TAMIU's Hannigan Named ABPP Diplomate

Dr. Terence P. Hannigan, director of Texas A&M International University's Student Counseling Services and Disability Services for Students, received the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology, an important honor that is bestowed on a limited number of psychologists.

"I feel honored to have successfully completed this long road to board certification. It's a mark of distinction for Student Counseling Services," Dr. Hannigan explained.

Although the certification is not required for practicing psychologists, licensed psychologists who feel that they want to stretch as much as they can to be competent and well-prepared psychologists, seek the certification, Hannigan noted.

"Once a psychologist has been licensed for two years, it is possible to begin the certification process, which has three steps: 1) review of academic and professional credentials; 2) submission of a written presentation of the psychologist's training and philosophy about psychotherapy and a detailed case study that demonstrates this philosophy; 3) a day-long, oral examination that covers the psychologist's philosophy of treatment, a detailed review of the case study, questions about ethical situations that psychologists must confront, and other scenarios and how the psychologist would handle them in a legal, ethical and effective manner. This examination also covers the psychologist's professional involvement including writings and publications, presentations at conferences and other professional meetings, and involvement with professional organizations and in the community," he said.

Other TAMIU clinical staff are also continuing to progress in upgrading their professional credentials. Adriana Blasco recently completed requirements as a licensed professional counselor. Another clinician, Joy Simpson, will take an exam for her license in the coming months, added Dr. Hannigan.

The process involved in receiving a license includes two years of training, during and after completion of a doctoral program and a written and oral exam that includes various psychological, legal and ethical issues that arise and how to assist such clients. Because college campuses can be stressful places, students will benefit from the impact of these accomplishments.

Student Counseling Services has also undertaken a national accreditation process which will examine the quality and quantity of mental health care provided to the students at the University.

Counseling professionals will evaluate the work done by the office to insure the highest standards are maintained in the delivery of counseling and psychological services. "The professional accomplishments for the clinical staff and the office are hallmarks of providing high quality services to the students who enroll at TAMIU," said Dr. Hannigan.

For more information, please contact Dr. Hannigan at thannigan@tamiu.edu, call 326.2230 or visit offices in the Student Center.

University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 24, 2004 until Monday, Jan. 3, 2005.

Spring Semester 2005 classes begin Monday, Jan. 10.