The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at Antioch University Seattle is rooted in principles of social justice. In addition, the program was recently granted accreditation by the American Psychological Association in November 2017.
The APA issued a statement on June 14, 2018 to the Trump Administration regarding recent policies regarding immigrant family separation. This letter highlights the robust research that establishes parent-child separation as a social determinant of mental disorders, such as PTSD, as well as poor educational achievement. While the Trump administration has since rescinded this policy, there are still more than 2000 children separated from their parents and caretakers. Further research has found that the more time children are separated, the more likely that symptoms of anxiety and depression increase, resulting in long-term consequences.
The most recent statement from the American Psychological Association, dated June 20, 2018, expresses this concern and offers support. In small part, our AUS program is contributing to this effort with on-going research into trauma and the immigrant experience as well as direct psychological services to individuals with immigrant status in our local community.
The AUS PsyD program is proud to be a part of a national professional organization that takes a stand in urgent times in the name of individual and societal well-being.
In the spirit of social justice,
Dr. Jude Bergkamp
AUS PsyD Program Chair
