Baylor Counseling Center Achieves IACS Accreditation
International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) distinguishes standout professional counseling services on university campuses worldwide with its accreditation seal of approval
Contact: Lori Fogleman, Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-709-5959
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WACO, Texas (April 18, 2023) – The Baylor University Counseling Center has been accredited by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS), the premier leader in setting the benchmark for the full range of professional counseling services on college and university campuses worldwide.
The IACS accreditation process involves detailed documentation, a comprehensive site visit evaluation and multiple peer reviews in five areas: relationships within the college/university community, counseling and clinical services, ethical standards, personnel and resources/infrastructure. Achieving and maintaining IACS accreditation ensures the Baylor Counseling Center will continue providing students access to high-quality mental health care.
“It is clear that the Baylor University Counseling Center offers comprehensive, high-quality services and is well-regarded throughout the campus community,” said Ann Patterson, IACS executive director. “Their accreditation involved a rigorous, peer-review process, including a site visit and interviews with numerous campus stakeholders. IACS is proud of their work. We look forward to working with Baylor Counseling Center as they continue to provide excellent mental health services to students.”
The Baylor Counseling Center is steadfast in its mission of fostering wholeness in every student on campus, said Randal W. Boldt, Psy.D., senior associate director of counseling services and a licensed clinical psychologist.
“While the accreditation is new, we have been using IACS standards to guide our mission, vision, operations and programmatic decisions. In 2016, these efforts were bolstered as we greatly increased our campus staff, and again as we expanded our telehealth services so that every student has access to mental health treatment. All of these changes have expanded our reach and the ways we take care of students,” Boldt said.
In addition to an evaluation of competent and reliable professional services offered to its clientele, the IACS accreditation for Baylor Counseling Center is dependent upon evidence of continuing professional development as well as demonstration of excellence of counseling performance.
“The IACS standards also guide the ways in which we work with the Division of Student Life and Baylor University as a whole,” Boldt said. “They provide guidance for ways our staff can have balance and enjoy a great work environment. We also work within an incredible Division and have an incredible team of staff and mental health professionals. This accreditation recognizes the hard work and investment of every single one of us in our service to Baylor University and the student body.”
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER
The Baylor Counseling Center’s mission is to foster wholeness for every student through caring relationships, cultural humility and integrated mental health services. The BUCC provides:
- Individual, couples and group counseling for students with psychological concerns
- Online mental health services
- Crisis intervention for students experiencing a psychological crisis or emergency
- Medical nutrition therapy by a licensed and registered dietitian
- Outreach and prevention programs for students
- Consultation services for faculty, staff, families and friends of students
- APA Accredited Doctoral Internship in Health Psychology
- Training for graduate students in clinical psychology, social work, and public health
The Baylor Counseling Center can be reached at 254-710-2467. In addition to the robust medical and counseling services offered through the Baylor Health Center and Counseling Center on Baylor’s main campus, the University has partnered with Academic Live Care to expand the medical and counseling services available to students. All Baylor students now have access to the FREE services through Baylor Telehealth by Academic Live Care.
TogetherAll, a new online peer-to-peer mental health resource, is available for all Baylor students. The resource is free and anonymous.
ABOUT IACS
The International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) is the premier leader in setting the benchmark for the full range of professional counseling services on college and university campuses. Through a comprehensive peer review process, IACS confirms the highest standards are being met, validates professional excellence, and distinguishes standout counseling centers with its accreditation seal of approval. Continuing a legacy that dates back to 1949, IACS is committed to advancing quality worldwide, encouraging and working with all centers seeking accreditation.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.