2025 was a historic year for the Counseling profession, with the first Counseling Compact privileges issued, the mobilization of powerful advocacy campaigns, and more than 74,000 Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists enrolled as Medicare providers. These initiatives are increasing access to mental health care.  While large-scale initiatives play an important role in innovation and the future of Counseling, Counselors on the front lines are making a difference with their clients and communities every day.

The annual NBCC Awards celebrate professionals who support Counselors-in-training, young students, and their community members. While every Counselor plays a vital role in improving mental health in their communities, these awards honor Counselors who have gone above and beyond in their work and whose many years of service and commitment have resulted in transformative impact for the Counseling profession.

“These awards recognize Counselors who are transforming their communities through innovation, education, engagement, and expanded access to Counseling and mental health resources,” says NBCC President and CEO Dr. Kylie Dotson-Blake.

Join us in congratulating the 2026 awardees!

Research Innovations in Counselor Practice and Counselor Education

Darius Green, PhD, NCC, LPCC

Innovation in Counselor Education Program Community Engagement

Clemson University, Department of Education and Human Development, Counselor Education Program

Innovation in Counseling Practice and Clinical Service

Monica Band, EdD, NCC, ACS, CCC, CRC, LPC

Carlos Castañeda, PhD, NCC, LPC

Global Advancement of Counseling: Counselor Education

Silvia Reyes, PhD, NCC, LMHC, QS

Global Advancement of Counseling: Community Capacity

Catherine Mueller-Bell, PhD, LPC

Propelling Mental Health, Powering the Future: School Counseling Award

Marcia James, LCPC

NBCC Servant Leadership Award

Christopher Townsend, PhD, NCC, AADC, CCS, LCA, LCAS, LCMHC, LCPS

Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award

Mark Schwarze, PhD, NCC, CCS, LCAS, LCMHCS

Advancing Equitable Access to Counseling Award

Ted Remley, PhD, JD, NCC, LPC

Prakash Pradhan, ICAP-I

Edil Torres Rivera, PhD, NCC, ACS, LPC

“Each awardee is advancing global health equity by expanding access to care through work grounded in deep commitment to the communities they serve. Their efforts reflect the very best of the Counseling profession. We are inspired by their impact, grateful for their willingness to share their expertise with the profession, and honored to celebrate their transformative work,” says Dr. Dotson-Blake. 

Each winner has an inspiring story, which will be shared in upcoming Visions articles and a 2026 NBCC Awards video series. Follow NBCC on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for upcoming content.