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In a personal reflection, Dr. Melanie Walsh, Ph.D., LPC-S, BC-TMH, clinical fieldwork coordinator for the graduate program in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), shares highlights from the programÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s second annual networking mixer and what it meant to come together outside the classroom. She also reflects on the programÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s recent , which is a major milestone that affirms the strength of the CMHC curriculum and its continued commitment to preparing the next generation of counseling professionals.

IÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™ve had the privilege to witness our community come together in truly meaningful ways this past semester. In June we hosted our 2nd-annual CMHC Program Networking MixerÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ”a vibrant and joyful gathering that brought together current students, alumni, clinical site supervisors, program and department faculty, and University administrators. The highlight of the evening was welcoming both Dean Shaily Menon, Ph.D. and Provost Nancy Ortins Savage, Ph.D., whose presence spoke volumes about the UniversityÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s support for our work and training.

Set against the backdrop of a warm summer evening, the event featured an assortment of lawn games, finger foods, such as cheese and fruit platters, and a casual cash bar where great conversations and laughter were enjoyed by all. Whether it was reconnecting with former classmates, meeting supervisors from practicum and internship sites, or just relaxing with faculty outside the classroom setting, the evening reminded me of the strong, supportive network that makes our program so special. I left the event feeling re-energized and proud to be part of such a dynamic and caring community.

In even more exciting news, our on-ground CMHC program was officially awarded accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, the gold standard for counseling education. Accreditation not only affirms the academic quality of our program but is also crucial for students pursuing licensure as professional counselors. It confirms that our curriculum meets nationally recognized standards and prepares our graduates to enter the field confidently and competently.

Achieving accreditation was no small feat. Our program administrators poured months of work into compiling a comprehensive self-study and coordinating an on-site visit with CACREP auditors. The diligence and commitment to excellence made this success possible. Looking ahead, weÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™re hopeful that our online CMHC program will also earn CACREP accreditation in the coming academic yearÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ”another step forward in ensuring access and quality for all our students.

With accreditation secured and momentum building, the future of the CMHC program is incredibly bright. Research shows that CACREP-accredited programs often experience significant growth, and weÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™re already preparing for this by actively seeking new faculty to join our team.

Our student body is a rich mosaic of local and international students, traditional learners, and career-changers alike. Together, weÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™ve created a vibrant environment where we grow not only academically, but also interpersonally and professionally. This spirit of shared growth is at the heart of our program, and weÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™re committed to preserving and expanding it as we move forward.

Looking ahead, weÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™re excited to introduce new elective courses and concentration areas tailored to the evolving needs of our field. As the mental health landscape continues to change, so too will our programÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ”always with the aim of preparing thoughtful, compassionate, and skilled counselors.

Personally, I feel deeply honored to be a part of this incredible community of budding therapists. The growth weÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™ve achieved and the future weÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™re building together fill me with hope and gratitude. ItÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s a privilege to learn and grow alongside such inspiring peers and mentors.