John J. S. Harrichand, Ph.D., LPC (NJ), LMHC-D (NY), LPC-S (TX, VA), NCC, CCMHC, ACS, CCTP
Director, EMPOWER Research Lab

Dr. John J. S. Harrichand is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, College for Community Health at Montclair State University, and the Founder and Director of the EMPOWER Research Lab. He is a counselor educator, clinical supervisor, researcher, and professional leader whose work centers on culturally responsive counseling practice, counselor education and supervision, and leadership and advocacy within the counseling profession.

Dr. Harrichand holds a CACREP-accredited Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University, a Master of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary, and an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Integrative Biology from the University of Toronto at Scarborough. He maintains multiple professional counseling credentials and has extensive experience in clinical practice, supervision, higher education, and interdisciplinary behavioral health settings.

His research agenda emphasizes three interconnected areas: culturally responsive and spiritually integrated counseling practices, counselor education and supervision (including gatekeeping, psychological safety, and supervision models), and professional leadership and legislative advocacy. He has published in peer-reviewed counseling journals, presented nationally and internationally, and actively mentors master’s and doctoral students in research, scholarship, and professional leadership.

Dr. Harrichand currently serves as 2025-2026 President of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC), a division of the American Counseling Association. He has held numerous leadership roles across ACA divisions and national counseling organizations and is deeply engaged in advancing professional identity, advocacy, and ethical practice within counselor education.

Through the EMPOWER Research Lab, Dr. Harrichand is committed to cultivating the next generation of counseling scholars and leaders by integrating evidence-based practice, mentorship, cultural humility, wellness, ethical supervision, and advocacy. He believes that counseling research must not only inform practice but also promote equity, amplify marginalized voices, and empower counselors to lead with integrity and compassion.