Millersville University’s counseling center was recently re-accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS). The IACS is the major accrediting body for college centers that ensures professional standards are followed.

There are a variety of professional standards that must be achieved in order to become an accredited counseling center, including but not limited to, standards in terms of confidentiality, education and licensing of counselors and types of services offered.

According to Dr. Kelsey Backels, counseling and human development, “Receiving the accreditation means that our center successfully meets the professional standards of the IACS, and will continue to provide qualified psychological and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services for the Millersville campus community.”

The University needs to be re-accredited every four years with an on-site evaluation every eight years.  Each year, the counseling center is required to send reports to the IACS for approval. These reports include self-study questions about counseling center services such as types of support groups, outreach programs, and research conducted by the center faculty.  In four year an extensive report consisting of a 100-page questionnaire similar to those administered in the years prior will be completed and sent for approval. And in seven years an on-site visit will be scheduled to ensure accurate information on reports and decide re-accreditation.

The University’s counseling center offers three different types of counseling: individual counseling, group counseling and crisis counseling. There are five psychologists as well as an alcohol and drug specialist available for students. A consulting psychiatrist is available weekly to counsel students.

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