The best project you'll ever work on is you. I want to help you master that project.

Dr. Kari Mika-Lude, Founder/CEO, Clinical Supervisor, and Consultant

Kari Mika-Lude, PhD, LPC (WV), LCPC (IL), AADC-S (WV), CAADC (IL), ALPS (WV), NCC, CCTP, ACS, NREMT

relevant experience

Dr. Kari Mika-Lude is a clinical mental health counselor with over a decade of experience in a variety of settings, including community mental health, hospital-based programs, hospice, and now private practice. She is independently licensed in West Virginia (LPC) and Illinois (LCPC) and holds addiction counseling credentials in both states. Her primary clinical specialization is trauma, with a focus on first responders, and she is trained in EMDR. Kari is also an Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS) and serves on the WVBEC-approved ALPS training team, and she is a counselor educator on faculty at Marshall University and Northwestern University.

In 2018, Kari and her husband, Allen, founded Aspire to Inspire Behavioral Health. What started as a solo practice out of their home office has since grown to a team of over 15 strong, with locations in both Putnam and Kanawha Counties. Kari and Allen have delivered trainings across West Virginia and nationwide on first responder wellness, PTSD recovery, suicide prevention, and trauma-responsive workplace practices for high-stress occupations including police, fire, EMS, and 911/dispatch. Kari has also provided consultation for the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration on trauma-sensitive screening procedures.

Beyond clinical work, Kari is deeply involved in professional advocacy for mental healthcare. She serves on the Boards of the West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA), the West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association (WVLPCA), and the International Association of Resilience and Trauma Counselors (IARTC). She is the Immediate Past-President of WVCA and also chairs its Legislative/Advocacy Committee. Her policy work includes assisting with drafting legislation on mental health parity and AI regulation in behavioral healthcare, and she has testified at the West Virginia State Capitol on issues impacting mental healthcare, including expanding access to PTSD coverage for first responders under workers' compensation.

areas of expertise

Trauma/PTSD
First responder mental health
Clinical supervision
Addiction/co-occurring disorders
Private practice consultation
Suicide prevention
Program development
Other topics as needed/requested

in the news

RESEARCH

current research: participants needed

Heroes and Villains: The Dehumanization of First Responders

Approved by the Northern Illinois University Institutional Review Board (IRB) - protocol #HS22-0483

To participate in this ANONYMOUS online survey, please click here.

Open to all active or retired, paid and/or volunteer first responders (including 911/dispatch and National Guard).

Heroes or Humans? The Dehumanization of Healthcare Workers

Approved by the Marshall University Institutional Review Board (IRB) - study #2053872

To participate in this ANONYMOUS online survey, please click here.

Open to all healthcare, behavioral health (including 988 and other crisis workers), and EMS.

education & training

Northern Illinois University (CACREP-accredited), 2014-2016; 2020-2022

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Counselor Education and Supervision

Dissertation: Merely Mortal: A Quantitative Examination of the Dehumanization of First Responders

Oakton Community College, 2013-2014

Certificate, Advanced Substance Abuse/Addictions Counseling

EMDR International Association, 2012-2013

EMDR trained, Level I and Level II

Adler University - Chicago, 2009-2012

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling Psychology

University of Illinois at Chicago, 2004-2008

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Applied Psychology

licenses & certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS) in the State of West Virginia (license #2276)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois (license #180.009652)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Clinical Supervisor (AADC-S) in the State of West Virginia (certificate #16-323)
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) in the State of Illinois (certificate #32778)
Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
Clinically Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCCJS)
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS; #ACS01983)
40-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention and Advocacy certification
40-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention and Advocacy certification
Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT)

publications

Mika-Lude, K. M., Degges-White, S., & Isawi, D. (2023). Under fire: Meta-dehumanization and burnout among first responders. Journal of Employment Counseling, 60(3), 144-158. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/joec.12208

Mika-Lude, K. M. (2022). Merely mortal: A quantitative examination of the dehumanization of first responders (Publication No. 2936412) [Doctoral dissertation, Northern Illinois University]. ProQuest.

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Wesley, J. (in press). Treatment planning: Focus on women. In M. Sprong, H. Hollender, L. Parker-Barnes, & Z. Sneed (Eds.), The substance-related disorder: Treatment and rehabilitation with specialized populations [Publication pending, expected 2026]. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

Rodriguez, A., & Mika-Lude, K. M. (2025). Chapter 22: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of addictions. In M. Sprong, H. Hollender, L. Parker-Barnes, & Z. Sneed (Eds.), The substance-related disorder: Treatment & rehabilitation. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

seminars, workshops, and in-service trainings

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Lude, P. A. (July 2025). Code Grey "lite": Finding calm in the chaos. CIT Summit: Summersville, WV

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Lude, P. A. (March 2025). Re-humanizing the heroes: Recognizing and confronting the dehumanization of first responders. American Counseling Association (ACA) conference: Orlando, FL

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Wesley, J. (March 2025). Champions for change: Leveraging research for advocacy in professional counseling. American Counseling Association (ACA) conference: Orlando, FL

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Lude, P. A. (February 2025). Code Grey "lite": Finding calm in the chaos. CIT Summit: Winfield, WV

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Lude, P. A. (January 2025). Code Grey "lite": Finding calm in the chaos. CIT Summit: Weston, WV

Kennedy-Rickman, A., & Mika-Lude, K. M. (November 2024). From practice to policy work: How to advocate for change. West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA) conference: Daniels, WV

Mika-Lude, K. M., Wesley, J., & Lent, J. (November 2024). Champions for change: Leveraging research for advocacy in professional counseling. West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA) conference: Daniels, WV

Mika-Lude, K. M., Wesley, J., Waggoner, B., Smith, M., Kennedy-Rickman, A., & Phillips, T. (November 2024). Navigating imposter syndrome: A polyvagal perspective for clinical supervisors. West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA) conference: Daniels, WV

Stephey, B., & Mika-Lude, K. M. (November 2024). Best practice: Updates to and application of the ASAM criteria. West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA) conference: Daniels, WV

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Lude, P. A. (September 2024). CODE GREY: Finding calm in the chaos. AmeriCorps Day of Service: Lewisberg, WV

Mika-Lude, K. M., & Lude, P. A. (February 2024). Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) 101: Strengthening our crisis response. West Virginia Behavioral Health Workforce and Health Equity Training Center Continuing Education Series: Virtual

Mika-Lude, K. M. (February 2024). From trauma-informed to healing-centered: A social justice approach to child advocacy. West Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children in-service training for staff and volunteers: Virtual

Phillips, T., Waggoner, B., & Mika-Lude, K. M. (November 2023). Save the drama: Ethical decision-making in clinical supervision. West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA) conference: Flatwoods, WV

Mika-Lude, K. M. (April 2023). First responder mental health. West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services
Regional State Communication Meetings: Virtual

Mika-Lude, K. M. (April 2023). Kryptonite: The impact of dehumanization on first responders. West Virginia Licensed
Professional Counselors Association (WVLPCA) spring conference: Charleston, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (March 2023). Psychological disaster preparedness for first responders and military: An existential
perspective. West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA) spring conference: Virtual.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (March 2023). Kryptonite: The impact of dehumanization on first responders. West Virginia Counseloing
Association (WVCA) spring conference: Virtual

Mika-Lude, K. M. (March 2023). The impact of dehumanization on the first responder workforce and its implications for the
healthcare workforce. West Virginia Hospital Association Human Resources Leadership Meeting: Charleston, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (February 2023). Question, persuade, prefer (QPR). Emergency Services Conference at Pipestem
(ESCAPe): Pipestem, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (May 2022). Deconstructing trauma: Understanding and providing trauma-informed care. The Training
Center Summer Continuing Education Series 2022: Virtual.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (April 2022). Trauma-informed supervision: Supporting your supervisees and their clients. West Virginia
Licensed Professional Counselors Association (WVLPCA) conference: Morgantown, WV.

Gage, G., Cade, S., Mika-Lude, K. M., Renquist, R. (April 2022). Developing and growing your ideal private practice: What

we learned along the way. West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association (WVLPCA) conference: Morgantown, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (April 2021). Psychological disaster preparedness for first responders and military: An existential

perspective. West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association conference: Charleston, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. & Lude, P. A. (July 2020). CODE GREY: Finding calm in the chaos. City of St. Albans and City of Nitro first responder in-service training: Nitro, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. & Lude, P. A. (February 2020). CODE GREY: Finding calm in the chaos. Emergency Services Conference at Pipestem (ESCAPe): Pipestem, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. & Lude, P. A. (January 2020). CODE GREY: Finding calm in the chaos. Wood County Fire School: Parkersburg, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. & Lude, P. A. (March 2019). CODE GREY: Finding calm in the chaos. Cabell County

in-service training: Huntington, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. & Lude, P. A. (January 2019). CODE GREY: Finding calm in the chaos. Dunbar Fire Department

in-service training: Dunbar, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. & Lude, P. A. (December 2018). CODE GREY: Finding calm in the chaos. Kenova Police Department

in-service training for officers and supervisors: Kenova, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (April 2018). Sexual violence and addiction. West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information Services

18th Annual Sexual Assault and Stalking Symposium: Roanoke, WV.

Mika-Lude, K. M. (March and April 2018). Toward a trauma-informed TSA workforce. Transportation Security

Administration Supervisory/Leadership Summit: Charleston, WV.

Mika, K. M. (September 2016). Building" confident counselors: Introducing scaffolding and experiential learning into

counseling courses. Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision: Steamboat Springs,

CO.

Mika, K. M., Cox, S. A., Wise, S. M., Parker, L. C., McMillion, P. L. R., Hart, K. A., & Rheineck, J. E. (October

2015). Accepted: Standardizing and quantifying the graduate admission process for counseling programs. Association

for Counselor Education and Supervision: Philadelphia, PA.

professional affiliations

Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS) Training Team
American Counseling Association (ACA)
National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA; current Immediate Past-President).
West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association (WVLPCA); current member of the Board of Directors
Cabell County Critical Incident Stress Management (CCCISM) Team
International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
Chi Sigma Iota, the Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Golden Key Honour Society
National Association of Forensic Counselors (past)
Illinois Counseling Association (past)
Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (past)
Illinois Association for Specialists in Group Work (past)

M, former supervisee

I really appreciate the feedback Kari provided. I feel that I grew as a clinician and became more assertive under her supervision, and I am less scared to have difficult conversations with clients and co-workers alike. These skills will be especially useful as I continue my work with people who struggle with addiction.

Lisa F., former supervisee

Kari was a sound, effective supervisor. She has an attention to detail that supports accurate clinical documentation. She is also an empathic listener and active problem-solver. She is able to create mutual respect to lend support, direction, and education to the supervisory relationship.

MB, former supervisee

Kari was an amazing group [supervision] leader! She really pushed me to think differently about things, and I learned so much from her.

MR, former supervisee

It was a privilege to have Kari as a group [supervision] leader. She showed up, set the bar, and facilitated sessions that changed me. Her insight, her passion for this field, and her direction gave me confidence in the space. She makes a difference, she changes people for the better, and I am so appreciative and grateful.

Rita R., former consultee

If you are looking for an engaging trainer, Kari is your person for that. She brings her full expertise to each event, is highly engaging, welcomes feedback, and tailors her presentation to her audience. I had the opportunity to have her provide some professional development training for my staff in the area of addiction, particularly assessing for level of care determination. The team was impressed with her, her knowledge, and her style. All walked away having learned something new!

Kari is an excellent consultant, as well. Her knowledge and experience are solid, and she is a great resource to consult, train individuals on a team, or develop programs. When my agency became licensed to provide addiction services up to an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) level, we immediately reached out to Kari for assistance. She worked closely with our Clinical Director to develop the program and was instrumental in developing the 24-session curricula for adults and adolescents. She brought experience, creativity, and professionalism to that role.