Psy.D. Program Wins Rural Health Award

The Virginia Rural Health Association (VRHA) is honoring Radford University's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program with its Best Practices in Rural Health Award.

The annual honor is given by the association to recognize a program or institution that "exemplifies commitment and service to the advancement of rural health in Virginia,” the VRHA said. The award will be presented at the VHRA's annual conference Tuesday, Oct. 9, in Charlottesville.

"Everyone associated with the Psy.D. program is honored that we were selected for this prestigious award," said Professor James Werth, director of RU's Psy.D. program. "Our goal from the beginning has been to reach out and help fill in some of the service gaps that exist in rural areas, so it is great to know that others believe we are doing just that."

The Psy.D. program enrolled its first cohort of students in fall 2008. It offers a Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology degree with a focus on rural mental health and additional emphases on cultural diversity, social justice and evidence-based practice in psychology.

The program is designed for people pursuing careers as psychologists in mental-health settings and institutions where clinical supervision and the direct application of counseling, therapy and psychological assessment are required.

Radford's Psy.D. program recently awarded its first three degrees. Recipients Joshua Bradley, Zetta Nicely and Kevin Simonson will be recognized at RU's 2012 Winter Commencement in December.

Oct 1, 2012
Bonnie Erickson
540-831-5804
broberts@radford.edu