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As college students across the country report increased anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is making mental health a top priority.

That means making sure Warhawks receive exceptional care so they remain healthy, stay enrolled and continue on a path to graduation. And, as a university with strong teacher education roots, it means training the next generation of highly skilled psychologists and mental health counselors.

University Health and Counseling Services has been investing time and resources to accomplish those goals — and the efforts have now garnered national recognition.

UW-Whitewater has become the only university besides UW-Madison in Wisconsin to earn American Psychological Association accreditation for its doctoral psychology internship program.

“The recognition — the highest in the country for this program — speaks to the quality of services provided at the counseling center,” said Jim Freiburger, psychologist and executive director. “We’re teaching students to be on the cutting edge of counseling, using evidence-based practices.”

Through the program, doctoral psychology interns work alongside senior staff members 40 hours per week over the course of one year. They learn theory and research but also assist with actual cases, including crisis intervention, individual, group, and couples counseling and outreach and awareness activities.

“We’re committed to providing a broad training experience,” said Terri DeWalt, psychologist and director of training. “We provide a nurturing environment in which we expect interns to grow into confident, competent, ethical psychologists who are able to empower their clients and colleagues.”

In its report on UW-Whitewater’s program, APA reviewers noted that “current and alumni interns were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about their training experiences, including a climate of inclusion and support…. The commitments to student development and success and enhanced understanding of and responsiveness to diversity were very evident.”

While the accreditation technically applies to the doctoral internship program, DeWalt said students in the master’s-level internship program are receiving the same exceptional experience.

“Our senior staff and interns care deeply about the students we care for at UW-Whitewater, and our patient surveys show just how critical counseling is to student success,” she said.

In the 2018-19 academic year, students who received counseling at UHCS said it helped with academic performance and helped them stay in school.

• Of all students who reported that they were struggling with academics prior to counseling, 93% are still enrolled or have graduated
• Of all students who reported that they were thinking of leaving school prior to counseling, 95% are still enrolled or have graduated 
• 91% were satisfied with quality of services they received
• 90% would return to the counseling center again
• 91% would recommend counseling services to a friend

“We’re proud to be part of this campus and community,” Freiburger said. “Student success is a university-wide effort, and we collaborate with many areas, including housing, university police and the Center for Students with Disabilities, to name a few. Together, we help support and guide students so they have the tools to succeed in their academics and in life.”

MILWAUKEE (February 29, 2020) — Washington Elementary School in Whitewater, Wisconsin, has been awarded a $2,000 Healthy Schools Grant by the Mission: Healthy Kids program, a partnership of Children’s Wisconsin and Kohl’s Cares. Twenty-five Wisconsin schools have received this grant to be utilized during the current 2019-2020 school year. The school applied to further its work in the area of mindfulness.

Mission: Healthy Kids promotes policy, systems, and environmental changes in schools that improve school community health specifically in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and healthy minds. Coordinating with and supporting the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin School Health/WSCC award program, the grant application process required schools to identify an area for improvement in their school environment by completing the Action for Healthy Kids abbreviated School Health Index. The Mission: Healthy Kids Healthy Schools grants are designated to help support work surrounding school’s identified improvement area.

“The Mission: Healthy Kids program is pleased to offer these grants supporting Wisconsin schools, because we know healthy kids learn more,” said Katie Horrigan, director of education and outreach, Children’s Wisconsin and Mission: Healthy Kids. “Creating a healthy learning environment takes commitment and work from the entire school community. Our goal for these grants is that they provide schools with some added support to improve the health and well-being of the entire school community.”

Using funds from this grant, Washington Elementary will be hosting a Mindfulness Family Night for elementary students who attend school in Whitewater and their families. On Thursday, March 12 from 6-7 families are invited to gather at Washington to learn more about the benefits of Mindfulness and participate in some fun family friendly activities.

‘FUN’ctional Fitness—Mondays & Thursdays 9:30 am; $1.00 per class Members; $2.00 non-member
Core & More—Mondays & Thursdays 8:30 am; $1.00 per class Members; $2.00 non-member
Pickleball—Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12:30-2:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-11:00 am at the Downtown Armory
Let’s Walk! (indoors)—Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00 am
Whitewater Warblers (singing) – Mondays 11:00 am
Open Sewing—Second Friday 10 am-3 pm
Book Worms—First Monday 10:30; Books available at Starin Park
Potluck—First Tuesday 11:15 am
Bingo—First, Second & Fourth Tuesdays 10:00 am
Canasta—First, third and fifth Mondays 1:00 pm
Dominoes—First Tuesday 12:00 pm
Mah Jongg – Mondays, 1:00 pm
Pegs and Jokers –Third Tuesday 9:30 am
Sheepshead—Tuesdays 1:00 pm
Puzzle Exchange—Third Friday 9:30 am