Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology Expresses sadness at Sandy Hook tragedy, advocates for more mental health services

NEWTON, Mass., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) joins other schools of higher learning and the entire nation in expressing profound sadness at the violent events that took the lives of children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut," officials of the graduate school of psychology said in a statement issued today. "We also extend our condolences to the families and citizens of Newtown and offer our prayers for their healing and support."

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"In light of the tragic events of last Friday, we as a community of mental health professionals and educators recommit ourselves to healing the victims and survivors of such traumas and to refining our understanding and ability to recognize and treat those who might be at risk for violent behavior," the statement continued.

"We also stand fast in our advocacy for additional federal, state, and private support for mental health services and for the training of skilled professionals in communities and schools and for accessibility and parity in the health care delivery and insurance systems, And, we ask all those who share this mission to work with us in coming weeks and months," it concluded. 

MSPP, located in Newton, Massachusetts, has created a list of resources for families, schools and communities looking for help dealing with these events. Go to http://www.mspp.edu/community/resources/index.php

In addition, MSPP will be planning community seminars and programs  that will address the societal issues that lead to acts of violence and will announce them as they are developed.

About MSPP:  Founded in 1974 as an independent graduate school of psychology, MSPP provides unique training programs for mental health professionals at the doctoral, master's and certificate level, each designed to immerse students in both academic study and real-life clinical experience.  Constantly assessing and evolving to meet the needs of of a rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society, MSPP currently offers programs to train highly skilled professionals to care for Latinos, veterans, children and adolescents and families in a variety of settings, including the schools, the courts, the community and the workplace, among others.  For more information about MSPP's academic programs and special events, go to www.MSPP.edu

SOURCE Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology