LIVONIA, MICH. – Madonna University marked a significant milestone in its commitment to mental health education and community service with the official opening of its Psychological Services Clinic on Thursday, October 10. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on the University's main campus, celebrated the launch of a facility that will serve as both a training ground for future clinical psychologists and a valuable resource for the local community.
The Madonna University Psychological Services Clinic (MUPS) serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it provides advanced graduate students in the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (MSCP) program with practical training experience. Under supervision, these student clinicians offer psychotherapeutic services to patients, preparing them for state licensure as master's prepared clinical psychologists.
Simultaneously, the clinic opens its doors to both the University community and the general public, offering much-needed mental health services. Dr. Annamaria Silveri, director of the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program and the MUPS Clinic, envisions a future where the facility "continues to serve the community and the University from an interdisciplinary perspective in collaboration with other campus departments."
The student clinicians at MUPS are trained to provide psychotherapeutic treatment with empathy, sensitivity, and confidentiality. They emphasize a client-focused approach grounded in reflective listening and understanding, respecting the uniqueness and dignity of each individual they serve. As future clinical psychologists, these students view their role in the therapeutic alliance as one that facilitates self-discovery, exploration of life experiences, and the development of fulfilling interpersonal relationships.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by various community leaders, including Livonia City Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski, who spoke on behalf of the City of Livonia and the Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce. Her presence underscored the clinic's importance not just to the university, but to the wider community it serves.
Madonna University President Chris Dougherty drew a poignant parallel between the opening of the clinic and the pioneering spirit of the Felician Sisters, noting that both "saw a need and committed to serve."
The MUPS Clinic is located on Madonna University's main campus. The entrance can be found near Kresge Hall, in the 1300-wing, rooms #1309, #1311, and #1313. For those interested in learning more about the services available or scheduling an appointment, the clinic can be reached at (734) 532-5629 or via email at MUPsychClinic@madonna.edu.
