Reposted from Student Affairs.
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 more than 2,800 students—an increase of over 10% compared to the 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 counselingcenter.utah.edu to learn more.