The U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s (USCGA) Center for Counseling and Development (CCD) has been accredited by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS). The CCD was found to offer a high standard of competent and reliable mental health professional services to its cadet community.
IACS’ rigorous accreditation process involves detailed documentation, a comprehensive site visit evaluation, and multiple peer reviews in five areas: relationships within the college/university community, counseling and clinical services, ethical standards, personnel, and resources/infrastructure. Approval by IACS is also dependent upon evidence of continuing professional development as well as a demonstration of excellence in counseling performance.
The CCD supports U. S. Coast Guard imperatives for mentally capable, service-ready ensigns to graduate from the Academy, by focusing on the developmental transitions and preventative mental health care of USCGA cadets.
Licensed psychologists, who have particular expertise in the college-aged population and military psychology, staff the center, which also enhances resilience and leadership capabilities through specialized training of cadets.
Psychotherapy and counseling services address stress management, negative coping patterns, interpersonal relationships, symptoms of depression or anxiety, family matters, disordered eating behaviors, sexual assault or other trauma, and performance improvement across all domains of cadet life. CCD services are confidential and do not become part of a cadet’s medical, academic, or military record.
The original announcement can be found here.