Program Setting

Butler University Counseling & Consultation Services

Butler University is an independent university founded in 1855 and widely recognized for its dedication to teaching and research. A noted academic institution nestled in a residential area of Indianapolis, Butler’s coeducational enrollment totals about 4,800 students. Rooted in traditions of excellence, Butler’s cultural and civic impact is considerable.

Students from nearly every state and approximately 50 foreign countries make up the undergraduate and graduate and student body. The University has six degree-granting colleges-Liberal Arts and Sciences, Education, Communication, Business Administration, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Fine Arts. The 244 fulltime instructional faculty members allow an undergraduate student-faculty ratio of 11-to-1.

Butler University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS) is administratively responsible to the Dean of Student Services and the Vice President for Student Affairs. CCS is the only agency on campus offering clinical services to the undergraduate and graduate student body. CCS is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services.  Although clients present with varying degrees of severity, from adjustment issues to mood disorders and characterological issues, CCS staff strive to address these concerns within a developmental framework. While many cases are undeniably complex, we value efforts to avoid pathologizing client behavior and to focus instead on client resources and strengths as they negotiate this challenging phase of life.

The most frequent presenting concerns of our clients are anxiety, depression, relationships, family issues and eating disorders. Other common therapeutic issues include stress management, substance abuse, trauma recovery, grief and loss and academic concerns. CCS is located within the Health and Recreation Complex on campus.  Each intern office is equipped with digital videotaping equipment and a computer.  The center currently has no fee for service and operates primarily within a short-term model, although interns have the option to see clients longer-term if clinically indicated.

During the hours of operation, CCS has at least one clerical/support staff who answers phone calls, handles scheduling appointments, greets clients, and handles the collection of basic client information.  This person is also available to help interns fax documents, prepare documents to be sent, make copies, and perform other clerical tasks as needed.  Technical support for the interns is provided by Butler’s Information Technology department, which can be accessed by phone or in person by interns for computer assistance.

The Indianapolis Area

Indianapolis is a dynamic city offering a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Professional basketball and football teams provide seasonal excitement at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium. Residents enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, concerts and entertainment throughout the community. Cultural facilities abound, notably Clowes Memorial Hall, a 2,200-seat performance facility on the Butler campus; the Newfields art museum, the seventh largest in the country, just a few blocks from Butler; the Indiana Repertory Theater; the Children’s Museum, the largest of its kind in the United States; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Ruoff Music Center.

The cost of living is reasonable in comparison to other cities of this size. Residential areas surround Butler University, making housing within convenient driving distance a definite option. The city also offers a number of employment opportunities for psychologists in both the private and public sectors.