The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Opens Campus in Heart of Nation's Capital

WASHINGTON, July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP), the nation's largest nonprofit graduate school focused exclusively on psychology and related behavioral sciences, will open its newest campus in the heart of the nation's capital this August. The final step in the new campus approval process came last week, when the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC) extended TCSPP's institutional accreditation to its new D.C. Campus.  Classes begin August 30 at the campus at 901 15th St. NW, just three blocks from the White House.

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"Access to quality mental health services is increasingly critical," said Dr. Michele Nealon-Woods, president of TCSPP. "Being situated in our nation's capital allows The Chicago School to extend its leadership to the policy arena by more regularly contributing to the important national conversation on mental health, and to train more professionals to serve local and regional communities on the East Coast."

Dr. Orlando Taylor, a nationally recognized leader in graduate education, is the inaugural president for the D.C. Campus. Dr. Taylor's illustrious career includes more than three decades as a faculty member, vice provost, dean, department chair and professor at Howard University, as well as serving on numerous national boards for a variety of high profile higher education associations and organizations.

"The opening of the Washington, D.C. campus represents a major milestone in establishing The Chicago School Model of Education in the nation's capital," said Dr. Taylor. I fully expect the D.C. campus to integrate TCSPP's dedication to innovation, diversity, community and service into its several degree programs as it prepares the next generation of psychologists for the Washington region, the nation and indeed the world."

With campuses located in Chicago, Los Angeles, Westwood and Irvine, California, TCSPP is focused on preparing students to be outstanding practitioners through curriculum, scholarship, training and service learning that emphasize the need to understand diversity and the importance of providing high quality mental health services for all segments of the population.

Initially, the Washington, D.C. Campus is offering the following degrees:

• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. Students may choose from concentrations in Child and Adolescent Psychology, Forensic Psychology, International/Multicultural Psychology, and General Clinical Psychology. Graduates are equipped with expert knowledge in theory, research, and practice in clinical psychology - preparing them to serve as lead practitioners and/or senior administrators in both educational and clinical settings.
• M.A. in Counseling Psychology. This unique program offers students a solid foundation in the principles of clinical psychology, in addition to the opportunity to gain the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills they need to be outstanding counseling psychology professionals working with a range of clinical populations and a variety of emotional and psychological conditions. Clinical counselors work in a wide range of settings including private practice, community agencies, public and private schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and other mental health facilities.
• M.A. in Forensic Psychology. Students will learn to perform assessments, interventions, and treatment planning for various problems and populations - preparing them to work in community, legal and public policy arenas in an ethical, academically informed, and research-based manner. Forensic practitioners find work in an ever-expanding range of settings - including child welfare agencies, forensic units in state mental health facilities, jails and prisons, community mental health centers, juvenile correctional facilities, government agencies, family courts, and private practice.

Programs are offered on a late afternoon and evening schedule to accommodate working professionals, and some classes will be available in an online-blended format. All programs are taught by seasoned practitioner faculty who are leaders in their respective fields.

Consistent with the values and philosophy of TCSPP, in addition to providing a superior education to its students, the new campus promises to be a significant contributor of social services in the Washington-Baltimore region. The Chicago School is nationally recognized for its community service; last year the Chicago Campus alone provided over 750,000 hours of service to local communities. According to Dr. Taylor, the D.C. Campus will continue to build on that legacy.

"We will measure our success not only by the accomplishments of our graduates, but by the impact our faculty and students have on our communities now," said Dr. Taylor.  "I have spent many years in the Washington, D.C. area and have already begun outreach to develop civic engagement and service learning opportunities for our students, staff and faculty."

In addition to building service learning relationships, Dr. Taylor and his team are identifying local clinical training sites, and have plans to open a Center for African Psychology within the school this fall.  

The Chicago School's Washington, D.C. Campus is now officially enrolling students for the fall term. Prospective students with questions can contact an admissions counselor at 800.721.8072 or visit TCSPP online to begin and/or complete an application.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is the nation's leading nonprofit graduate school dedicated exclusively to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. The school is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized TCSPP for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The school's community service initiatives have resulted in three consecutive years of recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service to disadvantaged youth. In 2009, the school was named to The Chronicle of Higher Education's annual list of "Great Colleges to Work For." Campuses are located in Chicago; in Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine, California; and the newest campus in Washington, D.C. Programs are offered on-ground and in an online-blended format.

For more information about The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gradpsychology. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechicagoschool.

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Michele Nealon-Woods, Psy.D.

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=49271

Contact:  Lynne Baker, 312/379-1635, [email protected]

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology