Recently, 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.
Established 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, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, 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. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. 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.
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