PennWest Department of Psychology, Counseling and Art Therapy’s master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling has received accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

“CACREP is considered the gold standard,” said Everett Painter, associate professor of counseling. “CACREP accreditation is a clear indicator of the quality of PennWest’s counseling program and the dedication of our faculty.”

“The accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous standards for counseling education and training,” said Elizabeth Gruber, professor of counseling.

The university and program were required to meet 160 rigorous standards to attain accreditation.

“CACREP accreditation ensures that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers in counseling. When a graduating student is looking for a job and competing with other students, CACREP status helps them stand out,” Painter said. “Within the (counseling) field, people understand the importance of CACREP. They know the value of the accreditation, understand the standards, and have the confidence that our students possess the qualifications needed to be effective helpers.”

Gruber noted that in the counseling field, professionals must meet their state’s criteria to be licensed. Not every state requires counseling programs to have CACREP accreditation, but all 50 states’ requirements are aligned with the core areas of CACREP.

Students, too, know how important CACREP accreditation is.

“During recent admissions interviews, many questions centered on CACREP; incoming students are very aware of that status,” Painter said.

“We have students every year that go on to doctoral programs and alumni that enter doctoral programs, and many of them require CACREP accreditation,” Gruber said.

Prior to the formation of PennWest in 2022, the program was accredited individually at California and Edinboro universities; Clarion was CACREP-aligned and was going through the accreditation process. When the three joined to become PennWest, the new university went through the full process again. Program faculty began meeting and preparing before the integration was even official.

In addition to being evaluated for the 160 standards, PennWest underwent a self-study process and provided documentation of outcomes.

“It’s a good thing for our university. It lets people know the quality of programs we have,” Gruber said.

In addition, beginning in the fall of 2025, PennWest’s Department of Psychology, Counseling and Art Therapy will offer an accelerated bachelor’s in psychology to a master’s in counseling pathway.  Students who meet the program requirements will be able, in their junior and senior years, to take coursework toward their CACREP-accredited master’s degree in counseling, thus, allowing students to complete their program in less time and begin their careers as mental health professionals.  

“Pennsylvania and the entire United States face a significant shortage of mental health professionals,” said Dr. Ron Craig, professor in the department. “Both the CACREP accreditation and the accelerated pathway are significant elements in supporting our majors in reaching their career goals and helping to meet this critical need.”