That’s how Batiste, a psychology graduate of Dillard University and the holder of a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nicholls State University, found herself in the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Xavier (TCSPP@XULA).

“I had always planned on staying in New Orleans after I graduated,” explained Baptiste. “There is a need for mental health professionals who are dedicated to improving the current state of mental health care in the city and I want to be a part of that.” 

Hosted on the Xavier campus, the doctoral program was launched in 2015 after a partnership was forged between XULA and TCSPP to educate and train the next generation of practitioners who will help to meet the mental health services needs of the city and region. The program offers 106 credit hours of rigorous training in culturally competent service provisions, while exposing students to a variety of practicum and internship training opportunities. It is open to qualified candidates from XULA, and other universities nationwide, as well as to qualified professionals already working in the field who would like to expand their training and enhance their practitioner experience.

Baptiste was a member of the inaugural class of 16 students who entered in the Fall semester of 2015 and, thus, is among the furthest advanced students in the five-year curriculum. The entire first year was spent in the classroom, which was supplemented with practicums at community clinics in years two and three. So far, Baptiste has completed two diagnostic practicums.

In the fifth year of the program, she and her classmates will complete a full-time internship.

So how is it going so far?

“I would certainly recommend this program for anyone who is serious about helping to restore the mental health infrastructure of New Orleans,” said Baptiste. “I can’t say enough about the faculty here. They are deeply invested in your professional growth; in fact they work with you to tailor your coursework so you are focusing on your individual educational needs and professional goals.” 

For Baptiste, graduation from the TCSPP@XULA program is not an end, but the foundation for another beginning, as she plans to pursue post-doc work once she completes the program.

“The people of this city are special and deserve quality educated professionals as a part of their care providers,” said Baptiste. “I want to go beyond providing therapy and play a role in advocating for better access, educating my community about mental illness, and dismantling the stigma associated with mental health.”

As one of the leading nonprofit institutions devoted exclusively to psychology, and related behavioral health sciences, and with more than 20 degree programs at campuses in Chicago IL, Dallas TX (fall 2018), Washington D.C., in Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Diego CA, and Online, The Chicago School has long been recognized for its excellence in education and training. Although in its relative infancy, TCSPP@XULA offers the same rigorous training as the clinical doctoral programs in Los Angeles, Chicago, and D.C., while awarding graduates the highest degree for practitioners in the field and helping prepare them for professional practice as licensed psychologists.

The TCSPP@XULA is currently accepting applications for its next class. For more information on the program call (800) 721-8072 or visit the TCSPP website at https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/new-orleans/programs/?fwp_locations=neworleans-program-p.