Educators are increasingly turning to technology to better support their students’ mental health, and the University of Connecticut (UConn) is leading the way. The university has recently launched a pilot programme that prepares students to become licenced professional counsellors, helping to fill the mental health professional deficit in the state of Connecticut.
The first cohort of seven students began the Licenced Professional Counsellor (LCP) certificate programme this summer. Kimberly Richmond was one of two students who completed the programme. Richmond, a graduate student in counsellor education at UConn, shared her experience: “I think already started seeing it with like opportunities, internship and practicum opportunities, and just kind of like tiny, little, just one-on-one interactions can make a big difference, especially with children.”
As part of the 600-hour internship, students combine their academic learning with clinical work. Under the supervision of the Licenced Professional Counselor-Associate (LCP-A), students take part in the programme. After completing 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate counselling work, they are able to work in the mental health profession or create a private practice.
Dr. Sara Renzulli, UConn Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, said: “This is a very accessible opportunity for unique, brilliant, compassionate and kind students like Kim to go out and respond to and serve the needs of the Connecticut population.”
Dr. Renzulli is the director of the online summer programme, which focuses on mental health counselling, addiction and substance misuse, trauma and crisis counselling, and diagnosing and treating mental and emotional illnesses. She further highlighted the need for the programme, “The pandemic caused unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression and caused all other mental health issues to emerge or come to light. And that greatly strained the already strained behavioural health and mental health system. Especially in Connecticut, we don’t have enough consultants to meet the requirements.”
Educators can play a key role in supporting their students’ mental health. UConn’s LCP certificate programme provides an accessible opportunity for students to become mental health professionals, helping to bridge the gap in Connecticut. The programme is open to students who have completed or are pursuing a master’s degree in school counselling or psychology. Applications are currently open until December 1st.
