OC launches new certificate in Trauma-Informed Family Support

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent changes that have affected families the world over have been traumatic and stressful. Adjusting to a post-COVID reality amid the mental health challenges many are facing will require the help of compassion, professional counselors. Oklahoma Christian University has just that in their caring, Christ-centered faculty, which is one reason OC has launched a new certificate program open to anyone. 

OC’s new Trauma-Informed Family Support Certificate will be directed by a new OC faculty member, Kelly Roberts. She assisted OC faculty Bobby Kern and Tina Winn in designing the program. Roberts will also soon oversee a new master’s degree in human sciences. 

Photo courtesy of oc.edu.

Dean of College of Humanities and Bible, Charles Rix, praised Roberts expertise.

“Dr. Roberts is a key player in the field of family therapy in Oklahoma and the nation,” Rix said. “She recently presented at the White House, available on YouTube, regarding "Mental Health and the Covid Vaccine." 

The program officially launched in July and is entirely online. It was designed to appeal to various audiences from health care workers, ministers, law enforcement and even the general public. This online program is for anyone needing basic counseling skills for daily work and life. 

President John deSteiguer celebrated the new program’s launch. 

“This is exciting news,” he said. “The certificate [is] missional. And, I’m grateful for the way a number of individuals in a variety of departments across campus came together to quickly launch the certificate program.”

The certificate program is composed of three classes at a total of nine hours. The total cost for the certificate is just $3,000. More information on the program, including how to apply, can be found on OC’s website here.