - 2007

    Session Chair
    Quest at Youngstown State University

  • 2007 - 2007

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    American Counseling Association Conference

  • 2007 - 2007

    Session Chair
    4th Annual Educational Research Exchange at Youngstown State University

  • 2007 - 2007

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    Annual Educational Research Exchange

  • 2007 - 2008

    Committee Member
    North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES), Awards Committee

  • 2007 - 2012

    Committee Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): Government Relations Committee

  • 2006 - 2006

    Reviewer, Conference Paper
    All Ohio Counselors Conference

  • 2006 - 2007

    Committee Member
    Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International, Chapter Faculty Advisors Committee

  • 2006 - 2008

    Board of Advisors of a Company
    Walsh University, Community Advisory Board Member, Counseling Program

  • 2005 - 2007

    Committee Member
    Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (OACES), ACES Conference Committee

  • 2005 - 2006

    Committee Member
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): Technology Committee

  • 2005 - 2006

    Committee Chair
    Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): Awards Committee

  • 2005 - 2008

    Officer, President/Elect/Past
    Ohio Association for Spiritual, Ethical & Religious Values in Counseling (OASERVIC)

• Public Service

  • 2020 - 2022

    Chair
    Hudson United Methodist Church, Staff Parish Relations Committee

  • 2019 - 2023

    Board Member
    State of Mind: Hudson, Founding Board Member

  • 2018 - 2019

    Participant
    Leadership Hudson

  • 2016 - 2018

    Committee Member
    Hudson United Methodist Church, Staff Parish Relations Committee