In mid-May, the Department of Professional Psychology earned reaccreditation for its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program by the American Psychological Association (APA).

The reaccreditation — which will last until 2022 and is the maximum length of accreditation possible for doctoral psychology programs — comes after a year of self-study, which culminated in an extensive document. The work includes all domains of the program such as training goals; objectives and practices; student, faculty and financial resources; program policies and procedures; expected student competencies; and actual outcome data demonstrating the achievement of these competencies.

APA representatives met at the College for two days last October and interviewed faculty, staff, students, alumni and administrators. They also met with training supervisors from mental health organizations and other facilities that partner with CHC’s program. In addition, they reviewed files, syllabi and dissertations to reach their final decision.

“The philosophy of the Psy.D. program is grounded in the mission of Chestnut Hill College, says Cheryll Rothery, Psy.D., ABPP, associate professor of psychology, chair of the department and director of clinical training. “The program takes a holistic approach to the study of human psychology based on the fundamental respect for the welfare of humanity and human diversity. This approach treats the physical, psychological, spiritual, cultural and relational dimensions as critical to understanding the whole person.”