Mental Health Counseling Program Awarded by PCA
October 20, 2021Recently, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)’s Master's in Mental Health Counseling program was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Counselor Education award by the Pennsylvania Counseling
Association. This award is presented to an outstanding counseling program in the State
of Pennsylvania.
“I’m really proud of the work our team has done to receive this award,” shared Lisa Corbin, PhD, director, counseling programs. “Though we are a smaller program, with only four
dedicated faculty members, we’ve done a lot in the past few years to ensure the highest
quality of education for our students. We are proud to have created a space where
students feel safe, connected and satisfied. Also, we are excited to see this program
continue to grow in the way it has. This year we have our largest class to date, up
35%. This award is also very important, as we are working towards full program accreditation
from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
and this award is a tribute to our hard work,” continued Dr. Corbin.
The mental health counseling program features a number of unique benefits for students,
including the Standardized Training and Evaluation of Psychologists and Psychotherapists
(STEPPS), a performance-based program that provides the opportunity for students to
practice their clinical skills and receive feedback from counseling standardized patients.
Students in their second year of the mental health counseling program also participate
in six Interprofessional Education (IPE) experiences in which they interact with and learn from students in the osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies and clinical psychology programs. During these IPE’s, students actively participate in group discussions
based on case studies, engage in another STEPPS simulation and create a wellness office
in which they integrate each of their areas of specialty.
Program faculty have also contributed to the success of the program. For instance,
Marcella Rolle, PhD, assistant professor, counseling, established and runs a people
of color group; Joseph Charette, MSEd, assistant professor, counseling, created and
facilitated a personal growth group and Scott Glassman, PsyD, clinical associate professor, clinical psychology, continues to incorporate students
into the Happier You program.
Dr. Corbin and faculty will accept the award on behalf of the mental health counseling
program at the 2021 PCA Conference, held on November 13, 2021. At this time, Dr. Corbin
will also address conference attendees.
According to their website, the PCA is a State Branch of the American Counseling Association.
The organization’s primary goal is to promote and support the competent, ethical,
and culturally inclusive practice of professional counseling in Pennsylvania and advocate
for the counselors and clients they serve. As a member of PCA, Corbin has served as
conference chair and currently serves on the conference planning committee. Corbin
was also instrumental in resurrecting the Greater Philadelphia Area Counseling Association
(GPACA) and served as the chapter’s first president when it was reinstated, as secretary
for 2019-2020 and is currently serving again as president.
More Than 500 Graduates Celebrate Commencement at PCOMTurning Loss into Purpose: One Student's Journey with Destigmatizing Mental HealthDr. Peter F. Bidey Appointed Dean of PCOM's Osteopathic Medical Program
About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands
of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists
who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms.
PCOM operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service
to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care
to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360