Biography:

Dr. Christopher Anderson is a counselor educator, clinician, and behavioral health policy leader whose work focuses on counselor education, licensure standards, and behavioral health workforce development. He serves as Lecturer and Internship Coordinator in the counseling program at American International College, where he teaches graduate counseling courses and oversees clinical training experiences for students completing practicum and internship placements.

Dr. Anderson’s scholarship examines the relationship between counselor education curricula, professional competency standards, and regulatory frameworks governing behavioral health licensure. His work focuses on how variations in licensure requirements across jurisdictions influence counselor preparation, workforce mobility, and access to behavioral health services. His research emphasizes improving alignment between counselor education and regulatory policy to strengthen professional preparation and expand access to mental health care.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Anderson serves as Vice Chair of the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy as the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) board member appointed by Governor Tim Walz. He previously served as a public member of the Minnesota Board of Social Work, where he chaired the board’s Legislation and Rules Committee. In September 2025, Dr. Anderson received the first counseling compact privilege issued under the Counseling Compact.

Education:

• EdD., Professional Counseling and Supervision — American International College
• M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling — William James College
• B.S., Human Services — Fisher College

Research/Interests:

• Entry‑level competency expectations for licensed counselors
• Variations in counseling licensure requirements across U.S. jurisdictions
• Alignment between counselor education curricula and regulatory standards
• Licensure portability and interstate counseling practice
• Behavioral health workforce policy and access to care

Teaching:

Dr. Anderson teaches graduate counseling courses and coordinates clinical field training for students completing practicum and internship experiences.

Publications & Presentations:

• Anderson, C. W., & Innocenti, J. M. (2020). The concept of resiliency: How adverse events can influence protective and risk factors of resiliency. Interdisciplinary Journal of Advances in Research in Education, 2(2).
• Anderson, C. W. (2025). Counselors’ perspectives on entry-level licensure competency requirements for licensed counselors in Minnesota and how other jurisdictions compare (Doctoral dissertation, American International College). ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
• Anderson, C. W., & Tweten, S. (2025, September 19). Why it is time for the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy to revise and update their entry-level licensing requirements in the state of Minnesota [Conference presentation]. Minnesota Counseling Association Annual Conference.

Professional Licensure / Certifications:

• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Minnesota
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), Minnesota
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Massachusetts
• National Certified Counselor (NCC)
• Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)

Professional Service:

• Vice Chair, Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (LPCC Board Member); Committee assignments: Application and Licensure Committee, Complaint Resolution Committee, Policy & Rules Committee, and Personnel Committee. Appointed by Governor Tim Walz.
• Public Board Member, Minnesota Board of Social Work (2021–2025); Chair, Legislation and Rules Committee. Committee assignments: Application Review Committee, Communication Education & Outreach Committee, Compliance Committee, and the Compliance Panel A. Appointed by Governor Tim Walz.