Statement from the Clinic Director
We abide by the highest standards of confidentiality and protection of client privacy. All our sessions are conducted in person, and it is our privilege to continue to offer support and psychological services to the Amherst and UMass community as we continue to navigate through changing health situations.
What to expect when receiving services provided in a training clinic
As the training clinic for doctoral students in psychology, we provide evidence-based care. Our student therapists receive didactic training, and close supervision by licensed psychologists who are experts in their fields. All sessions are video recorded in order to ensure that supervisors may regularly observe students conducting treatment. While obtaining therapy through a training clinic is an excellent option for low cost, exceptional care; there are a few limitations. Emergency crisis management is not offered, and with the exception of our DBT team, communications with therapist's off-hours is rarely possible. Also, students have limited openings for clients, and only work in the PSC during a few years of their doctoral training. Clients will not be able to work long term with the same therapist and are usually encouraged to find a longer-term therapist in the community after transferring more than two times from one student to another.
Affirming and Welcoming Diversity
As stated by the American Psychological Association Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Ethics: APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017)
“Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. Psychologists are aware that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision making. Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status, and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices.”
We take our ethical responsibility seriously, and we strive to make the PSC a welcoming, safe and affirming place for our clients, students, staff and faculty.
Clinical Emergencies