Psychological counseling is available to public at Regent

The public can receive the same professional counseling services as Regent University's students through the on-campus Psychological Services Center.

The clinic, which opened in 1996, is an extension of Regent's School of Psychology and Counseling and provides low-cost services to everyone, said director LaTrelle Jackson.

"We service the entire Hampton Roads community," she added.

The center has two missions: to train students to become competent practitioners and to provide outreach as a professional counseling resource center.

"Especially (to) our under-served populations," Jackson said.

The center is a training site for those enrolled in the doctoral program in clinical psychology, and students work under the direct supervision of licensed psychologists.

Services include individual, couples, group and family therapy, as well as assessment, outreach and consultation.

Insurance is not accepted, but Jackson said fees are "reasonable, comparable to insurance co-payments."

An intake, described by Jackson as "a rigorous excavation to get a firm grasp on what's going on to decide the next step," is $25. Regular sessions are $20; group sessions are $10.

"It's quality care at a significantly reduced rate," she said.

Clinical instructor Denise Biron said group therapy addresses myriad issues, including eating disorders, disruptive behavior and career development, among others, and provides "research-supported treatment."

Jackson said an online substance abuse support group was formed to provide therapy services anonymously to those reluctant to seek help elsewhere.

Jill Kays, 23, graduated from Liberty University with a degree in psychology and is in her second year of Regent's clinical psychology doctoral program. She spends 15 to 20 hours a week on case assignments and patient appointment s and h opes to enter private practice.

"This is a good match for me. I've always wanted to work with people and I like the science aspect of it," Kays said.

The center also features a free Speakers Bureau, which includes faculty and students, and offers presentations on topics such as family therapy, women's issues, spiritual formation and parenting children with disabilities.

The center is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is at 1000 Regent University Drive, Classroom Building 188, on Regent campus. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Frida y with evening appointments available on select days until 8.

Information, 226-4488 or www.regent.edu/acad/schcou/psc

Cindy Butler Focke, butler496@aol.com