Northcentral University Introduces New Mental Health Services Policies and Practices Specialization as Part of Its Doctoral Degree Program in Psychology

Global leader in 100% online higher education breaks new ground in offering a six course policies and practices specialization designed to train licensed mental health practitioners and psychologists to provide evidence based treatment and manage the increasingly complex administrative functions of large service organizations.

Underscoring its commitment to provide licensed mental health practitioners and psychologists with an integrated specialization that trains them to provide evidence based treatment while administering the increasingly complex functions of large service organizations, Northcentral University’s School of Behavioral and Health Sciences today introduced a six-course “Mental Health Services Policies and Practices” specialization as part of its doctoral degree program in Psychology. The courses are being offered to Learners effective July 1, 2011.

According to Dr. William E. Reay, who developed the specialization at Northcentral University, “An increasing number of behavioral health service funders are requiring practitioners at all levels to engage in evidence based treatment. At the same time, successful practitioners must be able to professionally administer all of the business and legal functions of today’s complex mental health service organizations. The integrated six-course specialization developed by Northcentral University is totally unique in that it is the only specialization of its kind to combine evidence based treatment and policy administration courses into one six-course specialization.”

The new specialization is available to licensed mental health practitioners, non-licensed professionals that have demonstrated expertise in behavioral health care service and administration, and professionals interested in obtaining a terminal degree as a psychologist. Successful completion of all courses required for the University’s PhD in Psychology, as well as the associated comprehensive examination and dissertation courses will be required. The six courses offered as part of the specialization include:

Mental Health Services Policy
This doctoral-level course examines current Mental Health Services Policy in the United States. Professional service and research issues are explored, and the Learner is exposed to a public health approach to mental health services.

Mental Health Administration and Management
This course covers management concepts such as sustainability, teamwork, corporate responsibility, information management and product development and personal values influence what sort of manager leaders become. This doctoral-level course examines how organizational management interacts with clinical and administrative tasks. The Learner examines these management concepts and explores the mainstream, multi-stream and alternative approaches to the management of clinical situations.

Comparative Analysis of Psychotherapies
In this doctoral-level course the Learner analyzes the complicated issues associated with various contemporary therapies used by behavioral health practitioners. The Learner is exposed to core and peripheral elements of the most commonly used approaches to treating minor and major mental illnesses and behavioral challenges. Methods of therapeutic accountability, clinical feedback and outcome monitoring, which can be used across all therapeutic approaches are also examined.

Evidence-Based Treatments
In this course the complicated issues associated with evidence-based behavioral health practice are examined. The Learner is exposed to practice-oriented material, which will guide the Learner in appraising and using research as part of the evidence-based therapeutic practice process.

Psychology and Finance
This doctoral-level course examines how human psychology influences economic conditions and socio-economic institutions. The Learner explores psychological factors, such as fairness, corruption, bad faith, money illusion, confidence, and stories, and how these factors influence the global economy.

Mental Health and the Courts
The intersection of mental health policy, practice and law is complicated. In this doctoral-level course the Learner is exposed to psycho-legal concepts such as those involved in the use of behavioral health evidence in courts, therapeutic jurisprudence, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, competency to stay trial, and personal rights.

“The bottom line is this,” emphasized Dr. Reay, “This specialization will assist the competent practitioner in becoming current with the existing practice literature in the area of evidence-based treatments, including the latest developments associated with client and clinician feedback systems; help develop the management and supervisory knowledge necessary to lead complex behavioral health organizations that serve very serious and complicated co-morbid patients; examine financial markets and influences that impact public policy and practice; and work competently with court professionals in the area of disability and forensic mental health services.”

For more information about the new “Mental Health Services Policies and Practices” specialization, prospective Learners should call 1-866-776-0331 to speak with an enrollment advisor.

Northcentral University Expands Its Scottsdale, Arizona Campus for the Seocnd Time in 12 Months

Less than one year after the opening of its first 8,000 square foot enrollment center in Scottsdale, Ariz., Northcentral University, a global leader in 100% online higher education, today announced it is expanding the size of its Scottsdale campus with the opening of a new 55,000 square-foot location at 8667 East Hartford Drive. According to Northcentral University Chief Marketing Officer Ron Hendricks, the new location will initially be the base for 130 enrollment advisers and tuition planners, as well as a number of support departments.

“When we opened the Scottsdale enrollment center in June 2010 we thought we had enough space to accommodate our growth, which was projected to include a staff of between 60 to 100 counselors,” explained Hendricks. “The reality is that our rate of growth is far surpassing our initial projections and we expect to employ over 250 people here in Scottsdale by the end of 2012. The majority of the positions will be for admissions, enrollment and tuition planners.”

Northcentral University has been growing and expanding at a dramatic rate. Over the last three years, the University’s enrollment has doubled to nearly 10,000 students, the vast majority of whom are mature working professionals enrolled in masters and doctoral degree programs. Northcentral University offers Doctor of Business Administration degrees in 18 areas of study, more than any other university in the country. In March 2011, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) pre-approved the University’s doctoral MFT Supervision Methods Course. This was the second major recognition accorded to Northcentral University’s Marriage and Family Therapy degree programs. Earlier in March, the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) approved its Marriage and Family Therapy master’s degree program. In doing so, Northcentral became the first university based outside of the state of California to meet the rigorous standards established by the BBS.

Best-Selling Author Dr. Michael Dyson to Deliver 2011 Commencement Address at Northcentral University

593 Learners, 120 of whom are expected to be present, will be awarded degrees on June 11, 2011 at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree will be awarded to Dr. Michael Dyson in recognition of his outstanding community contributions.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, named by Ebony one of the 100 most influential black Americans and the author of sixteen books including April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Death And How It Changed America, Holler if You Hear Me, Is Bill Cosby Right? and I May Not Get There With You: The True Martin Luther King Jr. will deliver the commencement address to the 2011 graduating class of Northcentral University on June 11, 2011 at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Dr. Dyson is currently University Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University and a contributing editor to TIME magazine. He lives in Washington, D.C.

In recognition of his outstanding community contributions, the Board of Trustees of Northcentral University has also decided to award an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Dr. Dyson at the commencement ceremonies.

“We are honored to have Dr. Dyson address our 2011 graduating class of Learners,” Dr. Clinton Gardner, President of Northcentral University said today. “As one of the nation’s most influential writers, educators, and critical thinkers, Dr. Dyson embodies the ideals of success and accomplishment that we strive for every day at Northcentral University. Rising from a factory worker who started college at age 21 to being named one of America’s 100 most influential black Americans by Ebony magazine, Dr. Dyson’s life highlights the opportunities that quality higher education offers. Dr. Dyson will speak compellingly about hard work and self-confidence in a way that, I believe, will inspire our graduates to go forth into the world to make their own unique and valuable contributions to humanity.”

Dr. Michael Dyson is an American Book Award recipient and two-time NAACP Image Award winner. He is the author of sixteen books, two of which went on to become New York Times bestsellers. He taught at Princeton University while earning his Master’s and Doctoral degrees there. He received his Ph.D. in 1993.

In a special pre-commencement ceremony to be held June 10 at Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, three graduates will be presented with the University’s coveted Dissertation of the Year awards:

• School of Business and Technology Management: Thomas Thompson “Assessing the Determinants of Information Technology Adoption in Jamaica’s Public Sector Using the Technology Acceptance Model;”

• School of Education: Jennifer Thomson “The Relationship Between Student Achievement and Multilingualism: A Quantitative Causal - Comparative Study;”

• School of Behavioral and Health Sciences: Judy Kelly “Efficacy of Hypnosis for the Treatment of Comorbid Chronic Pain and Insomnia in Older Adults.”

Northcentral University’s Commencement 2011 will take place from 10:00AM until noon on June 11, 2011 at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Tim’s Toyota Center is located at 3201 North Main Street. The commencement will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at noon. A reception will immediately follow at the center. To reserve a seat, prospective attendees are asked to call Justyna Woods at (928) 541-8152 or email her at jwoods@ncu.edu by June 1, 2011.

About Northcentral University: Since its founding in 1996 Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu) has pioneered a distinct approach to online Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post Graduate education that is dedicated to teaching individuals rather than classes. Combining the power of the Internet with an unparalleled faculty-mentoring program, Northcentral offers students the flexibility to cost-effectively study on their own schedule using their own individual style while receiving personalized attention from course instructors whenever it is needed. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the for profit, 100% online university currently serves over 8,000 students worldwide, offering Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, and Behavioral and Health Sciences.

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) Pre-Approves Northcentral University's MFT Supervision Methods Course

Calling it a course that potentially sets the bar and standard for any similar course requests it may receive in the future, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) has pre-approved Northcentral University’s doctoral MFT Supervision Methods Course, according to an announcement made today by Dr. Branden Henline, Chair of Northcentral University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Programs.

“Our MFT Supervision Methods Course is the first online course to ever be pre-approved by the AAMFT,” Dr. Henline said today. “This is a groundbreaking achievement not only for this University but also for everyone everywhere who is dedicated to proving that an online educational platform can become a viable, secure, and ultimately productive way to prepare tomorrow’s generation of marriage and family therapists. The pre-approval of this course demonstrates that the national MFT community is interested in and committed to identifying high quality online solutions that meet the very real and growing need for new educational alternatives to traditional training methods.”

According to Dr. Henline, the AAMFT course review process took nearly two years to complete and is the result of the combined efforts of his work with the AAMFT, as well as Dr. Georgie Winter, Dr. James Billings, and Dr. Peter Bradley, all from Northcentral University. “This achievement is shared by all of us who have played a significant role in developing and revising the course to meet the AAMFT’s demanding requirements for rigor and interactivity.”

Indeed, in pre-approving the University’s MFT Supervision Methods Course, the AAMFT stated that it focused on a few critical aspects in making its decision. Does the course satisfy the component to ensure the confidentiality of the materials? Does the proposed use of technology ensure a secure environment? Does the online component have the technical ability to establish face-to-face interaction and a quality experience?

“So far, the AAMFT has not received a course proposal that has satisfied these concerns — until now,” stated Dorothy Bose, M.Ed., Member Specialist of the AAMFT. “We are pleased that your course proposal has taken all these considerations into account. We appreciate and admire your efforts to provide rigorous and comprehensive training for prospective supervisors in marriage and family therapy. This has been an unprecedented endeavor and this course will potentially set the bar and standard for any similar course requests we may receive in the future.”

Offered within the Northcentral University doctoral degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy, the MFT Supervision Methods Course introduces the fundamentals of systemic supervision with an emphasis on the importance of contextual variables such as culture, SES, and ethnicity. There is also an exploration of the impact of gender on the supervisory relationship. The design of the course meets the criteria for the 30-hour supervision fundamentals course for the AAMFT Approved Supervisor credential. The intention is for the course also to be useful for any professional who is actively engaged in clinical supervision. Learning methods include short writing exercises and 15 hours of participant involvement in videoconferences with colleagues and the course mentor. During the videoconferences there are also critiques of vignettes, role-playing exercises, and discussion of short papers.

This is the second recent major recognition accorded to Northcentral University’s Marriage and Family Therapy degree programs. Earlier this month, the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) announced that Northcentral’s Marriage and Family Therapy master’s degree program had been approved as meeting its educational requirements for licensure. In doing so, the University joined a select number of regionally accredited online universities, and the first university based outside of the state of California to meet the rigorous standards established by the BBS.

Northcentral University's clinically-focused Marriage and Family Therapy MA and PhD degree programs can lead to a career as a licensed therapist and can prepare students for therapeutic and educational careers in a variety of settings including private practice, mental-health centers, public-service agencies, correctional institutions, the military and schools.

These degrees provide an integrated learning experience that explores family and couple dynamics, family therapy models and interventions, therapy with children and adolescents, couple’s therapy, working with people in crisis, issues related to gender and diversity, individual and family development, ethics and current research in family therapy. Degree requirements also involve ongoing clinical work and supervision. The degree offerings prepare students for a professional practice consistent with their personal goals. The fact that the coursework is designed to meet the BBS’ rigorous requirements ensures that the education and training received reflects the highest academic and ethical standards.

Northcentral offers the following MFT graduate degree programs:

* Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage and Family Therapy
This program develops the personal and professional skills necessary for an effective practice and is designed to meet national standards so graduates can seek licensure in the area where they reside. Individuals are encouraged to review their own local licensure regulations in order to ensure that this program meets their needs.

* Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy
This program offers advanced clinical education and training, opportunities to develop specializations tailored to individual interests, research coursework and opportunities, and supervision training and experience. As a PhD graduate, individuals will be prepared to carry out advanced clinical work and supervision and/or education and research in the field of marriage and family therapy. Doctoral Specializations are available in General Family Therapy, Child and Adolescent Therapy, Couple Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Therapy with Military Families.

Majority Of Learners At Northcentral University Say School Meets Or Exceeds Their Expectations, Survey Shows

For the third time in seven years Northcentral University has administered the Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) to its student body to determine overall levels of satisfaction with their learning experience and, according to the highlights announced today, more than 83% of those surveyed report that their expectations are being met or exceeded by the University.

In fact, according to Dr. Clinton Gardner, President of NCU, the average Northcentral University Learner is far more likely than the average online student to own his or her own home, to be employed full-time and to be married with children. The PSOL reveals that 82% of Northcentral Learners own their own home, 89% are employed in a full-time job, and 47% are married with children. These statistics are much higher than the national averages, for online students, who stand as 53% homeowners, 65% employed full-time and 36% married with children.

“Ours is a community of working professionals who are here to either advance their career or effect a positive career change,” Dr. Gardener said. “They take their studies seriously, and they hold their university to a very high standard. We are very pleased to earn such a high level of Learner satisfaction.

“The administration, faculty, and advisors of Northcentral University are totally dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement in every area of University life,” Dr. Gardner said. “We rely upon the Noel Levitz PSOL to help us assess our strengths and identify our weaknesses as we move toward our goal of providing Learners with the highest quality of higher education. We are very pleased to see that our commitment to continuous improvement is being recognized by our Learners, but we also understand that much work remains to be done if we are to continue to meet or exceed the expectations of all of our Learners.”

The Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) was administered in July 2010 to a sample of 4,580 Northcentral University Learners. The survey received a response rate of 42%, yielding a sample size large enough and the response rate high enough for the University to portray the results as representative of the overall Learner population. The survey was previously administered in 2003 and 2006, enabling both trend and national comparative analysis. Among the strengths the 2010 survey identified are the rigor and breadth of the University’s course offerings, the quality of its online library, the caliber of academic advisors and enrollment specialists, the flexibility of monthly course starts, and the convenience of the registration process. Equally important to the University’s long-term planning process, the levels of satisfaction were consistent across all degree programs.

“From course offerings to resources to advisors the 2010 survey results demonstrate why, when asked, the vast majority of those surveyed said that they would, if given the chance, enroll all over again at Northcentral University,” Dr. Gardner emphasized.

The survey results also paint a portrait of a Northcentral University Learner community that is in many ways different from its peers. The Northcentral community tends to be older (with 34% falling between the ages of 45-54), evenly split between women and men (51%-49% women to men), employed full time (89%), homeowners (82%), married or married with children (71%), and increasingly diverse (62% White, 16% African American, 6% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 4% Hispanic) — and serious about their studies. According to the survey, Northcentral Learners study between 7 and 18 hours per-week.

Over the last year Northcentral University has implemented a number of ambitious initiatives to simplify and improve the educational experience for all of its Learners. Most recently, in January 2011, the University greatly simplified its tuition and fee structure program, moving to all-inclusive model that includes all costs associated with the delivery of a degree program with the exception of textbooks. At the same time, the University has doubled the size of its enrollment and admissions counseling staff to better respond in real-time to prospective and current Learner needs. Simultaneous with the staff expansion, the University implemented an enhanced call routing process that enables Learners to have faster access to the advisors who can answer their questions.

To better meet Learner requests for increased registration flexibility, Northcentral University has also changed course starts from monthly dates to weekly dates. Finally, this year the University will unveil a totally new Learner Portal that will make interaction with faculty a much more intuitive user-friendly experience.

“Ours is a very serious community of working professionals who hold this University to the very highest standards,” Dr. Gardner concluded. “As they should. We are viewed increasingly by working professionals as the preferred way to advance their career. We will continue to innovate every area of our academic and services support programs to continue to earn the respect of our Learners.”

The Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) was developed by Noel Levitz, an enrollment management consulting firm (www.noellevitz.com) and was first administered in 2001. The survey was designed specifically for the distance learning community. Using a standardized instrument like the PSOL ensures a high degree of validity and reliability and allows for national comparisons with an institution’s peers. As of 2009 the Noel Levitz PSOL had been administered to more than 130 institutions and completed by over 105,000 Learners. For the 2009-2010 academic year, the comparison group for Northcentral University consisted of 84,067 Learners at 97 institutions who administered the PSOL between Fall 2007 and Spring 2010. The survey consists of 73 questions.

About Northcentral University: Since its founding in 1996 Northcentral University has pioneered a distinct approach to online Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post Graduate education that is dedicated to teaching individuals rather than classes. Combining the power of the Internet with an unparalleled faculty mentored approach, Northcentral offers students the flexibility to cost-effectively study on their own schedule using their own individual style while receiving personalized attention from course instructors whenever it is needed. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the for profit, 100% online university currently serves nearly 9,000 students worldwide, offering Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, and Behavioral and Health Sciences.

California Board Of Behavioral Sciences Approves Northcentral University's Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program

Underscoring the quality of its 100% online Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) master’s degree program, Northcentral University today announced that the program is now approved as meeting the educational requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist set by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

In doing so, the University joins a select number of regionally accredited online universities, and the first university based outside of the state of California, to meet the rigorous standards established by the BBS, according to Dr. Branden Henline, Chair of Marriage and Family Therapy Programs. The MFT master’s level program began as a specialization in psychology in 2004 and was introduced as a new master’s degree program by the University in January 2010. The University also launched an MFT doctoral degree program at that time.

“We have worked hard to design a curriculum and clinical training process that sets new standards for MFT education,” Dr. Henline said today. “We are pleased, but not surprised, that our programs meet the education requirements for licensure by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. With this achievement, we are truly breaking down the barriers to online Marriage and Family Therapy education and training.”

What’s more, according to Dr. Henline, while a select number of other regionally accredited online universities have been approved by BBS, Northcentral University is unique in that its program does not require periods of physical residency on campus. “This provides our Learners with an enormous degree of flexibility. They do not have to disrupt their professional life, family schedules, or incur costly travel expenses in order to complete their degree program. And, while most universities only offer master’s level training, we also offer a doctoral level program with several specialization options.”

Northcentral University’s MFT graduate programs broke new ground in higher education when they were first introduced in January 2010. Other marriage and family therapy degree programs have residency requirements, which can be costly and difficult to schedule. Some programs that appear to be focused on marriage and family therapy are in fact generic counseling programs that offer a few courses in family therapy. “Marriage and family therapy is a unique profession and requires a curriculum that is clearly focused on training MFTs. Northcentral University offers genuine family therapy training with a course-by-course focus on MFT practice. By granting approval for the education requirements for licensure, the Board of Behavioral Sciences has recognized that our dedication to these specific material subjects puts us ahead of other online programs.”

Northcentral University's clinically-focused Marriage and Family Therapy MA and PhD degree programs can lead to a career as a licensed therapist and can prepare students for therapeutic and educational careers in a variety of settings including private practice, mental-health centers, public-service agencies, correctional institutions, the military and schools.

These degrees provide an integrated learning experience that explores family and couple dynamics, family therapy models and interventions, therapy with children and adolescents, couple’s therapy, working with people in crisis, issues related to gender and diversity, individual and family development, ethics and current research in family therapy. Degree requirements also involve ongoing clinical work and supervision. The degree offerings prepare students for a professional practice consistent with their personal goals. The fact that the coursework is designed to meet the BBS’ rigorous requirements ensures that the education and training received reflects the highest academic and ethical standards.

Northcentral offers the following MFT graduate degree programs:

* Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage and Family Therapy
This program develops the personal and professional skills necessary for an effective practice and is designed to meet national standards so graduates can seek licensure in the area where they reside. Individuals are encouraged to review their own local licensure regulations in order to ensure that this program meets their needs.

* Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy
This program offers advanced clinical education and training, opportunities to develop specializations tailored to individual interests, research coursework and opportunities, and supervision training and experience. As a PhD graduate, individuals will be prepared to carry out advanced clinical work and supervision and/or education and research in the field of marriage and family therapy. Doctoral Specializations are available in General Family Therapy, Child and Adolescent Therapy, Couple Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Therapy with Military Families.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to protecting Californians by promoting consumer awareness, advocating for improved mental health services, and setting, communicating, and enforcing standards. The Board of Behavioral Sciences is a California state regulatory agency responsible for licensing, examination, and enforcement of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP). In addition, the Board regulates Marriage and Family Therapist Interns (IMF), Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASW), Continuing Education Providers (PCE), and MFT Referral Services (MRF).

The Board also works alongside other mental health agencies and organizations to advocate for increased consumer awareness and access to mental health services. The Board’s outreach program provides information to consumers, licensees, registrants, and students on consumer rights, California licensing requirements, and other Board related activities. The Board is composed of 12 members; seven (7) public members, two (2) Licensed Clinical Social Workers, one (1) Licensed Educational Psychologist, and two (2) Marriage and Family Therapists. Nine (9) members are Governor appointed. The Speaker of the Assembly appoints one (1), and the Senate Committee on Rules appoints another.

About Northcentral University: Since its founding in 1996 Northcentral University has pioneered a distinct approach to online Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post Graduate education that is dedicated to teaching individuals rather than classes. Combining the power of the Internet with an unparalleled faculty mentored approach, Northcentral offers students the flexibility to cost-effectively study on their own schedule using their own individual style while receiving personalized attention from course instructors whenever it is needed. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the for-profit, 100% online university currently serves nearly 10,000 students worldwide, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, and Behavioral and Health Sciences.