Nainika Hira

Nainika Hira is a PhD student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Penn State University, which focuses on clinical mental health counseling. With nine years in the field, she works as a researcher at The Trevor Project, the national suicide hotline for the LGBTQ community, and will soon transition to research with the American Association for State Counseling Boards. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's in clinical psychology, and another master's in counseling psychology, along with a Visharad bachelor's degree in Indian classical music. Her professional background encompasses mental health research, psychological assessment, teaching, clinical counseling, UX research, and culturally responsive practice, supported by certifications including QPR for suicide prevention, online therapy modalities, research ethics, and psychological first aid. She has received a full scholarship for her master's studies and best student awards for both master's degrees. Nainika is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Association for Counselor Educators, and USPAS, and she mentors students while contributing to initiatives with the Trevor Project, Penn State Alumni Association, NGOs teaching children, and mental health helplines. She also performs Indian classical music in Pennsylvania and considers both her research in mental health and her musicianship central to her identity.