
3 minute read
Hope for tHe Hurting
Our Growing Impact in Mental Health Care
In response to an unprecedented need for mental health care in our community, state, and nation, Bushnell University’s School of Psychology and Counseling has responded to this crisis by doing what it has always done – focus on the mission and values the University.
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Bushnell's School of Psychology and Counseling offers a Community Mental Health Clinic, something innovative and unique among other psychology and counseling programs in the state. In the clinic, led by Assistant Professor Mindi Barta ’ 00, M.A. ’ 02 , the school has four counseling rooms where 20-30 counseling graduate students under the supervision of faculty and a clinic manager serve the Bushnell community (students, employees, and family members), along with community members near and far. The clinic has typically only served clients on campus, but during the pandemic it expanded its services to include telehealth which expanded access to clients across the state of Oregon.
The clinic allows the counseling program to live out Bushnell’s mission of wisdom, faith, and service.
As for wisdom, the clinic provides a professional environment for students to learn how to utilize electronic medical records, apply advanced assessment tools, diagnose mental health conditions, create treatment plans, practice state-of-the-art, evidence-based counseling techniques, and provide feedback-informed, culturally-humble therapeutic services.
As for faitH , a ministry-minded program allows students of all faith backgrounds to experience what it’s like to be part of a Christian faith community. Both students and clients are encouraged to explore and develop faith.
As for service, the clinic allows Bushnell counseling students to serve our community firsthand. With increasing community need and long waitlists, the clinic assists in removing barriers by offering free or inexpensive services so community members can access affordable care. The clinic currently serves almost 200 students and community members.
After completing a semester at the clinic, students move on to internships in the mental health field. The School of Psychology and Counseling has internship agreements with 60 mental health centers, hospitals, non-profits, schools, and churches. Internship supervisors around the community routinely report that Bushnell students are more prepared than the students of other institutions.


Internship supervisor Corey Jackson, M.A. ’ 04, Executive Director of Christians As Family Advocates (CAFA), a Eugene-based counseling center, faces the counseling crisis first-hand on a daily basis. “ I honestly do not know how we would have survived without our partnership with Bushnell University’s counseling program. Bushnell counseling interns arrive with fresh energy and a can-do spirit that is exactly what our agency needs.
“ I also appreciate the combination of faith and service exemplified by Bushnell interns. CAFA treats individuals with a wide variety of mental health needs. I can trust that they will honor the faith values of clients seeking services at CAFA. I also have seen them treat all people at our agency with dignity and respect. Bushnell interns exemplify the belief that all are created in God’s image. They also come out of their internships fearless and ready for any challenge in the professional world. ”
After internship, the students enter the field as professional counselors dedicated to purposeful service. This three-part process of rigorous and interactive coursework, seeing clients in the Bushnell Counseling Clinic, and diverse internship options has resulted in outcomes that give testimony to faithful stewardship in the lives of these emerging professionals.
According to an annual survey of those who employ Bushnell counseling student graduates, 100% felt that the Bushnell University counseling program prepared students to work in their respective settings. 100% of employers indicated they are “likely to more likely” to hire a Bushnell University counseling graduate. Half of the responders stated that they are more likely to hire a Bushnell graduate over students from similar institutions. These findings have remained consistent over the last three surveys.
Students who pursue Bushnell's counseling program have a calling to care for the broken people in our world. Recent graduate Tiffany (Cvitanovich) Morris, M.A. ’ 21 entered Bushnell following her own recovery from addiction, a season that shaped her faith in Jesus and His plan for her life. She shares, “ During my time at Bushnell, I made friendships and connections with people who are still in my daily life. I learned about who I am and developed skills for counseling. There was a turning point during the beginning of my final year at Bushnell where all the information and skills really came together. I felt a sense of courage and wisdom about graduating and entering the field of counseling. I matured as a person and professional. ” Despite many obstacles along her educational path, Morris celebrates the “ miracle ” of the chance to impact clients' lives as they reach goals, share big life events, and experience restored well-being. She also celebrated her own “ miracle ” – being able to purchase her first new car, a shiny red Dodge Charger.