Indianapolis, IN, December 10, 2015 — The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award was established by the American Psychological Association (APA) to recognize organizations that understand the link between employee health and well-being and organizational performance through implementation of workplace practices that create a culture of health and wellness. Each applicant in the evaluation process is judged on criteria including: employee involvement; health and safety; employee growth and development; work-life balance; and employee recognition. Statewide winners are eligible for a national award through APA.
Indiana Psychological Association (IPA) is proud to announce that Indiana’s 2015 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award winner is the University of Indianapolis Counseling Center. The University of Indianapolis Counseling Center focuses not only on improving the mental health and well-being of their college students through individual and group counseling programs, but also through campus outreach. A primary focus of the Counseling Center is to foster the health and well-being of employees and students working at the center. The day-to-day work environment emphasizes an open-door policy to process cases, discuss difficult aspects of being a therapist, and listen to and regularly adhere to feedback. The director of the Counseling Center, Dr. Kelly Miller, tailors responsibilities and duties of counselors by capitalizing on strengths and empowering employees to meet their potential through regular support by senior psychologists. Those employed at the Counseling Center are encouraged to engage in self-care by taking advantage of university exercise and health endeavors, having flexible schedules, and taking a lunch break daily.
Polly Shepard Westcott, PsyD, is the Indiana Representative for APA’s Psychology in the Workplace Network, directing the Indiana Psychologically Healthy Work Place Award committee. Dr. Shepard Westcott was extremely impressed with the overall wellness initiative of the Counseling Center and the myriad of programs offered to employees with a prominent focus on self-care. Additionally, the University of Indianapolis Counseling Center has taken their wellness initiative into the community by integrating education and programs outside of the center and into the university.
