Applying to a new, non-accredited program?

[futureapppsy2]

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In coming up with a preliminary list, I've come across a brand new counseling psych program (started in 2008) with a possible research match. It's a small program, university-based, with decent funding, etc., but seeing as it's so new, it's not yet accredited by the APA. How long does it generally take for a program to receive APA accreditation (which isn't retroactive, right?).

Of the two other un-accredited programs on my list, one (which I'm not entirely sure about because it's unfunded) is anticipating receiving accreditation this year, which would make it accredited when I apply next cycle and the other (funded, university-based, and a near PERFECT match for me) is looking to obtain accredition next Spring, so it would likely be accredited when I would (hypothetically) enter.

With internship match getting as painfully as it is, it seems like applying from a not-yet-accredited program could be a huge wall to jump over...

Thanks!

 

[terpskins10]

Personally, I would not apply to a non-accredited program. There are so many accredited programs out there, why add the stress of not knowing whether or not your program will be accredited when you graduate? Just my 2 cents.

 

[KillerDiller]

A program has to graduate its first class of applicants before even applying for APA accreditation, so the new program you speak of will very likely not be accredited by the time you graduate...unless you take extra time or unless they get scheduled for review immediately.

 

[docma]

If the program is accredited by the time you graduate, then you are graduating from an accredited program (even if it is was not yet accredited when you entered) so it is certainly possible for their accreditation to be in place 4 years from now and if it is a good fit you should not avoid applying. You can decide if/when accepted (and after investigating the odds) whether you would risk it. And you would want to ask some hard questions in the interview process about their progress. University based counseling programs that are funded are likely to clear the accreditation hurdles pretty efficiently when they are motivated to do so, so I would definitely keep them on your list.