Alan Schwitzer

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, (1990)

M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, (1986)

B.S. in Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, (1983)

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Sponsoring Organization: Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Health Professions

Date Obtained: 2003-09-13

Expertise

Research Interests

College and university student counseling, psychotherapy, psychology, adjustment, and development; issues impacting on the work of professional counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists working in 2 and 4 year college and university counseling centers, mental health centers, and health centers - as well as studen development and student affairs professionals.

Articles

Schwitzer, A., Pribesh, S. L., Ellis-O'Quinn, A., Huber, P. and Wilmer, E. (2016). Community college counseling: Why are research outcomes so elusive?. Journal of College Counseling (19) , pp. 76-95.

Sasso, P. and Schwitzer, A. (2016). Examining social desirability orientation and alcohol use expectations as factors in fraternity drinking. Oracle: The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (11) , pp. 17-35.

Schwitzer, A. and Choate, L. (2015). College women eating disorder diagnostic profile and DSM-5. Journal of American College Health (63) , pp. 73-78.

Schwitzer, A. (2012). Diagnosing, conceptualizing, and treating Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified: A comprehensive practice model. Journal of Counseling & Development 90 , pp. 281-289.

Hensley Choate, L. and Schwitzer, A. (2009). Young adult women and eating disorders: Mental health counseling prevention and intervention. Journal of Mental Health Counseling 31 (2) , pp. 164-182.

Schwitzer, A. and Duggan, M. H. (2008). Media Montage: The beginning, middle, and end stages of assessment. About Campus Magazine 13 (4) , pp. 21-26.

Schwitzer, A., Hatfield, T., Jones, A., Duggan, M. H., Dustin, J. C. and Wininger, A. (2008). Confirmation Among College Women: The Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified Diagnostic Profile. Journal of American College Health/Heldref Publications 56 (6) , pp. 607-615.

Schwitzer, A., Boyce, D., Cody, P., Holman, A. and Stein, J. (2006). Clinical supervision and professional development using clients from literature, popular fiction, and entertainment media. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health 1 , pp. 57-80.

Guiffrida, D., Schwitzer, A. and Hensely Choate, L. (2006). Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling, Part two: Disseminating college counseling knowledge through Professional Issues and In Practice articles. Journal of College Counseling , pp. 29-32.

Schwitzer, A., Duggan, M. H., Eriksen, K., Montcrief, K. O.. and Nelson, E. K.. (2006). Program evaluation in human service education: Applying a chain of objectives model. Human Service Education 26 (1) , pp. 33-48.

Schwitzer, A., Guiffrida, D. and Hensley Choate, L. (2005). Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling, Part one: Disseminating college counseling knowledge through research studies. Journal of College Counseling 8 , pp. 99-106.

Schwitzer, A. (2005). Self-development, social support, and student help-seeking: Research summary and implications for college psychotherapists. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy 20 , pp. 29-52.

Schwitzer, A. and Duggan, M. H. (2005). Taking the distance out of distance learning. About Campus Magazine 10 (2) , pp. 24-27.

Dustin, J. C., Schwitzer, A. and Middleton, T. (2004). Examining Attitudes toward College Students with Minority Sexual Orientations: Findings and Implications. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy/Haworth Press 19 (1) , pp. 57-75.

Schwitzer, A. (2003). A framework for college counseling responses to large scale traumatic incidents. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy 18 , pp. 49-66.

Schwitzer, A., Horton Parker, R. and Dustin, J. C. (2002). A work sample approach to hiring student personnel administrators for distance education programs. National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Journal 39 , pp. 371-383.

Schwitzer, A. and Rodriguez, L. E.. (2002). Understanding and responding to eating disorders among college women during the freshman year. Journal of the Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition 14 , pp. 41-64.

Schwitzer, A. (2002). Using a chain-of-effects framework to meet accountability demands. Journal of American College Health 50 , pp. 183-186.

Dustin, J. C. and Schwitzer, A. (2002). Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Service-Learning Component in Human Services Education. Human Service Education/National Organization for Human Service Education 22 (1) , pp. 35-45.

Schwitzer, A., Gonzalez, T. and Curl, A. (2001). Preparing students for professional roles by simulating work settings in counselor education courses. Counselor Education and Supervision 40 , pp. 308-319.

Schwitzer, A., Rodriquez, L. E.., Thomas, C. and Salimi, L. (2001). The Eating Disorders NOS diagnostic profile among college women. Journal of American College Health 49 , pp. 157-166.

Schwitzer, A. and Lovell, C. (1999). Effects of goal instability, peer affiliation, and teacher support on distance learners. Journal of College Student Development 40 , pp. 43-53.

Schwitzer, A., Griffin, O., Ancis, J. and Thomas, C. (1999). Social adjustment experiences of African-American college students. Journal of Counseling and Development 77 , pp. 187-197.

Meyer, S. and Schwitzer, A. (1999). Stages of identity development among college students with minority sexual orientations. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy 13 , pp. 41-66.

Schwitzer, A. and Metzinger, T. (1998). Applying the Student Learning Imperative to counseling center outcome evaluation. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy 13 , pp. 71-92.

Schwitzer, A., Bergholtz, K., Dore, T. and Salimi, L. (1998). Eating disorders among college women: Prevention, education, and treatment. Journal of American College Health 46 , pp. 199-208.

Schwitzer, A. and Thomas, C. (1998). Implementation, utilization, and outcomes of a college freshman peer mentor program. Journal of the Freshman Year Experience and Student Transitions 10 , pp. 31-50.

Schwitzer, A., Ancis, J. and Griffin, O. (1998). Validating a proposed model of African American college students’ social adjustment. Journal of the Freshman Year Experience and Student Transitions 10 , pp. 77-102.

Schwitzer, A. and Everett, A. (1997). Reintroducing the DSM-IV: Responses to ten counselor reservations about diagnosis. Virginia Counselors Journal 25 , pp. 54-64.

Schwitzer, A. (1997). The inverted pyramid framework applying self psychology constructs to conceptualizing college student psychotherapy. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy 11 , pp. 29-48.

Schwitzer, A. (1997). Utlilization-focused evaluation: Proposing a useful method of program evaluation for college counselors and student development professional. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development 30 (50-61).

Schwitzer, A. (1996). Using the inverted pyramid method in counselor education and supervision. Counselor Education and Supervision 35 , pp. 258-267.

Schwitzer, A., Graham, K., Kaddoura, K. and Lambert, L. (1994). Effects of brief mandatory counseling on help-seeking and academic success among at-risk college students. Journal of College Student Development 35 , pp. 401-405.

Schwitzer, A., Robbins, S. and McGovern, T. (1993). Influences of goals instability and social support on college adjustment. Journal of College Student Development 34 , pp. 23-25.

Schwitzer, A., McGovern, T. and Robbins, S. (1991). Adjustment outcomes of a freshman seminar: A utilization-focused approach. Journal of College Student Development 32 , pp. 484-489.

Robbins, S. B.. and Schwitzer, A. (1988). A validity study of the Goal Instability and Superiority Scales as predictors of women's adjustment to college life. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development 21 , pp. 117-123.

Books

Schwitzer, A. and Rubin, L. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment planning skills: A popular culture casebook approach. Sage Publications.

Schwitzer, A., Ancis, J. and Brown, N. W. (2001). Promoting student learning and student development at a distance: Student affairs principles and practices for televised instruction and other forms of distance learning. American College Personnel Association.

Book Chapters

Schwitzer, A. and Brunt, B. Van. (2015). College student mental health Today’s college students: A Reader (pp. 341-346) NY: Peter Lang Publishers.

Schwitzer, A. and Rhodes, C. (2013). Assessment, conceptualization, and intervention with young adult women with EDNOS: A framework for practice Eating disorders and obesity: A counselor's guide to prevention and treatment (pp. 141-168) Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

Schwitzer, A. (2012). Humanism and college and university counseling Humanistic perspectives on contemporary counseling issues (pp. 227-252) NYC: Routledge.

Schwitzer, A. (2009). Adjustment Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mood Disorders ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

Schwitzer, A., MacDonald, K. and Dickinson, P. (2008). Using popular characters in clinical training and supervision (pp. 315-342) NY: Springer.

Schwitzer, A. (2004). Career planning and development (pp. 55-58) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Presentations

Schwitzer, A. and McCauley, D. (March , 2017). Two generations of community college deans: “Baby Boomers” and “Gen Xers Oral Presentation The annual meeting of convention of the American College Personnel Association Columbus, OH..

Schwitzer, A. and D, S. (March , 2016). Students with mental health needs: Counseling outcomes for academic success Oral Presentation The Annual meeting of convention of the American College Personnel Association Montreal, Canada.

Shushok, F., Ebert, M., Farquar-Caddell, D., Ruccolo, V. and Schwitzer, A. (March , 2015). Strengthening your writing & exploring the About Campus summer 2015 writers retreat Oral Presentation The Annual meeting of convention of the American College Personnel Association Tampa, FL.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2014). Using social support and engagement to promote two-year college success Oral Presentation The Annual meeting of convention of the American College Personnel Association Indianapolis, IN..

Schwitzer, A. (April , 2013). Promoting student development in online learning. Oral Presentation New Horizons Annual Conference Roanoke, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2013). College women's eating and body image problems: Developmental, educational, and counseling approaches Oral Presentation American College Personnel Association Annual Convention Las Vegas, NV.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2011). College counseling and psychological services: Summarizing ten years of literature Oral Presentation American College Personnel Association Annual Convention Baltimore, MD.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2010). Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling. In: Publishing in ACA refereed journals... Oral Presentation American Counseling Association Annual Convention Pittsburgh, PA.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2009). Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling. In: Publishing in ACA refereed journals... Oral Presentation American Counseling Association Annual Convention Charlotte, NC.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2008). Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling American Counseling Association Honolulu.

Schwitzer, A. (February , 2008). Opening welcome and remarks on the second decade of the Journal of College Counseling American College Counseling Association Savannah, GA.

Schwitzer, A. (February , 2008). Strategies for success: Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling American College Counseling Association Savannah, GA.

Dustin, J. C. and Schwitzer, A. ( 2007). Examining human service students’ attitudes towards students with minority sexual orientations Poster presented at Old Dominion University’s 2007 Research Expo Norfolk, Va.

Schwitzer, A., Bhattacharyya, S. and Moore, K. (November , 2007). College cousneling trends and issues: Current research, professional issues, and innovative practices annual convention of the Virginia Counselors Association Norfolk, VA.

Schwitzer, A., Hensley-Choate, L. and Ferrier, A. (March , 2007). When thin is in: Understanding and responding to college women’s eating, body image, and adjustment concerns annual convention of the American Counseling Association Detroit, MI.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2007). Psychological difficulties: Beyond the characteristics pre-conference address at the annual conference of the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Norfolk, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2007). Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling. In ACA Council of Editors (Chairs). Publishing in ACA refereed journals: Advice from the Council of Editors the annual convention of the American Counseling Association Detriot, Michigan.

Hensley-Choate, L. and Schwitzer, A. (October , 2006). Strategies for Success: Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling national meeting of the American College Counseling Association Reno, NV.

Schwitzer, A. (April , 2006). Publishing in the Journal of College Counseling. In ACA Council of Editors (Chairs). Publishing in ACA refereed journals: Advice from the Council of Editors. annual convention of the American Counseling Association Montreal, Canada.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2006). Supporting dislocated workers and adult learners at two year colleges. annual meeting of convention of the American College Personnel Association Indianapolos, IN.

Schwitzer, A. (November , 2005). Chat with the author: Skills and tools for today's counselors and psychotherapists: From natural helping to professional counseling Presentation at the 23rd annual meeting of the Annual Baccalaurete Social Work Education Conference Austin, TX.

Schwitzer, A. (April , 2005). From natural helper to human services professional: Welcome to SOHSE 2005 Keynote presentation at the annual meeting of the Southern Organization of Human Service Educators Portsmouth, VA.

Duggan, M. H. and Schwitzer, A. (April , 2004). The summer institute: An innovative approach to interpersonal learning for distance education students Presentation at the annual meeting of the Southern Organization for Human Service Education .

Schwitzer, A., Dustin, J. C. and Dvornicky, L. (March , 2004). Assisting lesbian, gay, bisexual students’ college transition: Questions, possibilities, directions Presentation at the annual convention of the American College Personnel Association .

Schwitzer, A. (March , 2004). Building inclusive models of college student adjustment Presentation at the annual Mid Atlantic Conference on the Scholarship of Diversity Blacksburg, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (November , 2002). Chain-of-effects framework for outcome evaluation Presentation at the national think tank meeting, Outcomes Framework Roundtable Rensselaerville, NY.

Schwitzer, A. (January , 2002). Are you ready? Crisis preparation for the workplace annual meeting of the Hampton Roads Society for Human Resource Management Hampton, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (October , 2000). Student learning and student development at a distance: Student affairs principles and practices Keynote address presented at the Annual Conference of the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators Baton Rouge, LA.

Dustin, J. C. and Schwitzer, A. ( 1999). Assessing service learning Virginia Assessment Group Conference Williamsburg, VA.

Dustin, J. C. and Schwitzer, A. (November , 1999). Service learning outcomes and variables State Council on Higher Education in Virginia/Virginia Assessment Group Convention Williamsburg, VA.

Schwitzer, A., Shaffer, J. and Gonzalez, T. (March , 1999). Making supervision work for new professionals and their supervisors Pre-conference workshop presented at the annual convention of the American College Student Personnel Association Atlanta, GA.

Schwitzer, A. (November , 1998). College student adjustment and help-seeking outcomes: A summary of findings annual State Council on Higher Education in Virginia/Virginia Assessment Group Convention Wintergreen, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 1998). Teaching at a distance annual conference on teaching and technology of the Southeastern Psychological Association Harrisonburg, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 1998). What is distance learning and who are distance learners? annual convention of the American College Personnel Association (Commission for Adult and Commuter Students sponsored) St. Louis, MO.

Schwitzer, A. and Gonzalez, T. (March , 1998). Four faces of supervision: Providing positive experiences for new professionals annual convention of the American College Student Personnel Association St. Louis, MO.

Schwitzer, A. (November , 1997). Assessing climate, satisfaction, and learning among students in distance learning annual State Council on Higher Education in Virginia/Virginia Assessment Group Conference Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Gonzalez, T., Schwitzer, A., Curl, J., Sisson, S., Flowers, R. and Rasmussen, C. (March , 1997). Graduate Preparation Programs and Employers: Bridging the Gap annual convention of the American College Personnel Association Chicago, Illinois.

Schwitzer, A. (November , 1996). Using multiple methods to assess minority student adjustment and social-climate perceptions in predominantly white university environments Annual State Council on Higher Education in Virginia/Virginia Assessment Group Conference Alexandria, Virginia.

Schwitzer, A. and Schwitzer, L. W.. (October , 1996). Dual diagnosis with adolescents Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice State Conference Richmond, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (August , 1996). Strategies for teaching counseling practica at a distance annual convention of the American Psychological Association Toronto, Canada.

Gonzalez, T., Schwitzer, A., Curl, J., Flowers, R. and Toombs, L. (March , 1996). Preparation to Profession: Transition to entry-level positions for graduates of experientially-based student personnel programs annual conference of the American College Personnel Association Baltimore, MD.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 1996). Teaching undergraduates about the DSM-IV annual conference of the Southern Organization of Human Services Educators Norfolk, Va.

Schwitzer, A. and Metzinger, T. (November , 1995). Applying “Student Learning Imperative” concepts to assessment of counseling and student development programming: A pilot project annual State Council on Higher Education in Virginia/Virginia Assessment Group Conference Lynchburg, VA.

Everett, A. and Schwitzer, A. (October , 1995). Overview of the significant changes in the DSM-IV diagnostic system annual Virginia Emergency Services Conference Charlottesville, VA.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 1995). Effective strategies for student retention: Academic, social support, and counseling interventions annual conference of the American College Personnel Association Boston, MA.

Schwitzer, A. and Gonzalez, T. A. . (December , 1993). “Simulation University:” A college student personnel experience in supervision and consultation annual Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators Conference Wintergreen, VA.

Thomas, C. and Schwitzer, A. (November , 1993). Assessing utilization and outcomes of a peer mentor support program for first-year multicultural students at a predominantly white university annual State Council on Higher Education in Virginia/Virginia Assessment Group Conference Richmond, Virginia.

Schwitzer, A. (October , 1993). The Juggling Act: Managing Pressures, Stresses, and Deadlines Southeast Regional University Printers and Publishers Annual Conference Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Schwitzer, A. (September , 1993). Juggling Professional and Personal Demands Virginia College Placement Association Annual Conference Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Schwitzer, A. (May , 1993). Enhancing help-seeking and academic performance among at-risk financial aid students: Outcomes of a mandatory counseling program for a special population annual National Conference on the Freshman Year Experience Charleston, SC.

Schwitzer, A. (May , 1991). Developmental issues of contemporary women college students annual Region Seven Conference of the National Academic Advising Association New Orleans, LA.

Schwitzer, A. (March , 1991). Implementing a 1990s counseling center agenda: A case example annual conference of the American College Personnel Association Atlanta, GA.

Schwitzer, A. and Olmstead, K. (March , 1991). New counseling center staff members: Developmental issues of emerging professionals annual conference of the American College Personnel Association Atlanta, GA.

Schwitzer, A., Smith, L. and Robbins, S. (November , 1990). Emphasizing diversity: Effects of National Conference on Minority Student Retention in Higher Education Baltimore, Maryland.

Schwitzer, A. (April , 1990). Outcomes of a pilot informational and social-support-based freshman orientation seminar annual National Conference on the Freshman Year Experience Austin, Texas.

Schwitzer, A. and Robbins, S. B.. (April , 1986). Personality constructs as predictors of adjustment to college life Symposium presented at the annual conference of the American College Personnel Association New Orleans, LA.

Robbins, S. and Schwitzer, A. (November , 1985). Separation-individuation and self psychology as predictors of adjustment to college life Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association Atlanta, GA.

Schwitzer, A. and Welsh, L. (November , 1985). Role juggling and stress management: Survival skills for student helpers annual resident assistant conference of the Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators Richmond, Virginia.

• 2017: Commission Research Award, American College Personnel Association
• 2017: Lifetime Achievement Award, Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCAPS), American College Personnel Association (ACPA)
• 2015: Annual Research Award, American College Counseling Association (ACCA).
• 2010: Meritorious Service Award, American College Counseilng Association
• 2009: Ralph Berdie Student Affairs Research Award, American Counseling Association
• 2007: Certificate of Appreciation for Leadership and Service, American College Counseling Association (ACCA)
• 2006: Outstanding Professional Contribution to Knowledge Award, American College Counseling Association (ACCA)
• 2003: Darden College of Education Tonelson Award for Outstanding Faculty ,
• 2000: Plaque of Appreciation for Service, American College Personnel Association (ACPA)
• 1996: Certificate of Achievement, Southern Organization of Human Services Education (SOHSE)
• 1987: Department of Psychology Graduate Research Fellow, Virginia Commonwealth University
• 1987: Outstanding Counseling Psychology Graduate Student, Virginia Commonwealth University
• 1986: Virginia Governor's Graduate Fellow Alternate,
• 1983: Who's Who Among University and College Students, Virginia Tech
• 1982: National Dean's List, Undergraduate, Virginia Tech