The Department of Counseling is excited to welcome Assistant Professor, Dr. Mehmet N. Akkurt. Akkurt received his master's in community counseling at UTSA and his Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at Duquesne University. His clinical work and research are focused on underrepresented and marginalized groups (e.g. refugees, minorities, and international students). Akkurt considers himself an advocate for increasing access to and challenging the stigma associated with mental health services around the world. He is a Master Trainer for Mental Health Facilitator training provided through NBCC (in collaboration with WHO), and he has been providing international trainings since 2013. He conducted MHF trainings in developing countries such as Haiti, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Akkurt has been training and supervising prospective counselors for almost a decade, and he enjoys and appreciates the mutual learning process. His message to valued LU counseling students: "As we learn together, we will also grow together both personally and professionally. And I am looking forward to that. I am humbled to be part of your journey in becoming a professional counselor." 

With the current state of our nation and the ever-growing need of new mental health services, Akkurt brings real world experiences, and innovation not only for Lamar University, but for the Counseling Department. With his international footprint, he can aid in diversifying and inspiring our students’ perspective in rendering culturally appropriate services.  

Written by Dr. Belinda Lopez