NIU’s Counseling and Student Development Center received accreditation by the American Psychological Association for its predoctoral internship program.

It is an “extremely” important recognition that “sets us (NIU’s Counseling and Student Development Center) apart” from similar programs at other colleges, said center director Kathy Hotelling.

Before the center was examined and evaluated by the APA Board, a self-study evaluation was completed and the APA team visited the center. The award is based on the center’s ethics, legality, staff, financial support and services for client supervision and training.

“The accreditation promotes excellence and provides evaluation of the center’s (internship) program,” Hotelling said. There are 50 counseling and student development centers that are accredited out of about 400 across the country, she said.

“It is a tribute to the quality of our program and staff in the Counseling and Student Development Center,” said Jon Dalton, former NIU vice president for student affairs.

Training people who will enter the psychology profession and assuring them experience is the responsibility of the center’s internship program, Hotelling said.

The program is a 12-month internship, for clinical and counseling psychology doctorates who have finished their coursework and exams, but have not finished internship and dissertation.

Three people are selected for NIU internships, but applications are received from around the country.

The intern is a full-time staff member who meets with clients and groups, but under training and supervision, said center associate director Anna Beth Payne.

This is the third year for the program and the interns have offered new ideas and approaches and have kept the staff stimulated, Payne said.

NIU’s center currently employs eight counselors and two athletic counseling specialists. Last year the center provided about 5,000 hours of counseling to 779 clients through individual and group sessions. The center primarily serves students, but NIU faculty and staff are eligible for up to three visits for assessments and referral.