Dr. M. Nickleson "Dr. Nick" Battle, Jr., LPC (DC/VA), LCPC (MD), CCTP, CCAPT, BC-TMH

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Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Nick is a seasoned mental health professional, educator, author, and community leader, holding counseling licensure and clinical supervision credentials in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. He is recognized for his work advancing culturally responsive mental health practice and developing innovative frameworks that address the unique experiences of historically marginalized communities.

His commitment to addressing complex mental health concerns is reflected in his certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH). Dr. Nick earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Leadership Coaching and Development from Capella University.

Dr. Nick's clinical expertise includes men's mental health, BIPOC trauma, LGBTQ+ mental health, identity development, spirituality, and culturally responsive counseling. He is the developer of the Culturally Aligned Masculinity Model (CAMM), a culturally grounded framework that examines Black masculinity through the interconnected dimensions of self, spirituality, relationships, and community. He also created the Culturally Aligned Masculinity Assessment (CAMA), an assessment instrument designed to support clinicians, educators, and researchers in understanding culturally aligned masculine identity and wellness.

An accomplished author and scholar, Dr. Nick has contributed to the SAGE Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy and has published multiple books, including Ain't I a Man Too? Black Men, Identity, and the Myths of Masculinity, Grounded and Free, and Faith and Healing: Navigating Religion in Clinical Practice. His writing and presentations explore multicultural counseling, Black men's mental health, spirituality, trauma, and culturally responsive clinical practice.

As an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and Stevenson University, Dr. Nick is committed to preparing the next generation of counselors and mental health professionals through teaching, mentorship, and clinical supervision.

With more than 20 years of experience in human capital management, organizational consulting, leadership development, and human resources, Dr. Nick brings a unique perspective that bridges behavioral health, leadership, and organizational wellness.

Dr. Nick serves as President of the National Association of Black Counselors (NABC), where he works to advance the counseling profession, expand culturally responsive care, and strengthen the pipeline of Black mental health professionals nationwide. He remains actively engaged in community service through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and service on advisory and governing boards throughout the Washington metropolitan region.

A proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, Dr. Nick embodies the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and mentorship. His dedication to advancing mental health, developing culturally grounded clinical models, and empowering individuals and communities has established him as a respected leader, educator, clinician, and advocate.

To learn more about Dr. Nick's work, publications, speaking engagements, the Culturally Aligned Masculinity Model (CAMM), and the Culturally Aligned Masculinity Assessment (CAMA), visit https://drmnicklesonbattlejr.com.