University at Buffalo

Scott A. Sabella (he/him)

Scott A. Sabella

Associate Professor

COUNSELING, SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY


Specialty/Research Focus

Clinical/counselor supervision, program management in rehabilitation agencies, community participation of people with disabilities, supports for individuals with brain injuries, psychometrics, motivational interviewing interventions

Contact Information
419 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Phone: 716-645-1123
sasabell@buffalo.edu

View CV



Professional Summary:

Research and Clinical Interest:
• Rehabilitation Counselor Supervision
• Program management within rehabilitation agencies
• Support needs for people with brain injuries
• The removal of barriers to community participation for individuals with disabilities
• Counseling strategies and techniques
• Group Work


Scott Sabella, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology (CSEP) within UB’s Graduate School of Education. His primary research agenda focuses on counselor supervision, program management, and leadership within public rehabilitation agencies. Additionally, he has recently authored articles related to the removal of barriers to community participation of people with disabilities and the support needs of people with brain injuries. His clinical counseling interests include group work, motivational interviewing, and experiential counseling strategies and techniques to enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Education and Training:
  • BS, St. Lawrence University, Psychology (Mathematics Minor)
  • PhD, University of Northern Colorado, Rehabilitation
  • MA, University of Northern Colorado, Psychology (neuropsychology track)
Recent Publications:
Journal Article:
  • Landon, T. J., Phillips, B. N., McKnight, M., Sabella, S. A., & Kline, K. M. (2024). Insights into turnover intent in state VR agencies. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 62(1), 82-87. https://doi.org/10.1177/10522263241302256
  • Sabella, S. A., & Meier, S. T. (2024). Pervasive ceiling effect in supervisory working alliance measurement: An exploratory meta-analysis. The Clinical Supervisor, 43(2), 248-268. https://doi.org/10.1080/07325223.2024.2393299
  • Sabella, S. A., Landon, T. J., & Schultz, J. C. (2024). Supervision impact on rehabilitation counselor job satisfaction and intent-to-quit. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552241265315
Book Chapter:
  • Sabella, S. A., Schultz, J. C., & Baumunk, M. (2024). Chapter 8: Supervisee evaluation. In C. Bernacchio, E. Boland, & J. Schultz (Eds.), Clinical supervision: A handbook for practitioners (pp. 95-108). Innovative ink.
  • Sabella, S.A., & Anderson, C. (2023). Program evaluation. In S. Gibson and T. Buser (Eds.), Reimagining research: Engaging data, research, and program evaluation in social justice counseling. Routledge.
Recent Presentations:
Invited Lectures:
  • Sabella, S., Schultz, J., Henderson, R., Boland, B., Brinck, E. (Sept., 2022). Rehabilitation counseling supervision consortium (RCSC): Perspectives from a national research collaborative. Clinical Supervision Research Collaborative webinar session.;
Conferences:
  • Sabella, S.A., & Friedman, K. (2022, April). Supervisor use of best practices in evaluation: A survey of practicing rehabilitation counselors [Poster Session]. 2022 National Council on Rehabilitation Education Spring Conference (San Diego, CA).;
Recent Grants:
Sponsored Research:
  • S.M.A.R.T- Services, Mental Health, Assistive, Rehabilitation Technology Lab; Local Government; University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education; Awarded; (01/01/2024-06/01/2025)
:
  • Preparing Qualified Rehabilitation Counselors to meet Modern Agency and Client Needs; Federal Government; US Department of Education; Awarded; (10/01/2019-09/30/2025)
Recent Activities:
Professional Service:
  • Serves as a "Summit Navigator," a steering committee that provides leadership for the Summit Group on Performance Management in Vocational Rehabilitation, a national community of practice consisting of over 450 members of state vocational rehabilitation agency administrators, technical assistance agencies, and rehabilitation educators.
    06/01/2024-05/21/2025
  • Serves as a "Summit Navigator," a steering committee that provides leadership for the Summit Group on Performance Management in Vocational Rehabilitation, a national community of practice consisting of over 450 members of state vocational rehabilitation agency administrators, technical assistance agencies, and rehabilitation educators.
    06/01/2022-05/26/2023
  • Content expert for the federally funded National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials. This 5-year project will continue until 2020.
    05/26/2017-05/21/2018
  • Research consultant for the Rocky Mountain Americans with Disabilities Act Education Center. This is a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research project funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
    05/26/2017-01/01/2018
  • I am serving as an advisory board member for the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center. This is a federal Department of Education grant led by the Interwork Institute at San Diego State University which provides technical assistance and training to state vocational rehabilitation agencies in order to meet the requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
    02/29/2016-06/07/2016

Contact Information

419 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Phone: 716-645-1123
sasabell@buffalo.edu

View CV