Department of Social Work

Education: 

• BSW, James Madison University
• MSW, Appalachian State University
• PhD, Barry University
• LCSW (FL), Qualified Supervisor (FL)

Specialties:

• LBGTQ+ clinical care and best practices
• Gender identity exploration and gender dysphoria
• Trauma-responsive interventions
• Qualitative research – grounded theory methodology; photo voice/photo elicitation interviewing

Biography: 

Ryan Papciak, Ph.D., LCSW-QS is an Assistant Professor who joined the Department of Social Work in August 2025. Prior to arriving at Appalachian State University, he taught clinical social work classes as an Adjunct Professor at Barry University in Miami Gardens, FL. Dr. Papciak has taught courses in both BSW and MSW programs including Human Development Across the Lifespan, Direct Practice Skills I and II,  Models of Clinical Intervention, and Advanced Practice with Groups. Additionally, he previously served as the Clinical Director of the largest LGBTQ+ non-profit in South Florida. He is also a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Interns pursuing their clinical licensure in FL.

Dr. Papciak’s dissertation research utilized qualitative methodology to explore the intersection of gender dysphoria and trauma symptomatology. He has presented his research and served on panels at conferences such as CSWE, APA, USPATH, WPATH, and SSWR.

In his free time, Dr. Papciak enjoys hiking with his wife and two beagles. As an Appalachian State University MSW graduate (Class of 2017), Dr. Papciak is excited to come back to the Social Work Department where his clinical social work career began. 

Curriculum Vitae: View