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Ben Kohls, Director of Graduate Studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Graduate Programs Department Online Instruction for the Academic Affairs Department, smiles in front of a grey background.

Ben Kohls

Director of Graduate Studies
Department: Graduate Programs Department
Phone: 507-344-7302
Office Location: Graduate Studies House
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Education

Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision – The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD (2017)
M.S., Community Counseling – Minnesota State University, Mankato (2007)
B.S., Staff Ministry – Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN (2005)

Academic Interests

Dr. Kohls is passionate about counselor education and enjoys working with individuals at every stage of professional development—from counselors-in-training to experienced clinicians. He views learning as a lifelong process, with growth opportunities in every setting. His teaching and research emphasize integrating a Christian worldview with evidence-based, faith-informed counseling methods. His professional identity as a counselor educator is shaped by his work as a clinical mental-health counselor, researcher, public speaker, and clinical supervisor.

Licensure and Certifications

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (Minnesota)
Licensed Professional Counselor–Mental Health (South Dakota)
National Certified Counselor
Approved Clinical Supervisor

Professional Memberships

Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)
Association for Counselors, Counselor Educators, Supervisors, and Students (ACCESS)
National Board for Certified Counselors

Presentations and Publications

Kohls, B. S. & Londgren, J. (2025, March 20-22). The ethical imperative: Promoting client wellness and counselor self-care [Breakout session]. Climbing to New Heights: Growth and Transformation in the Integrated Professional, CAPS International Conference, Denver, CO.
Graham, A., Kansiewicz, K., & Kohls, B. S. (2025, March 20-22). Approaches to faith-integration in counselor education programs: A panel discussion [Breakout session]. CAPS International Conference, Denver, CO.
Hartwig, K. M. & Kohls, B. S. (2025, March 20-22). Pastors’ attitudes toward intimate partner violence [Poster session]. CAPS International Conference, Denver, CO.
Kohls, B. S. (2025, January 18). Forge ahead in faith by investing in you [Conference session]. Men of His Word Conference, Phoenix, AZ.
Londgren, J. & Kohls, B. S. (2024, December 6). The ethical imperative: Promoting client wellness and counselor self-care [8 CEU training]. Minneapolis, MN.
Kohls, B. S. (2024, October 16-18). Cultivating hopeful endurance: A holistic approach to wellness [Three-day workshop]. WELS South Atlantic District Called Worker Conference, Palm Coast, FL.
Kohls, B. S. (2024, March 21-23). Creating Meaning and Connection: Residency Experiences in Online Counselor Education [Conference session]. Realigned: Empowering Change in Self and Others, CAPS International Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Fischer, K. & Kohls, B. S. (2024, March 21-23). Christian Spiritual Formation Practices as a Protective Factor for Counselor Health & Persistence [Conference session]. CAPS International Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Kohls, B. S. (2023, August 10-11). Addressing Spiritual Struggles: Ethical Competencies for Clinical Psychotherapy.Christian Family Solutions Retreat, Pewaukee, WI.
Stevens, H., Kohls, B. S., & Clennon, K. (2023, August 6-8). Optimizing Faculty Wellness. The Lutheran College Conference, Mankato, MN.
Kohls, B. S. (2023). Anxiety in the Classroom. Mt. Olive Lutheran School, Mankato, MN. (2-part faculty training).
Kohls, B. S. (2023). Mental and Spiritual Wellness: A Christian Perspective. Heritage Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ.
Kohls, B. S. (2022). Ethics of Clinical Supervision. Christian Family Solutions: Hybrid 8-Hour Training (September).
Kohls, B. S. (2022). Faith Integration and Ethical Counseling. Christian Family Solutions Counselor Retreat, Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Kohls, B. S. (2022). Ethics of Clinical Supervision. Christian Family Solutions: Virtual 8-Hour Training (February).
Kohls, B. S. (2022). Integrating Mental and Spiritual Wellness. Cross of Glory, Phoenix, AZ.
Kohls, B. S. (2022). Adolescent Mental and Spiritual Wellness. Arizona Lutheran Academy In-service, Phoenix, AZ.
Kohls, B. S. (2021). Emotional Wellness: Holistic Care for God’s Workmanship. Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Fall Symposium, Mequon, WI. Presentation and essay. 
Kohls, B. S. (2020). Emotional Health and Resilience. Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee.Presented virtually.
Kohls, B. S. (2020). Teacher and Student Mental Health in a Time Such As This. Minnesota Teacher Conference.Keynote and breakout sessions (presented virtually).
Kohls, B. S. (2020). Compassion Fatigue Resilience. Great Plains Conference of Pastors. Presented virtually.
Kohls, B. S. (2019). Mental Health Awareness. Martin Luther College Faculty and Staff In-service, New Ulm, MN.
Mears, J. & Kohls, B. S. (2019). Integration of Theology and Counseling: Application of Objective Justification in Individual Counseling. Christian Family Solutions Counselor Retreat, Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Kohls, B. S. (2017). Addressing Disruptive Behaviors through Collaborative Methods. Dakota-Montana and Nebraska District Teacher Conference, Rapid City, SD.
Kohls, B. S. (2017). Burnout Prevention. Dakota-Montana and Nebraska District Teacher Conference, Rapid City, SD.
Kohls, B. S. & Holtberg, T. (2015). Clinical Application of the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics. Avera Ethics Conference 2015, Sioux Falls, SD.
Kohls, B. S. (2013). Expressive Strategies in Counseling Children and Adolescents. Friday Forum, Avera McKennan Behavioral Health Services, Sioux Falls, SD.
Kohls, B. S. (2012). Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Couple Therapy. National Alliance on Mental Illness: South Dakota State Conference, Huron, SD.
Kohls, B. S. (2012). Integrating Faith and Therapy. NAMI: South Dakota State Conference, Huron, SD.
Kohls, B. S. (2007). Forgiveness-Based Interventions in Marital Therapy. MSU-Mankato Research Colloquium, Mankato, MN.

Biography

Dr. Kohls has served as a clinical mental-health counselor since 2007. After completing his master’s degree at MSU–Mankato, he began his career counseling at-risk youth in a residential program in Florida, then served in community mental-health roles in both Florida and South Dakota.

He earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of South Dakota, while continuing clinical work in outpatient, day-treatment, and inpatient settings with Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. During that time, he also taught as an adjunct professor at both USD and South Dakota State University.

Dr. Kohls returned to Mankato in 2018. In addition to teaching at Bethany Lutheran College, he maintains a counseling practice and supervises clinicians in the field. His career reflects a commitment to integrating faith, ethics, and professional excellence in counseling and higher education.

Hobbies and Interests

Creator and Host of The Well Mind Podcast (2020 – present)