Dr. Patrick McKiernan, Ph.D.
School of Behavioral Sciences
Dr. McKiernan began work as an alcohol and other drug counselor in 1983. He has worked with a wide variety of populations including adolescents, pregnant women, mothers, criminal justice clients, clients with HIV/AIDS, and those with severe and persistent mental illness. For 16 years, Dr. McKiernan worked for Volunteer of America of Kentucky, directing the Alcohol and Other Drug Community and Mental Health Services, developing programs, training counselors, and continuing his professional development.
Dr. McKiernan worked for the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs from 2005 to 2015, coordinating services, and developing programs for homeless veterans with substance abuse and mental health problems. In addition, he has an appointment to the University of Louisville Graduate Faculty, teaches courses for the Kent School of Social Work, and co-directs the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Specialization. He also operated a 20-bed recovery-focused facility for men for 18 years.
Dr. McKiernan’s passion is teaching at the university level, and he is a firm believer in, and passionate advocate for, the advantages of distance learning.
He is married with two children and enjoys travel, swimming, biking, hiking, and yoga.
Areas of Expertise: Alcohol and drug dependence, including screening assessment, diagnosis, special populations (particularly criminal offenders, pregnant women and families) and interventions
Educational Experience: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology — Northcentral University; Master of Science (MS) in Applied Addiction Studies — Nova Southeastern University; Bachelor of Science (BS) in Guidance and Counseling — University of Louisville
