The Staunton Farm Foundation recently awarded Waynesburg University’s Graduate and Professional Studies Counseling Program a one-year, $25,000 grant to support the development of an online Certificate in Clinical Supervision Program for both non-licensed and licensed professionals.
“Staunton Farm Foundation is proud to partner with Waynesburg University on this innovative program to address the workforce crisis in mental health care,” said Joni Schwager, Executive Director. “We recognize the critical need to train licensed and non-licensed professionals as supervisors so they can help those who want the advanced clinical designation. LPCs and LCSWs can be approved providers by payors and receive a higher level of reimbursement and salary. This training grant will increase the number of supervisors and licensed clinical staff. It can also serve as a catalyst to attract more people considering entering the field.”
The Staunton Farm Foundation believes in investing in a future where behavioral health is understood, supported and accepted. Building capacity to optimize services represents a vital part of the Staunton Farm Foundation strategy.
The 12-credit, non-degree, post-baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Supervision Program will be available 100 percent asynchronous online and can be successfully completed in as little as two semesters. The certificate will consist of three core clinical supervision courses, with a fourth course dedicated to a specific concentration in clinical supervision: supervision in clinical mental health, substance use disorders or school counseling.
The University will offer scholarships to five eligible students enrolled in the Certificate in Clinical Supervision Program, which is intended to launch in January 2023. Eligible students will receive a 50 percent scholarship to cover the cost of the four supervision courses, and the University will match the 50 percent scholarship. As such, non-degree Certificate in Clinical Supervision students will be able to complete the four supervision courses, or the 12 credits, at 100 percent cost savings.
The Certificate in Clinical Supervision program will enhance the professional identity and competence of clinical supervisors in the behavioral health workforce by offering an advanced educational training program.
“Waynesburg University is committed to addressing the unmet needs of the behavioral health workforce and recognizes the necessity for properly trained, competent and effective clinical supervisors,” said Dr. Kelley McNichols, Assistant Professor of Counseling.
Clinical supervision is a required component of the counseling profession, yet the vast majority of state licensing boards do not require a doctoral degree to function in the capacity of a supervisor, and master’s level counseling curriculum does not prepare counselors to become supervisors. There are limited education and training opportunities that specifically address the core competencies of clinical supervision.
Waynesburg University’s Master of Arts in Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
For more information, please contact Dr. McNichols at kelley.mcnichols@waynesburg.edu.
About the Staunton Farm Foundation
The Staunton Farm Foundation is a family foundation established in 1937 in accordance with the wishes of Matilda Staunton Craig, who wanted her estate to be used to benefit people with mental illness. Following the direction set in her will and in response to current needs, the Trustees of the Staunton Farm Foundation make grants to support treatment, services, and systems improvements for children, youth, and adults with behavioral health issues.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
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