The City of Laredo Health Department will partner in a new initiative that will allow Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Graduate students to provide therapy sessions while working to complete the prerequisites for a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology(MACP.)
An MOU between the two entities will allow MACP students to serve the mental health needs of communities and individuals from diverse backgrounds and offer them the opportunity to use preventative strategies to promote mental health while responding sensitively to the special life issues of the border community.
MACP students will practice in both individual and group settings while under the supervision of a Laredo Health Licensed Professional Counselor. The opportunity gives the TAMIU students the opportunity to complete a required 600-hour internship.
The students will be able to utilize the newly implemented Health Department calming room, which is designated to create a relaxing and peaceful environment for individuals to retreat when they feel overwhelmed, stressed, or need peace.
This proactive and preventative mental health initiative provides effective strategies to better help manage stress.
“By partnering with TAMIU’s graduate students, we not only improve their outtakes during their practicum, but we also help develop the public health workforce of tomorrow and promote the community’s well-being,” said Dr. Richard Chamberlain, the City’s Health Director.
According to Dr. Ediza García, Director of TAMIU’s MACP program “Both the calming room and therapy sessions are a great opportunity for students to practice teaching self-care and promote better mental health.”
She added, “As a medically-underserved community, we are constantly seeking excellent quality partnerships that serve to enhance the clinical training of MACP students. We are thrilled that our graduate students will obtain the strong caliber training offered at Laredo Health, which will serve to strengthen their skills and assist to meet the mental health needs in Laredo.”
