The Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology’s doctoral program in counseling psychology has been reaccredited for a ten-year period, the maximum granted by the American Psychological Association (APA). The reaccreditation demonstrates that APA’s standards of accreditation have been met or exceeded, and that graduates are prepared to provide evidence-based services in their practices. The rigorous process of securing this approval required countless hours of work by faculty and staff in the department, led by its chair, and incoming Interim Dean, Dr. Alan Burkard.

“It’s an extraordinary testament to the quality of our counseling psychology doctoral program and to the caliber of our Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology (CECP) graduate students, faculty, and staff that the next APA review won’t occur until 2030,” noted Dean Bill Henk.  “It’s a grueling and meticulous review process, and the department was clearly up to it.”

“I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff who have developed and offer such a high-quality professional preparation program,” stated Dr. Burkard. “The reaccreditation is also an acknowledgement of the achievements of our students and graduates, and their contributes to meeting the mental health needs of our community.” 

CECP has seen many graduates to go on to highly productive careers locally as staff psychologists at Children’s Hospital, Rogers Behavioral Health, Advocate Aurora Health Care, and the Veterans Administration. Nationally, graduates have become notable psychologists in their respective communities. Graduates can also be found on university faculty and administration. It is clear that graduates of the accredited doctoral program in counseling psychology go on make valuable contributions to a society in need.