�� Clinic Archives - The �� (��)

�� Clinic Partners with the Southern Smoke Foundation

Dana Erickson — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:24:40 +0000

The Michigan School Psychological Clinic (��C) is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Southern Smoke Foundation (SSF) to bring their Behind You program to Michigan. In its fifth year, Behind You offers no-cost mental health services to food and beverage industry workers through partnerships with mental health clinics that are affiliated with institutions of higher education. As a partner clinic, up to 20 psychotherapy sessions at the ��C will be provided to Behind You clients at no cost. We are pleased to offer these services both in-person at the ��C or via tele-health to ensure they are available to food and beverage workers all over Michigan.

“We see the partnership with the ‘Behind You’ program as an honor and an opportunity for the Clinic. The program’s expansion into Michigan will allow us to reach out specifically to members of our state’s food and beverage industry. Our fifteen 2025-2026 students will receive significant benefits from working with the ‘Behind You’ program. In addition to learning first-hand how the program works, they will directly treat the individuals who take part in psychotherapy services,” said Clinic Director, Dr. Jim Maher, about the beginning of the partnership.

Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown, SSF has supported the industry since 2015, providing more than 8,100 no-cost counseling sessions and over $14.5M in emergency relief to food and beverage workers nationwide. This includes restaurant, bar, and cafe workers; farmers and ranchers; winemakers, distillers, and brewers; and anyone in the industry faced with hardship. Michigan is now the 13th state to join the Behind You program, bringing essential mental health care to this essential, yet extremely vulnerable, oft-overlooked population.

Learn more about the Behind You program at the ��C.

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Clinic Spotlight: Logan Chappell, PsyD

Dana Erickson — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:30:07 +0000

Logan Chappell, PsyD (’24, MA ’19) is a new adjunct clinic supervisor for the 25-26 academic year. Welcome, Dr. Chappell!

Where did you grow up?

Flushing, Michigan!

What or who influenced you to study psychology?

I had a mentor, Bill Atchison, who introduced me to the field and the possibility of becoming a psychologist. My best friend, Jeffrey Binder, also inspired me to apply to �� and take the first steps toward becoming a psychologist when he was a student! I would say life was another big influencer. I’ve always loved people, helping people, and seeing others thrive, but from a place of relationship and deep realness. This is in comparison to, let’s say, customer service, where I first began my professional life. My own journey with mental health also helped me see how this field could help me help others, but also help myself!

What��are��your research and/or clinical interests?

My clinical interests are definitely broad. I consider myself a generalist, but as I continue to work, I notice that I really mesh well and work well with the emerging adult population. Specifically, clients experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as clients who have challenges with self-esteem and knowing their worth. These interests continue to grow and change as I get more experience, and working with and through the underlying trauma causing the above-presenting concerns is slowly developing for me as well. Other interests include identity development, and I have recently become interested in men’s health and identity development across the lifespan.

What appeals to you most about supervising at ��?

What appeals the most about supervising at �� is this school and the wonderful humans they find and admit here. This school gave me my future. It helped me grow, heal, and learn EVERYTHING I know about psychology and within the field. It and everyone here took a chance on me, and I want to give back. The other thing is �� finds the best humans to study and work here. I want to be a reason a student feels supported or like they are able to be seen and understood, as they grow in their clinical work and within their clinician identity. I want to emulate what I received from �� and my supervisors, and I want to help students feel supported in their supervision, in order to help them become their best selves as authentically as they can, especially as I learned THAT’s where our best gifts are within our authentic selves.

What is your favorite non-academic book and why?

The Magic Tree House series…I read these books when I was a kid, and they opened me up to the idea and possibility of adventure on a profound level. I’m certain that’s where the fire in me for adventure and fantasy began, which has had a lasting impact on how my inner children still exist within me today.

What advice would you like to share with incoming or current students?

Take risks, try new things, put yourself out there, have difficult conversations, “trust the process!!!” Try to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. THAT’s where all the learning and growing happens. You were accepted here for a reason, you are where you’re supposed to be, and you can utilize this time and space to learn and grow while being supported by an incredible institution.

��

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Clinic Spotlight: Khrystyna Melnyk, PhD, LP

Dana Erickson — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:35:13 +0000

Khrystyna Melnyk, PhD is��a new adjunct clinic supervisor for the 25-26 academic year. Welcome, Dr. Melnyk!��

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Ukraine and immigrated to the US when I was almost 17 years old.��

What or who influenced you to study psychology?

The experience that I had with the move from Ukraine influenced me to become a psychologist. The adjustment was very difficult with no social support. After I began working at a hospital with my Master’s in Health Administration, I encountered many patients who confided in me. I felt as if I could do more to help them. That’s how I decided to become a clinical psychologist.��

What��are��your research and/or clinical interests?

My passion is health psychology. All of my training has been in primary care settings. Currently, I work in Primary Care Mental Health at John D Dingell Detroit VA Medical Center.��

My research has been in BPD patients in primary care and difficult doctor-patient relationships in primary care.��

What appeals to you most about supervising at ��?

I always wanted to supervise, and �� provides this amazing opportunity. I had the privilege to learn from Dr. Maher in the classroom and was beyond excited to have a chance to supervise in the clinic under his mentorship.��

What is your favorite non-academic book and why?

My favorite non-academic book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I re-read the book every year as it reminds me about the priorities in life and the ability to appreciate what you have and learn that small things bring us joy. The book teaches how to live in the moment and recognize the gifts of life in daily life.��

What advice would you like to share with incoming or current students?

For incoming students, I would suggest coming in with an open mind. Be open to feedback. Be willing to learn, and, most importantly, be willing to step out of your comfort zone.��

��

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�� Clinic Year in Review

Dana Erickson — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:18:18 +0000

Dr. Jim Maher, Clinic Director, and Holly Tocco, Clinic Manager, shared highlights from the Michigan School Psychological Clinic’s 2024-2025 academic year.

Student Clinicians after presenting at a local school.

The Michigan School Psychological Clinic has once again completed a successful year serving as a training site for students and providing valuable services for our community.

The �� Clinic focused on two special initiatives for the 24-25 academic year: the pursuit of grant opportunities and outreach to the community. These efforts resulted in the Clinic receiving a grant from the Southern Smoke Foundation to offer sessions to those in the food and beverage industry. A renewed emphasis on interactions with the local southeastern Michigan community also resulted in Student Clinicians providing a variety of psychoeducational training and information sessions at the following organizations: CARES of Farmington Hills, East Middle School, Longacre Elementary School, Bright Spot Counseling, Living and Learning Center, Oakland County Probate Court, Corewell Health, and Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan.

Other clinic highlights for the year included:

Serving over 90 psychotherapy clients.
Continued client satisfaction with their care as the greatest percentage of referrals continues to come from current clients.
An increase in the number of students completing their clinical training at the clinic to 23 total.
- This number includes seven PsyD students, 13 MA students, and three supplemental PsyD students.
Student Clinicians’ continued satisfaction with the quality of their training experience as 96% of those students gave the Clinic the highest rating in overall satisfaction when surveyed for the second year in a row.
Dr. Maher’s presentation of a poster at the National Association of Psychological Training Clinics (APTC) conference.��

Looking to the future, Dr. Maher hopes to continue to expand the Clinic’s reach throughout the state in the 2025-2026 academic year through continued excellent clinical interactions and training, increased marketing efforts, and expanded community involvement.

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�� Clinic Year In Review

Dana Erickson — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:28:55 +0000

Dr. Jim Maher, Clinic Director, and Holly Tocco, Clinic Manager, shared the Michigan School Psychological Clinic’s highlights of the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Michigan School Psychological Clinic has once again completed a successful year serving students and our community.

Highlights

The Clinic reached a new high of 95 psychotherapy clients.
The greatest percentage of referrals continues to come from current clients.
20 students are in the process of completing their clinical training at the clinic.
- This number includes seven PsyD students and ten MA students, and three supplemental PsyD students who are performing psychological assessments.
Students completing their clinical training hours at the �� Clinic continue to be very happy with the quality of their training experience. 96% of those students gave the Clinic the highest rating in overall satisfaction when surveyed.

The �� Clinic focused on two special initiatives for the 23-24 academic year, increasing psychological assessments and outreach to the community.

42 testing assessments were completed, which is by far the greatest number completed in a practicum year at the Clinic. This goal was accomplished through the tireless efforts of Faculty Testing Supervisor Dr. Stacy Grindling, in tandem with three contracted testing supervisors.

The Clinic staff placed a renewed emphasis on creating opportunities for interactions with the community of Farmington Hills and the greater southeast Michigan area. Community involvement this year included events and partnerships with the following organizations:

CARES of Farmington Hills
East Middle School
Farmington Hills Farmer’s Market
Bright Spot Counseling
Living and Learning Center
Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND)
Oakland Community College

Looking to the future,��Dr. Maher expressed��that the goals of the Clinic for 2024-2025 are to continue to expand its reach throughout the state through continued excellent clinical interactions and training, increased marketing efforts,��and expanded community involvement.

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Clinic Spotlight: Stacy Grindling, PsyD

Dana Erickson — Wed, 17 May 2023 14:24:04 +0000

Stacy Grindling, PsyD is an adjunct faculty member serving as a faculty supervisor at the �� Clinic.

What attracted you to teaching at ��?
I attended the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, which shares the same teaching philosophy (Scholar-Professional) as ��. I really feel that this model provides the best of both worlds for therapeutic practice. When I moved back to Michigan from Chicago after my postdoctoral training I wanted to be able to re-engage in that atmosphere to nurture the next generation of mental health practitioners through teaching and supervision.

What population do you serve in your clinical practice?
Since the beginning of graduate school my passion has always been with the pediatric population. Most of my training (both therapy and assessment) has been with children, adolescents, and their families. Currently, I conduct psychological evaluations with children and adolescents through Beaumont’s (now: Corewell Health) Center for Human Development (CHD). We evaluate a myriad of neurodevelopmental struggles including, autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairments, ADHD, communication disorders, learning disorders and comorbid emotional and behavioral struggles.

What do you find the most rewarding part of your work in clinical psychology?
I find that the most rewarding part of my job is helping children and adolescents understand themselves better, how their brains work, and what may help them in- and out-of school to ease their struggles. I’ve had so many kids audibly breathe a sigh of release once they understand that what they’ve been struggling with for so long is not related to them being “dumb” or “stupid” or “lazy”, as others may have suggested to them – that it’s truly related to how their brain processes information with regards to attention or learning.

Describe your role at the clinic.
I am an adjunct supervisor for the �� Clinic. I work full-time at CHD and then spend one night a week at the clinic with the students providing supervision. I also try to attend the didactic seminars and case conferences that occur on Fridays at the Clinic. I love the friendly and engaging atmosphere at the Clinic; working with the students and watching their growth throughout the year has been tremendously rewarding.

What would your students be surprised to learn about you?
I love to travel and have traveled to over 22 countries. I’m always trying to plan my next trip – but, it’s a little harder right now with a 6-year-old and a 20-month-old! Another fun fact: my eldest daughter’s name was based on the lead female character of my and my husband’s favorite adventure movie.

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Clinic Spotlight: Lama Hodroj MA, TLLP, BCBA, LBA

Dana Erickson — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 19:25:03 +0000

We are delighted to welcome Lama Hodroj MA, TLLP, BCBA, LBA to the role ABA Clinic Supervisor at the Michigan School Psychological Clinic. Lama will supervise the �� students who are completing their clinical training hours at the Clinic.��

Give us a snapshot of your professional/academic background.

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology through Oakland University in 2018. Shortly after, I attended the �� to pursue my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. I worked in various roles at an ABA clinic for 6 years and completed my year-long clinical practicum at StoneCrest Center in Detroit. After completing my coursework, I received my TLLP and began working as a behavior consultant before becoming a fully licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in March of 2021. I practiced for over a year as a BCBA prior to transitioning to my role at the Michigan Psychological Clinic as the ABA Clinical Supervisor.

How has your career led you to ��?

After graduating from ��, I transitioned into my role as a clinician at a clinic for two years prior to returning to �� in a new role as the ABA Clinical Supervisor. In a way, my time at �� led me to my career!

Describe your role at the Clinic

My role at the clinic is to provide Applied Behavior Analysis services to families in addition to providing clinical supervision to students completing their training within the field of ABA.

What aspect of your role are you looking forward to most?

I’m most looking forward to working closely with students to ensure they have a well-rounded practicum experience as they prepare for what comes after graduation! I’m also greatly looking forward to working with children and their families to provide meaningful treatment.

Name one thing that people may be surprised to learn about you.

I grew up in Cairo, Egypt and moved to Michigan in 2009!

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President’s Perspective: Giving Tuesday

Dana Erickson — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:36:50 +0000

Dear �� Community,

As I contemplate all I have to be thankful for, I’m also thinking about those who go without – at the holidays and all year long. I know that each of us supports causes that are meaningful to us, but one week from today, on Giving Tuesday, I’m asking you to also consider a donation to the �� Clinic Compassion Fund.

I’m proud that our institution is affecting real change in the mental health of the community by offering quality psychological services to the underinsured. Last year, 35% of clinic patients paid as low as $5 a session for therapy – and some paid nothing. No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Yet we must be honest with ourselves: How can we sustain the good work of the clinic when it receives so little income?

That’s where you can help. Your donation of $50 can subsidize up to 10 psychotherapy sessions for those who might otherwise be forced to make the difficult choice between paying for therapy or basic needs like food and school supplies. And beyond individual therapy, a financially stable clinic allows us to provide ABA services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and comprehensive psychological/educational testing for children and adults that costs hundreds, and even thousands of dollars in traditional settings. A $350 donation to the Compassion Fund covers testing for a child who may be languishing on a waiting list while at a critical stage of academic development.

Won’t you help us make sure that we are able to continue providing low cost, quality mental health care to those who may need it most? Please take a moment to learn more about the �� Psychological Clinic and donate��here. Thank you for your consideration.

In Community,

President Brown

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Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis: ABA 101

Candi Wilson — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 15:04:48 +0000

Now that the Michigan School Psychological Clinic is open in its permanent home, our student clinicians studying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are able to conduct in-person services, following all CDC safety guidelines. Jodie Mientkiewicz, MA, BCBA, our ABA Clinic Supervisor wrote the following blog to answer common questions about ABA.

For most people, Applied Behavior Analysis is synonymous with Autism, and since Michigan’s Autism Insurance Legislation went into effect in October 2012, it is no wonder, as there was a “boom” in autism therapy.�� However, Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA as it is known, can be used for so much more.��

As a former special educator and current BCBA, I have had first hand experience watching this therapy change not only behaviors, but individuals (and families) lives as well.

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis, simply put, is the science of learning why behaviors happen, and how to take them and change them into more socially significant behaviors.�� For example, a child who may not have the communication skills to say “I want my mom’s attention” may hit a sibling to get that attention, or a child who does not have pre academic skills could gain those skills through ABA therapy.��

ABA focuses on two main areas: skill acquisition and behavior reduction.�� Using the principles of reinforcement, ABA therapists create individualized programs for their clients, focusing on specific areas in need of change.

Who Can Benefit From ABA?

Anyone!�� The amazing thing about ABA is that it can be formatted for anyone, not just those individuals on the autism spectrum. Therapists at the clinic have used ABA when working with clients with Selective Mutism and parents looking for parent training.��

ABA can also be used with couples in need of communication support, children with ADD, adults who wish to quit smoking, and many more areas of life.

How Does it Work?

Many parents have used aspects of ABA without even realizing it!�� If you, as a parent, have ever given a reward when your child has done something, you have used ABA.�� If you had a system for potty training, you used ABA.�� If you have ever tried to work on changing a behavior or taught your child something new, you have used ABA.��

Why is Intervention so Important?

The research literature shows that early intensive intervention for children with disabilities is one of the most impactful processes for changing behaviors.�� The earlier a child begins therapy, the more successful that therapy will be.

What happens if I want to begin services for my child?

If you decide that ABA services would be beneficial for your child, or if you would like more information on our ABA services, please call the clinic (248-919-0063 ext. 202). I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have!

From there you will fill out the necessary paperwork and the BCBA will walk you through the rest of the process.

In future blogs, I look forward to exploring the different aspects, both broad and specific, of ABA, as well as giving tips and tricks of implementing procedures in the home. Stay tuned!

Jodie Mientkiewicz, MA, BCBA, is the ABA Clinic Supervisor at the Michigan School Psychological Clinic. ��Prior to starting at ��, she worked as a special education teacher for 13 years, as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in an ABA autism clinic.��Click here to learn more about Jodie.

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Michigan School Psychological Clinic Building Now Open!

Candi Wilson — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:40:20 +0000

The Michigan School Psychological Clinic’s permanent home is now open!��

Due to COVID-19 precautions, most of the clinic’s mental health services are still being conducted via telehealth for the time being. However, essential services in applied behavior analysis are being offered in person following all CDC guidelines for safety.

“We are so pleased that things are up and running at our Clinic!” said Clinic Director Jim Maher, PhD. “We are excited to be offering low cost, high quality services to the metro Detroit community.”

The clinic’s permanent home is in the Diane S. Blau Building next door to our main campus building. The Blau Building – also known as Building B – was purchased by �� in 2016 to house the clinic and support our expanding community.

Under the excellent management of Ed Klatt, Director of Facilities Management, over the past five years the building next door has been completely remodeled into a beautiful additional campus space that, along with the clinic, offers a large lecture hall, a cozy student lounge, and many additional office/meeting room spaces.

“With the opening of our Clinic we’re able to serve the community’s most vulnerable population,” said �� President Fran Brown. “What’s unique about us is that we don’t turn anyone away for lack of financial resources, and that our students receive best practices training under the supervision of excellent faculty psychologists.”

To find out more about the �� Clinic or to schedule an appointment, call��248.919.0063 or email clinic@msp.edu.

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�������� Clinic Archives - The �������� (��������)

�������� Clinic Partners with the Southern Smoke Foundation