Scott A. Sabella (he/him)
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
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 Articles:
- Sabella, S. A., & Truitt, T. J. (2026). Rehabilitation counselor supervisors’ use of ACES best practices in evaluation. The Clinical Supervisor, 45(1), 120-141. https://doi.org/10.1080/07325223.2026.2634904
- 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 Chapters:
- 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.
Recent Presentations:
Invited Lectures:
- Sabella, S. A., & Munoz-Lorenzo, O. (October, 2025). Beyond the surface: Broaching conversations around disability and culture [General Session]. International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals: 2025 Fall Conference (Saratoga Springs, NY).;
- Sabella, S. A., Lucero, R., Markve, M., & Pankow, C. (February, 2025). Intersection between program evaluation and fiscal management in state VR [Panel Session]. Summit Group on Performance Management in VR: 2025 Winter Forum (Virtual Conference).;
- 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., Musson, S., Munoz-Lorenzo, O., & Jacob, R. (April, 2026). Mental health access and attitudes of immigrants in the U.S. [Poster Session]. 2026 American Counseling Association Spring Conference (Columbus, OH).;
- 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:
Grants:
- Preparing rehabilitation counselors to Meet 21st Century agency and client needs. Rehabilitation Long-Term Training grant.; Federal Government; U.S. Department of Education; Awarded; (10/01/2025-09/30/2030)
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)
Training:
- 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.
Jun 2024-May 2025 - 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.
May 2017-Jan 2018 - From 2014-current, I have served as a 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.
Dec 2014-Jun 2016