Dr. Johnson has doctorates in both philosophy and psychology after receiving MA degrees in marriage and family therapy and historical, philosophical, and comparative studies of education. He has held university teaching positions in English composition, philosophy, and counseling psychology.

Currently, he is a full-time professor of clinical counseling and the creator and director of an MA program in addictions counseling. He also serves as the President of the board of trustees of the Albert Ellis Institute for Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) located in NYC. He is also on the teaching faculty of PESI, the largest purveyor of mental health continuing education in the United States.

He did a Fellowship at the Albert Ellis Institute during which he was mentored by Dr. Ellis and served as a co-therapist for groups with Ellis for several years. Upon completing the fellowship, he was requested to remain as a staff psychologist where he worked with clients and conducted research on the integration of religious content and practices into the REBT model.

Dr. Johnson is a frequent leader of psychotherapy training programs in various topics involving REBT both within the United States and Europe as well as Asia. His research and treatment specialties are trauma disorders and co-occurring disorders, such as major depressive disorder and substance use disorders with a growing interest in behavioral disorders.

He has published numerous books, journal articles, and chapters of books. He has received numerous awards, including an award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) for his service to a chapter of the organization.