NSU Counseling Students Present Research at State Conference

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Six graduate students from Northern State University's counseling programs presented research at the 2026 South Dakota Counseling Association Conference, held April 23-25 in Rapid City.

Students from Northern's Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs shared research addressing timely issues in counseling and mental health practice, supported by faculty advisers Dr. Brown, Dr. Jia and Dr. Mathew. Presentation topics included non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in K-12 students, trauma-informed support for child survivors of parental suicide and emotional abuse in intimate partner relationships.

NSU presenters included Alandra Harrelson, Johanna Harrison, Maria Martens, Fey Ramirez, Kendra Reisetter and Amber Skjervem.

Two School Counseling graduate students, Harrison and Skjervem, also served as conference moderators, helping facilitate sessions and support presenters throughout the event. Both students were awarded graduate scholarships through the South Dakota Counseling Association, recognizing their leadership and engagement in the counseling profession.

"Having our students present at a professional conference is an important milestone in their development as counselors and scholars," said Dr. Heather Scott, chair of the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Northern State University. "Their work demonstrates both the quality of Northern's graduate counseling programs and the strong commitment our students have to addressing important issues affecting children, adolescents and families in our state and beyond."

The South Dakota Counseling Association conference brings together counseling professionals, counselor educators and students from across the state to strengthen expertise, foster collaboration and advance the counseling profession in South Dakota.

Northern State University offers graduate preparation in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, emphasizing practitioner development, advocacy, ethical practice and service to communities across South Dakota and the region.