University Counseling Center celebrates 50 years of accreditation
June 17, 2026
The University of Utah Counseling Center (UCC) is celebrating 50 years of accreditation
through International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS), a milestone that reflects the center’s long-standing commitment to providing high-quality
mental health support for students.
IACS accreditation is a voluntary process that provides external review and validation
of counseling services. In addition to strengthening the center’s credibility, accreditation
can increase opportunities for grants and donations. Most importantly, it helps ensure
the center remains focused on best practices and the needs of students.
That commitment is reflected in the wide range of services offered by the UCC, which
serves thousands of students each year. In FY26, the center provided over 15,000 appointments
to move than 2,800 students—an increase of over 10% compared to previous year.
"Over the years, both our center and the broader conversation around mental health
have evolved,” said Scott McAward, director of the University Counseling Center. “Our
approach has always been to meet students where they are, and we continue to do that
by increasing access to care and finding new ways to support student well-being."
In addition to individual counseling, group therapy, skills workshops, mindfulness
programs, and campus outreach, the center has expanded access to care through virtual
counseling. More recently, the center introduced Volley, its certified facility animal, who supports students through counseling sessions, group programs, and outreach
events across campus.
Beyond expanding services, the UCC continues to demonstrate a meaningful impact on
student well-being. On average, students' overall mental and emotional distress levels
improve by 23% over the course of treatment at the center, as measured through the
Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) administered at intake
and throughout counseling services.
While the 50-year accreditation milestone is worth celebrating, the UCC is already
looking ahead to another major anniversary. Next year, the center will celebrate 100
years of service, making it one of the oldest campus counseling centers in the western
United States.
Visit the UCC's website to learn more.
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