Simpson University Counseling Psychology Students Lauded for Community Efforts
For Immediate Release
11.18.2014
REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program was lauded during a Redding town-hall meeting for its work with the area’s indigent population.
About 1,000 people attended the Safe City Project meeting at the Redding Civic Center on Nov. 13, where project members presented 11 solutions to address rising rates of crime and homelessness in the region.
This fall, Simpson counseling psychology students began working with clients at the Good News Rescue Mission in Redding, offering a much-needed mental health resource, one of the presenters noted. Many of the area’s homeless suffer from mental illness and addictions.
“The mission has recently expanded its mental health services, and we are very fortunate to be able to place some of our students there for their clinical training experience,” said Dr. Adeline Jackson, dean of Simpson University’s School of Graduate Professional Studies. “It is invaluable learning for our students to be able to work with this population.”
Two MACP students are volunteering up to 250 hours each this year as part of their counseling practicum work. They are overseen by Dr. Patsy Shealy, academic program director for the School of Graduate Professional Studies, and Kerrie Hoppes, clinical director at the Good News Rescue Mission.
“This program allows us to see clients for therapy at the confidential counseling center on the mission grounds, which enables clients who do not have transportation to be seen in a safe and familiar place," said Hoppes, a licensed marriage and family therapist who oversees weekly supervision of the students on site.
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology began in 2010 and has graduated more than 40 students. The program is designed to prepare students for California licensure as marriage and family therapists and licensed professional clinical counselors.
Students do counseling practicum in several North State agencies, including Family Dynamics Resource Center, Voices, Bridges to Tomorrow, Bridges to Success, Family Counseling Center, Alternatives to Violence, Tehama County Head Start, Neighborhood Church Counseling Center, Stonewall Alliance in Chico, Columbia School District, and Shasta College.
“Practicum students take their growing clinical knowledge and love of Christ to wounded and underserved populations in Shasta, Tehama and Butte counties,” Dr. Shealy said.
For more information about the MACP program, visit simpsonu.edu/macp.
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Simpson University, established in 1921, is celebrating its 25th year in Redding, Calif. In October 2014, the university dedicated its new Science & Nursing Building. Simpson is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults. Simpson is expanding its online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
530-226-4737
