New Center For Research And Practice In Veteran And Military Psychology Launched At The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology

Director and Veteran Dr. Eric Morrison Appointed Director

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP), a nonprofit graduate school devoted exclusively to psychology and related behavioral sciences, has launched the National Center for Research and Practice in Veteran and Military Psychology to serve all TCSPP campuses and the larger community. Eric Morrison, Ph.D., Army retired veteran, former West Point professor and senior NASA instructor, serves as national director.

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According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the mental health needs of returning service members is at a critical point given the increasing numbers of veterans diagnosed with mental health conditions, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder. More than 1.5 million of the 5.5 million veterans seen last year in the VA had a mental health diagnosis, a 31 percent increase since 2004. With more than 107,000 veterans homeless on any given night and 18 veterans dying to suicide every day, addressing the mental health needs of members of the military is one of the most important challenges facing the country.

"These alarming statistics call for more action in the field of psychology to rigorously understand the mental health needs of our service members. At TCSPP, we are dedicated to the well-being of active military and veterans, and will apply a wealth of knowledge and data to ensure long-lasting stability for these individuals and their families," stated Michele Nealon-Woods, Psy.D., national president of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Morrison provides national strategic leadership for the development and implementation of the Center in the areas of research, service and dissemination of research findings, training and policy. He served for more than 23 years in the Army, including tours in Panama, Honduras, Germany, Bosnia, Hungary, and South Korea. He was also a Training Operations Officer at the Johnson Space Center, and created the Columbia University "Eisenhower" Graduate Program at West Point. As a member of the American Psychological Association and its Society for Military Psychology Division 19, Dr. Morrison serves as a mentor within the division. His research interests are in military and veteran psychology, post-traumatic stress disorder, international psychology, educational psychology, and leadership psychology.

As a leader in providing a supportive educational environment for military and veteran students, TCSPP was recently awarded the Military Friendly School title for 2012-2013 by GI Jobs Magazine. The institution also funds Yellow Ribbon Scholarships for qualified veteran students to help offset tuition costs. And, TCSPP's practicum program routinely places students at community organizations to work with and counsel veterans and their families.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is a nonprofit, private graduate school devoted exclusively to psychology and related behavioral sciences. It serves more than 4,300 students across campuses in Chicago; Southern California (L.A., Irvine, Westwood); and Washington, D.C. as well as online/blended programs. The institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and its Clinical Psychology doctoral program in Chicago is accredited by the American Psychological Association. A member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, TCSPP is recognized for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The community service initiatives on the Chicago campus have also earned recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for five consecutive years. With more than 20 graduate degree programs, thousands of hours of real-world training, and a wealth of international opportunities, TCSPP is a leader in professional psychology education. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology