Dr. Chris Dabbs, Ph.D., HSPP, LMHC

Dr. Chris Dabbs is a licensed health service psychologist and licensed clinical mental health counselor grounded in an extensive academic background and practical expertise. Dr. Chris holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University and completed his doctoral clinical residence at the Counseling and Psychology Services center at Indiana University-Indianapolis, where he engaged in outreach programming, program development activities, and a range of clinical services including individual counseling, group counseling, crisis work, and testing and assessment. Dr. Chris also holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Valparaiso University, where he completed advanced training in addiction counseling alongside his degree. His foundational education was earned at Wabash College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and religious studies.

Dr. Chris employs a holistic and person-centered therapeutic approach, emphasizing the strengths of each individual. His methodology is rooted in humanistic principles, and it deeply considers the sociocultural aspects of wellness—who we are at our core and how our identities and values interact with our environments. Dr. Chris is a full-time academic, serving as Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Lethbridge, and this work significantly enriches his clinical practice, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. He has taught a variety of courses related to clinical work, including psychological testing and assessment, psychopathology, personality theories, psychology and spirituality, and even comic books and mental health!

Dedicated to exploring the relationships between anxiety, depression, stress, and identity, Dr. Chris’ research informs his entire clinical approach. He has presented his research to the larger mental health professional communities at national and local conferences and regularly provides clinical trainings to counselors and psychologists in his areas of expertise. While he brings a wealth of experience in both individual and group counseling, his primary role within the Pillars community is as a psychological evaluator.

Dr. Chris’ approach to testing is significantly shaped by his scholarly work and his lived experience as an autistic mental health professional. This identity, coupled with his active participation in both scholarly and advocacy work within the autism community and the larger neurodiversity movement, has instilled a firm belief in him that every brain is unique and valuable. He passionately advocates for the understanding and acceptance of all neurotypes, emphasizing their collective importance for the functioning of society.