West Palm Beach, Fla., USA (May 2, 2024) — Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is now accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). The accreditation cycle for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty area runs through March 31, 2032.
“This is a significant milestone for our clinical mental health counseling program,” said Dr. Debra Schwinn, president of PBA. “It underscores our commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and rigorous education that meets the highest standards of accreditation. With this accreditation, our graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions to the field of mental health counseling and serve their communities with excellence and integrity.”
The Board of Directors for the CACREP based the accreditation decision on an extensive review of the self-study documents, the site review team’s report and the institution’s response to the site review team’s report. The board makes the decision to accredit when it determines that the program has demonstrated that a counseling specialty area is in full compliance with all applicable accreditation standards and policies.
“We are exceedingly proud of this accomplishment. I remain equally honored and humbled to have been afforded the opportunity to spearhead a winning team and successfully position the university for even greater achievements in the future,” said Dr. Devie Forrester, assistant professor of counseling and director of PBA’s Counselor Education Program. “It augurs well for the program, signaling its continued longevity and sustainability. We can stand confidently, knowing that we are training and deploying skilled clinicians into the marketplace who will exert godly influence on the profession.”
Accreditation allows students to register as interns with the state of Florida, work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), matriculate into doctoral programs that require a CACREP accredited degree, become members of the international and professional academic honor society for counseling students, counselor educators, and professional counselors – Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), among other benefits.
The mission of PBA’s Counselor Education program is to facilitate a holistic educational experience through which students develop personal and professional qualities, competencies, ethical judgment and spiritual awareness as they prepare for professional service in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or for advanced study in a related field. Its objective is to nurture compassionate and culturally sensitive counselors who have the knowledge and skills to increase self-efficacy to integrate faith and spirituality into their professional practice. Visit the program’s webpage here to learn more.
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About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.
