Xavier University of Louisiana to Host First Clinical Psy.D. Program in the State Launched by The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology

Demand for Clinical Psychology Training and Practitioners in New Orleans High

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) have reached a formal agreement to launch a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) Program on the XULA Campus in New Orleans in the fall semester of 2014. The program will be the first of its kind offered in the state of Louisiana and the only Clinical Psy.D. Program in the City of New Orleans. The agreement was signed on December 4, 2014 by XULA President Norman C. Francis, J.D. and TCSPP National President Michele Nealon-Woods, Psy.D. The program's five-year curriculum will be designed and delivered according to TCSPP academic standards. The program is subject to final approval by the Louisiana Board of Regents.

The need for mental health service providers is well documented following Hurricane Katrina. Many mental health professionals left the region after the storm, and the City of New Orleans is slowly rebuilding its mental health infrastructure. The training of culturally competent practitioners who intend to practice locally is critical to meeting the needs of those with mental health and behavioral health issues. The new program opens the door to well-qualified candidates from Xavier and other universities in the New Orleans region seeking clinical psychology graduate studies. The Chicago School is very familiar with the quality of Xavier students. In the past three years nine Xavier graduates have entered graduate programs at TCSPP across its three campuses.

"It is no secret that the mental health service needs in this region, as well as throughout this country, are great," said Dr. Francis. "Through this doctoral program in Clinical Psychology, we hope to address some of those needs by providing new, young professionals with the finest undergraduate and graduate psychology training experience possible right here in New Orleans. "We foresee this collaboration as being one of mutual benefit to both Xavier and The Chicago School of Psychology, as well as to our respective communities," he added.

"The Chicago School's groundbreaking approach to the training and practice of psychology through its Engaged-Profession model will enable Xavier graduates to begin the work at hand of rebuilding the mental health programs of the City and its regional areas. We are excited to bring this much-needed Doctoral in Clinical Psychology to the students at Xavier University," stated Dr. Nealon-Woods.

The Chicago School's Clinical Psy.D. Program offers the highest degree for practitioners in the field, and helps prepare individuals for professional practice as licensed psychologists. TCSPP programs have been recognized for excellent training in culturally competent service provision. Students experience extensive clinical training with community partners, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, mental health centers, and governmental agencies.

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 and health sciences. It serves more than 4,300 students across campuses in Chicago; Los Angeles and branches in Irvine and Westwood; and Washington D.C., as well as online programs. The institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Clinical Psychology doctoral program offered at the Chicago Campus 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 six consecutive years, and the Los Angeles Campus gained its first award this year. With more than 17 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.

About Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana is a private, liberal arts co-educational institution offering over 40 bachelor's and master's degree programs as well as a doctor of pharmacy degree. Xavier is the only historically Black, Catholic university in the United States and draws students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and  eight (8) foreign countries. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its respective programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the National Association of Schools of Music, the Louisiana State Department of Education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Also, Xavier's chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society.  For more information, visit www.xula.edu.

Contact: Elinor Gilbert
213 615-4255 
[email protected]

Contact: Richard Tucker
504-520-5425 or 504 261-7750
[email protected]

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology