Dr. Jareb Kinney, LPCC-S, NCC
Program Director, M.S. Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling, Assistant Professor
Office: Memorial Hall – 210J
Email: jareb.kinney@minotstateu.edu
Phone Number: 701-858-3590
Education:
- A. in Psychology, concentration in Mental Health, Southern New Hampshire University, 2016
- A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Southern New Hampshire University, 2020
- D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, National Louis University, 2026
Licensure and Certification
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Clinical Supervisor (LPCC-S), North Dakota
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Dr. Jareb Kinney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Criminal Justice at Minot State University, where he serves as Program Director of the M.S. in Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling program. He also serves on the university’s Graduate Council. As an educator, clinician, clinical supervisor, and program leader, Dr. Kinney brings extensive experience in counselor education, behavioral health, and program development to his work with students.
Dr. Kinney’s research interests center on understanding human experiences and how individuals perceive and make meaning of those experiences. He is particularly interested in social connectedness and disconnection, identity development, escapism, and the ways relationships, culture, and lived experiences shape psychological well-being. His additional professional and scholarly interests include counselor competence and development, culturally responsive counseling, and counselors’ preparedness to address complex and sensitive topics in clinical practice. His research explored the relationship between social desirability and counselors’ perceived cultural competence when broaching sensitive topics with sexually minoritized clients.
At Minot State, Dr. Kinney has supported the development of the M.S. in Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling program, including its curriculum, course sequencing, learning outcomes, clinical training structure, and alignment with professional licensure and accreditation standards. His approach to counselor education emphasizes experiential learning, reflective practice, professional identity development, and the application of counseling knowledge to complex clinical and ethical situations.
Dr. Kinney’s professional experience spans higher education, private practice, community mental health, residential treatment, juvenile corrections, emergency youth shelter services, crisis intervention, rural schools, and services for individuals and families affected by trauma and adversity. He continues to practice as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and provides clinical supervision and consultation to counselors and other helping professionals.
Before entering higher education and professional counseling, Dr. Kinney served in the military. Before his honorable discharge, he served as an Army behavioral health NCO, developing programs for service members and families experiencing mental health concerns pre- and post-deployment. His military background continues to inform his interests in trauma, resilience, leadership, and access to behavioral health services for military-connected populations.
Dr. Kinney has presented at national and regional professional conferences on rural mental health access, counselor education, trauma-informed practice, and using artificial intelligence to enhance student learning. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, clinical supervisor, and National Certified Counselor, with advanced training in trauma-focused approaches.
Across his academic, clinical, and community roles, Dr. Kinney is committed to preparing thoughtful and compassionate counselors and supporting all students, no matter their major, in engaging with and exploring complex topics in mental health, advancing understanding of the human experience, expanding access to mental health and substance use services, and empowering students to be engaged and active learners.
