Douglas “Doug” Harper is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in the professional mental health field. Throughout his career, Doug has been committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while advocating for greater awareness and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

​

Doug’s work began in community mental health as a case manager, where he provided in-home services and helped connect clients with critical community resources. Over the years, he expanded his clinical work as a Licensed Professional Counselor serving diverse populations in outpatient settings, including individuals from low-income communities. His experience also includes work in Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), as well as serving as a clinical supervisor across multiple treatment sites.

​

Doug specializes in working with LGBTQ+ populations and has a strong interest in Minority Stress Theory and its impact on mental health. His clinical focus areas include trauma and PTSD, addiction and sex addiction, depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Doug is trained and certified in both individual and group crisis counseling and has developed a deep passion for suicide prevention and intervention.

​

Beyond clinical practice, Doug has dedicated significant time to community advocacy and program development. He founded the nonprofit STITCH (Standing Together In Tolerance Changing Humanity), an organization focused on supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults while addressing bullying and discrimination. Through STITCH and other initiatives, Doug has organized suicide prevention symposiums, mental health awareness events, and educational programs presented in high schools and colleges.

​

Doug has also volunteered with crisis hotlines, coordinated a student exchange program between high schools to study bullying, and has long demonstrated a passion for leadership and civic engagement. His early leadership roles included serving as Student Body President during his senior year and Class President during both his sophomore and junior years.

​

In recognition of his advocacy and prevention work, Doug was invited to attend the World Suicide Prevention Conference at the United Nations in 2009, and he previously participated in the National Youth Leadership Conference in 2003, highlighting both his leadership and academic achievements.

​

Doug brings a blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and genuine compassion to his work. He remains deeply committed to helping individuals and communities build resilience, find hope, and access the support they need to thrive.