Barnes Center at The Arch Achieves Prestigious APA Accreditation

The Barnes Center at The Arch has officially earned accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA), a recognition that validates its commitment to high standards of training in mental health. This accreditation is granted through 2035 and applies to its Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

Achieving this accreditation required the Barnes Center to undergo a thorough evaluation process, which included a comprehensive self-study, a professional peer-reviewed site visit, and a detailed committee review. This rigorous assessment confirms that the program meets the highest academic and student experience standards set by the APA, the leading organization in the psychology field aimed at advancing psychological science and improving societal wellbeing.

Commitment to Excellence in Mental Health Training

The accreditation reflects the Barnes Center’s dedication to academic excellence and ethical practices in psychology. Dr. Carrie Brown, the director of counseling at the center, emphasized the program’s focus on high-quality supervision, training seminars, and clinical experiences. “This milestone reflects the time, dedication, and effort the Barnes Center Counseling team has invested in the Doctoral Internship Program,” she stated.

The internship program is designed not only to prepare future mental health professionals but also to enhance the quality of counseling services available to students. By providing hands-on experience in delivering research-based, human-focused support, interns actively contribute to a positive impact on the student community.

Dr. Brown highlighted the dual benefit of the program: “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.”

Innovative Training Models and Mentorship

Interns at the Barnes Center are trained under a Developmental-Mentoring Model, which emphasizes experiential learning, cultural competency, identity development, and scholarly inquiry. Dr. Danqing Huo, the director of training at the center, noted that interns gain exposure to diverse professional role models and benefit from multiple supervisors during their training.

The program offers various opportunities, including individual and group counseling, on-call response, outreach programs, and community-building initiatives. This immersive approach ensures that interns develop essential skills while enhancing the quality of care provided on campus.

The APA accreditation also bolsters the licensure eligibility and career prospects of participants. Graduates of the program can demonstrate to employers and clients that they possess nationally recognized training essential for making a meaningful impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Each year, the Barnes Center recruits three doctoral interns, who participate in a year-long training program from August 1 to July 31. Those interested in applying can find more information on the Barnes Center’s Training Opportunities webpage.

Brianna Rivera, a staff psychologist and graduate of the internship program, shared her positive experience. “The most valuable part for me was the supportiveness and flexibility in my clinical interests and career goals,” she said. Rivera expressed gratitude for the opportunity to immerse herself in areas aligned with her interests, which she believes has significantly prepared her for her future career in psychology.

The achievement of APA accreditation not only marks a significant advancement for the Barnes Center at The Arch but also underscores its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality training and care in mental health services.