Dr. Franco Dispenza is a tenured research professor and the coordinator of the clinical rehabilitation counseling program at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in the psychosocial and vocational dimensions of chronic illness, disability, and LGBTQ+ identities. With a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Dispenza has authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries. As a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor and licensed psychologist, he bridges theory and practice to promote inclusive career and mental health counselling, psychological care, and socially just clinical practices. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) and an associate editor for the journal, Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.