We take it as our mission to train interns whose resulting sense of personal and professional integrity is such that they will contribute to the health and well-being of future clients and will honor and enhance the profession. The application of ethical standards is taught to interns both through our weekly clinical training meeting and through staff example. Special sessions, at least one per year, are devoted to the discussion of ethical issues. APA guidelines related to such issues are included in the training materials, and discussion of the ethical dimensions of clinical work is a regular part of case reviews and supervision. No setting ever came close to the high degree of professionalism, humanitarian outlook, and ethical standards that I found at the Center for Counseling and Academic Development.
Interns receive training in the multiple competency areas each function entails.
Psychological counseling has been a central function of CAS for approximately 39 years. Counseling services are provided to individuals, couples and, on occasion, to families. We do not offer group therapy, but do have several thematic groups during the year. Undergraduate and graduate students are the major consumers of our service. Faculty and citizens of the Commonwealth may be seen on an intake basis and referred to appropriate campus or community resources.