Addiction counselor’s mission to walk alongside clients on familiar journey

Addiction counselor's mission to walk alongside clients on familiar journey

Kevin Kmoch aspires to serve others and inspire hope during life's most difficult challenges.

Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491 | 05/01/2024

When Kevin Kmoch of York, Nebraska, walks across the stage on May 4 to receive a Master of Science from Lipscomb's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a specialization in addiction, he will be ready with guidance for every step of the way for clients who are navigating some of life's most difficult challenges.

Kmoch began his career as a drug and alcohol counselor in Nebraska where he worked for four years, dedicating himself to supporting individuals battling addiction. Yet, amidst his noble work, he had a desire to pursue a master's degree in order to deepen his understanding of mental health counseling and expand his ability to make a difference in the lives of his clients.

Reflecting on his time at Lipscomb, Kmoch says he selected Lipscomb because it has the prestigious accreditation and addiction specialization that he sought, yet he was initially apprehensive as an older student returning to the classroom. "I was really nervous to start the program," he admits. "School has never been easy for me."

From the moment he stepped foot on campus, those fears were met with unwavering support and encouragement from faculty and peers alike, he says and adds, "I never once felt like I didn't belong."

Drawing from his personal and professional experiences with substance use disorder, he found himself immersed in a wealth of knowledge and insight in mental health counseling. He himself is in long-recovery. On July 18, Kmoch will celebrate 13 years of sobriety.

"I got my life back," he says. "It took several treatments, halfway houses, and a lot of meetings, but I finally got there."

Kmoch says that on his education journey, under the guidance of mentors like DeAndrea Witherspoon-Nash, clinical mental health counseling program director and addiction specialization lead faculty, and Professor Jake Morris, his confidence blossomed, paving the way for his eventual licensure in both mental health and substance abuse counseling.

"His journey is a reminder that there is always hope," says Witherspoon-Nash.

In his darkest moments, Kmoch found his calling-the opportunity to walk alongside others as they navigate their own paths to healing and transformation.

"Drugs and alcohol took me to a dark place that I never want to return to," he reflects. "But if I wouldn't have gone through that, I'm not sure I would have found my passion for being a counselor."

Looking ahead to the future, Kmoch's aspirations shine bright. With his master's degree in hand, he plans to continue his work with clients struggling with addiction, while also setting his sights on becoming a grief counselor-a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving others in their time of need.

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