As a Psy.D. student at Spalding University, I know firsthand how crucial the Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) are, not only for students who require therapy but also for those of us in clinical training. Recently, Dr. Anne Kenworthy made a regrettable decision to cut funding for CaPS, leaving only one licensed supervisor to oversee practicum students who provide vital therapy and assessment services. This decision impacts not only our education but also the psychological well-being and academic success of the entire student body.

The reduction of CaPS staff significantly undermines the comprehensive clinical training that doctoral-level Psy.D. students depend on. CaPS serves as an important practicum site, offering invaluable hands-on experience under supervision, which is an essential component of our development as future mental health professionals. With severely limited supervision, these opportunities have been drastically reduced, stalling the professional growth that our program is designed to support.

Equally concerning is the impact on access to mental health care for students. Most Psy.D. students will now be left without on-campus therapy services despite paying for them through tuition and fees. At the same time, undergraduate students—many of whom rely on CaPS for therapy, psychological assessments, and the documentation required to access academic accommodations—now face severely limited or unavailable services. In a time of heightened political unrest, rising mental health needs, and academic pressures, reducing these essential supports is not just short-sighted—it is potentially harmful.

Accessible, consistent mental health care is a cornerstone of academic success and student retention, particularly in high-stress fields like psychology. Denying students access to care contradicts Spalding University’s commitment to fostering student wellness, equity, and professional excellence.

Our plea is for university leadership to recognize the critical role that CaPS plays for both graduate and undergraduate students, and to take immediate action. We urge Spalding University to reinstate full funding for Counseling and Psychological Services, ensuring that mental health support and professional training remain integral to the university’s mission.

By restoring CaPS’ funding, Spalding will reaffirm its commitment to both the well-being of its students and the development of future mental health professionals. Please sign this petition to stand with students, faculty, and community members in demanding the restoration of these essential services. Let us ensure that mental health remains a priority on our campus.