Bethany College Receives State Approval for New Masters Program in Psychology

Posted: Monday June 28th 2004

Bethany College is slated to launch a new Masters Program In ClinicalPsychology. This new program which emphasizes a clinical focus on Marriage, Family and Children is preparing to begin training its first class of graduate students no later than fall of 2005. Just this week Bethany College President, Maximo Rossi, Jr., received word that the college's comprehensive application to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences has been received, reviewed and its curriculum preparedness for the state Marriage and Family Therapy License has been officially approved. The State of California will also be listing Bethany on their website of approved & accredited training colleges. The program will also be included in Graduate Study In Psychology the most widely utilized publication index for those wishing to pursue advanced training in psychology. This publication is published annually by the American Psychological Association in Washington D.C.

This new graduate program expands Bethany's academic programs to provide another professional opportunity to the college and its constituency. Currently Bethany College has a Masters program in Teacher Education. The Masters Program In Clinical Psychology was meticulously designed to stay competitive within the mental health research and clinical marketplace and within Northern California. The program is highlighted with psychotherapy and research training in children, adolescents, family, and group treatment. Additionally, the program will have specialized training in psychopharmacology, cultural diversity and California law as it relates to psychological care. Workshops within the program will include addressing domestic violence, alcohol/substance abuse, human sexuality and child abuse. The program's curriculum also mirrors the California Business and Professions Code requirements needed to pursue Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure within the State of California. Students who graduate from this program will be better equipped for professional practice, teaching, research, or the pursuit of doctoral studies.

This new state approval along with existing accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges recognizes Bethany College as the only Evangelical Christian College or University to have these credentials within at least a 100 miles radius. This program also allows entering freshman interested in pursuing graduate training in psychology the "complete" package. They can complete their undergraduate training in psychology and then pursue their graduate work in psychology without having to explore training at other colleges or universities. The educational delivery system of this new program is also very unique, most courses being offered in the afternoon and evenings, allowing for many students to work part-time and or full time as needed as they pursue their advanced training in psychology.

This new program will have a lasting impact on the mental health care needs of many within our community and beyond. As the program develops, there is expectations of a psychology clinic to be established to provide services to both the Bethany College members and to the community of Scotts Valley and surrounding Santa Cruz County areas. This new graduate program is also in line with "Bethany 2012", the new vision set forth by President Rossi during his inaugural address this past February 2004. Within Bethany 2012 are stipulations for growth in academic programs especially at the graduate level. Additionally, significant growth in student enrollment is expected at the graduate level. Regarding this positive step President Rossi stated "Bethany College for many years has quietly been the best kept educational secret within our Scotts Valley community.... This new approval and new graduate program provides for good footing as we move Bethany College out of the shadows of the Redwoods and into the larger community of academic scholarship and professional education."