A psychology
clinic offering access to counselling for some of the state’s most needy will be
officially launched at UniSA’s City East campus at 5.30 pm on Friday June 1
2001.
Although operational for the past few years as an adjunct to UniSA’s psychology
education facilities for postgraduate students, the clinic has come of age, dealing with
more than 200 clients a year and filling important gaps in government services.
Head of UniSA’s School of Psychology, Dr Jacques
Metzer says it is appropriate that clinic is having its official launch in the year
that celebrates UniSA 10th birthday.
"If you were looking for true examples of UniSA’s mission in action, the
psychology clinic is just one that brings together a commitment to educating
professionals, creating and applying knowledge and expertise, and serving the
community," Dr Metzer said.
"The opening of the clinic will also include a dedication to Biruta Dietz a former
lecturer who died in 1996 and was the pioneer of clinical psychology as a specialty focus
at UniSA. Her commitment is something we wanted to acknowledge as very special within the
School of Psychology.
"Today we have three key streams in psychology - organisational, clinical and
forensic and a postgraduate focus in both forensic and clinical with Masters programs in
these areas."
The Psychology Clinic offers a unique opportunity for advanced postgraduate students to
apply their skills in a clinical setting.
"Under the direction of experienced clinical psychologists, our post-graduate
students are able to further their experience through placements here on campus and in an
environment that is both intellectually vibrant and supportive," Dr Metzer said.
"For the public the clinic is both inexpensive and accessible and it is filling a
real service gap especially for those people who may slip through the net otherwise
because of waiting lists or prohibitive costs for private services.
"We have a strong referral base now and we believe we are filling important needs
for young people with learning and behavioural problems. We are also involved in a range
of contract services for schools and legal services to help analyse people’s learning
and intellectual abilities, problems and needs.
"What we have established is a useful and positive service that has benefits for
the University in providing students with invaluable experience in clinical psychology in
the important post graduate years of study, but also in meeting the growing need for
accessible clinical psychology services in the community."
