Lisa Vinson, MA, LCPC, CADC, NCC, CCMHC, CCDP, CCTP II, ACS

Lisa Vinson is a Counselor Educator, Clinical Counselor, consultant, professor, and trainer devoted to providing direct service to individuals experiencing PTSD, and alcohol and substance use issues across the lifespan. Lisa’s work experience has targeted ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs around education and mental health in African American communities. She served Chicago’s Southside and far Southside suburban areas for over 20 years with those who have been through severe life stressors. Lisa continues leading multidisciplinary care teams to assist individuals seeking healthy solutions for strengthening interpersonal relationships. ​ In August 2020, Lisa accepted the position of Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Alcohol and Substance Abuse concentration at the University of Illinois - Springfield. Lisa’s education has advanced her teaching, research, leadership, and advocacy competencies. She prepares counselors-in-training who want to become university professors, clinical supervisors, or industry leaders. Lisa continues to find purpose and fulfillment in private practice with Great Lakes Psychology Group as a clinical counselor. Working with clients keeps her current on new evidence-based therapies and symptomology. She provides counseling with adults suffering from abuse, neglect, trauma, and behavioral difficulties while offering a path forward. Lisa proudly serves her community. She was recently elected as Trustee for the International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling (IARTC), a proposed division of the American Counseling Association, beginning July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025. In October 2021, she became an advisory board member for the Statewide Citizen’s Committee on Abuse and Neglect – SCCAN (325 ILCS 5/11.7) with a 3-year appointment ending June 30, 2025. ​ She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, a Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorder Professional-Level I, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-Level II, a Certified Complex Trauma Professional-Level I, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. Lisa also conducts seminars and workshops on various research topics on racial/ethnic identity and trauma-informed care. Lisa has begun to foster new professional collaborations in Springfield, Illinois to support under-served populations. ​ Lisa Vinson holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Chicago State University. Ms. Vinson will complete her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Northern Illinois University with a defense date of April 2022.