Mental health clinic serves mid-Missouri individuals and families

Collaboration aims to help patients maintain emotional balance

MU’s Assessment and Consultation Clinic provides something for everyone. Adults, children, couples and families benefit from the comprehensive psychological services offered, including assessment, diagnosis and intervention.

At the same time, graduate students in the college’s Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology often collaborate with the staff to gain real experience with real cases.

Clinic staff members hold training seminars on mental health awareness and share tips with groups across the state. New clientele come through referral, word of mouth and the clinic’s Web site.

Director Debbie Wright says the clinic’s success stems from the staff’s wide range of expertise, allowing them to “pool what we know.”

The clinic also partners with schools to provide training and support for teachers whose students have learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Many rural schools don’t have mental health resources, so collaboration with the clinic is a valuable tool.