Tara Matthews

Contributing Faculty
College of Social and Behavioral Health
School of Counseling
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Dr. Tara Matthews completed her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University and a Master's degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University. Dr. Matthews is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), an educator, an integrative nutrition and health coach, a clinical supervisor, a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and a seasoned presenter. Dr. Matthews is married and is currently living in Virginia with her husband, her neurodivergent daughter, and two energized dogs. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and loves to read.
Dr. Matthews has experience in many areas of clinical counseling to include both individual and group work with teens and adults addressing mental health concerns, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. She has facilitated therapeutic groups for more than 19 years and taught in higher education for 15 years. She has provided clinical supervision to those seeking professional licensure and provided health coaching to colleagues. Her interests include group counseling, addictions, nutrition for mental health, self-care, clinical supervision, and making ethics fun to learn and practice.

Education

PhD, Capella University

MA, Central Michigan University

BS, Old Dominion University

Publications

Matthews, T. (2022). Co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders: Evidenced-based integrative treatment and multicultural applications.

Matthews, T. (2021). Online supervision.

Presentations

Matthews, T. (2018). B.R.E.A.T.H. just keep breathing: Moving forward to graduation. Purdue University Global

Matthews, T. (2019). ETHICS Escape Room: Healthy Self Care is the only way out. Virginia Counseling Association

Matthews, T. (2020). ETHICS of Self Care. NCAD

Matthews, T. (2023). Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use Disorders. NAADAC

Matthews, T. (2022). Navigating Gender Differences Between Counselor and Client. NAADAC

Matthews, T. (2021). Spoonful of Sugar: Helps the learning go down. Southeastern Teaching of Psychology

Matthews, T. (2023). The Window Opens Before Age 12: ADHD and SUD. NAADAC