The Barnes Center at The Arch has been awarded national accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA), a recognition that will remain effective through 2035. This accreditation affirms the center’s commitment to excellence in training the next generation of mental health professionals through its Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology.
The APA is the leading organization in the United States dedicated to advancing psychological science and practice. The rigorous evaluation process for the Barnes Center included a comprehensive self-study, a professional peer-reviewed site visit, and a thorough committee review. This achievement underscores the center’s dedication to high academic standards and ethical practices in psychology.
Commitment to Excellence and Impact
“The Barnes Center at The Arch’s commitment to high-quality, multidisciplinary supervision, training seminars, and clinical experiences were highlights that resonated with the APA during the accreditation process,” said Carrie Brown, Ph.D., the center’s Counseling Director. She emphasized that this milestone reflects the dedication of the Barnes Center Counseling team and their investment in developing a top-tier internship program.
The internship program not only equips future mental health professionals with essential skills but also enhances the daily counseling services provided to students. Interns gain hands-on experience in delivering evidence-based, human-centered support, which contributes to the overall well-being of the student community. This dual focus on professional development and student welfare is a cornerstone of the program’s accreditation.
“We’re working to create well-rounded, culturally responsive and competent psychologists, capable of providing ethical and meaningful support to the people and communities they serve,” said Dr. Brown.
Experiential Learning and Growth
At the core of the internship program are mentorship and experiential learning opportunities. “Our training program operates from a Developmental-Mentoring Model, emphasizing experiential learning, cultural competency, identity development, and scholarly inquiry,” stated Danqing Huo, Psy.D., the Director of Training at the Barnes Center. Interns are exposed to various professional role models and multiple supervisors, allowing them to engage in diverse mental health services.
This structured approach includes individual and group counseling, on-call response, outreach programs, and community-building efforts, all designed to integrate interns into the mental health work environment effectively. The program not only enhances interns’ skills but also significantly contributes to the counseling services available to students.
The APA accreditation further strengthens the licensure eligibility and career prospects for participants, signaling to future employers and clients that graduates have achieved a nationally recognized level of training.
Each year, the Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling welcomes three doctoral interns, who participate in the program from August 1 to July 31. Interested candidates can find more information about application procedures on the Barnes Center Training Opportunities webpage.
“The most valuable part for me was the supportiveness and flexibility in my clinical interests and career goals,” said Brianna Rivera, M.A., a staff psychologist and graduate of the program. “I felt completely supported in my journey and now have a clearer understanding of who I am as a clinician, greater confidence in working with complex cases, and a deepened interest in training and supervision.”
This accreditation is not just a badge of honor; it demonstrates the Barnes Center at The Arch’s unwavering commitment to high standards in mental health training and care, ultimately benefiting both interns and the student body alike.
