Portal
Dr. Jake Protivnak
Professor
Psychological Sciences & Counseling
Beeghly Hall 4103
phone: (330) 941-1936
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
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2005
Ph D, Counselor Education and Supervision
Ohio University
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2002
MEd, Community Counseling
Kent State University
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1998
BS, Psychology
Andrews University
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1996
Other, Liberal Studies
Ambassador University
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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.
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2023
Youngstown State University
Distinguished Professorship Award – Excellence in Scholarship
Awarded to an individual who demonstrates excellence in research and scholarship.
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2022
The Ohio Counseling Association
Susan J. Sears Counselor of the Year Award
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2021
Youngstown State University
Distinguished Professorship Award – Excellence in Service
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2020
The Ohio Counseling Association
Research & Writing Award
-
2020
The American Counseling Association
Don Dinkmeyer Social Interest Award
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2019
Youngstown State University
Excellence Award for Scholarship
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2018
Chi Sigma Iota - International
Outstanding Chapter Faculty Advisor Award
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2017
YSU Office of Research
Research Award
-
2016
The Ohio Counseling Association
David Brooks Award
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2016
The Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
Counselor Educator of the Year
-
2015
The Ohio Magazine
Excellence in Education
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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
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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
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2020 - present
Director
-
2018 - 2020
Department Chairperson
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2017 - 2017
Department Chairperson
-
2011 - 2013
Coordinator
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2011 - 2017
Department Chairperson
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2008 - 2013
Coordinator
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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2012
"Adding to the toolbox: Using creative interventions with high school students"
L. Bruneau, J. Protivnak
Journal of School Counseling, volume 10, issue 9
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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2019 - 2023
Board Member
State of Mind: Hudson, Founding Board Member -
2018 - 2019
Participant
Leadership Hudson