Aug. 20, 2012
The Counseling Center at The Catholic University of America has received accreditation from the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS). Approximately one third of university counseling centers nationwide have attained the IACS accreditation, according to Monroe Rayburn, Ph.D., director of the Counseling Center.
"We are very proud of this accomplishment. It was a group effort on the part of all of our counseling staff to commit the time and effort to go through the process, especially in light of the growing demand for our services," he said.
In the 2011 - 2012 academic year, 639 students utilized Counseling Center services, representing a little more than 13 percent of Catholic University's full-time undergraduate and graduate student population. "CUA, along with university counseling centers across the country, have experienced an increased demand for mental health services in the last decade," says Rayburn.
He attributes this to increased concerns about campus safety, increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and an increase of students coming to college who are already in treatment and under the care of a mental health professional.
The Counseling Center's staff of nine includes clinical psychologists, social workers, and counselors who are all experienced in working with college students. The Center offers one-on-one counseling as well as group counseling.
"IACS accreditation demonstrates that a university counseling center has completed a rigorous self-study process and undergone peer review, demonstrating that departmental practices conform to the highest established standards in the field," says Rayburn.
IACS was established in 1972 to encourage and aid counseling agencies to meet high professional standards and to inform the public about counseling services that are competent and reliable. Approval by IACS is dependent upon demonstration of excellence of counseling performance and evidence of continuing professional development.
The Counseling Center's pre-doctoral psychology internship program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. "These two accreditations demonstrate our commitment to the highest quality of service and care for our student body," says Rayburn.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a pivotal time in a person's life, he says. "The college years are formative years. Knowing that we can help students who are struggling with any number of issues or who just want to get the most out of the college experience is tremendously rewarding. We are helping to set them up for a better future and in effect making an impact on the rest of their lives."
Rayburn encourages any student who is "struggling and finding that the normal methods of coping are not working to give the Counseling Center a try. Come once and see how we can help. We are right here on campus, we are confidential, and we are free."
CUA's Counseling Center is located at 127 O'Boyle Hall and is open Monday through Friday. Students are welcome to stop by or call 202-319-5765 to schedule an appointment. For more information about services and hours, visit http://counseling.cua.edu .