Leo Gonzalez, Jr.

Dr. Leo Gonzalez Jr. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at St. John’s University in the School of Education. He is a double alumnus of St. John’s University, holding a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Additionally, he earned his Ph.D. in Counseling from Oregon State University. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, NY), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC, CA), and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).

Before joining the faculty at St. John’s, Dr. Gonzalez served in various clinical and educational settings. He worked as a counselor in the Percy Ellis SEEK Program at CUNY York College, where he supported historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged college students. He also has extensive experience working in college counseling centers, providing mental health support tailored to the needs of emerging adults navigating academic and developmental challenges. His clinical background further includes substance use counseling and private practice, where he has worked with diverse populations across a range of mental health concerns.Dr. Gonzalez’s research focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and Hip Hop in counselor education. His work explores AI literacy, digital equity, and the use of language-based methods to better understand mental health and enhance counselor training.

Courses Taught