YCS Institute Earns APA Accreditation Renewal for Psychology Internship Program, Securing Highest Possible 10-Year Designation
Accreditation extends through 2035, reflecting the highest standards in psychology training and supervision
West Orange, N.J. (June 30, 2026) – Youth Consultation Service (YCS), a leading nonprofit behavioral health and social services agency in New Jersey, announces that the psychology internship program at the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA), earning a full 10-year accreditation cycle, the highest designation available. The program's next accreditation review is scheduled for 2035.
The Institute's Training and Consultation Division operates the only APA-accredited doctoral internship in New Jersey specializing in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health within a community-based organization. Earning the maximum accreditation period available reflects the strength of the Institute's training environment and its longstanding commitment to excellence in development, supervision, and professional development.
In its report, the APA Commission on Accreditation described the program as welcoming, supportive, and growth-oriented, with a strong practitioner-scholar model and a commitment to reflective practice and continuous improvement. The Commission also recognized the strength of the program's evaluation processes, training environment, and leadership.
"This achievement reflects years of dedication from the leaders, supervisors, and clinicians who have helped build and sustain a culture of excellence throughout YCS," said Tara Augustine, LCSW, President and CEO of YCS. "It is a meaningful recognition of our commitment to clinical excellence, ethical practice, and professional training, as well as our role in developing a much-needed workforce of psychologists who will support children and families across New Jersey for generations to come."
"Our goal has always been to prepare clinicians who can meet the complex needs of the youngest children and their families with skill and compassion," said Christina Colón, LPC, IMH-E, Vice President of Early Childhood and Community Programming at YCS. "This accreditation affirms the strength of the training environment we have built and our commitment to developing clinicians equipped to deliver high-quality care, relationship-centered care."
Founded in 2000, the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health is dedicated to supporting the emotional, social, and developmental well-being of infants, young children, and their families. Through a unique integration of clinical services, training, consultation, and research, the Institute works to strengthen parent-child relationships and promote healthy development from the earliest years of life.
The Institute provides developmental screenings, autism assessments, therapy for infants, young children, and caregivers, family therapy, and developmental guidance. In addition to direct clinical services, the Institute partners with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand access to care, provide consultation and training, and help ensure children and families receive support as early as possible.
Services are delivered through the Dr. Helen May Strauss (HMS) Clinics, two licensed outpatient centers in East Orange and Union City, N.J., serving children and families from birth through age 21. Through a combination of clinic-based and community-based services, the Institute reaches families where they live, learn, and grow. As a Medicaid-approved provider supported by state and private grants, it is committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to care.
This integrated approach to care, training, consultation, and workforce development has helped position YCS as a leader in infant and early childhood mental health throughout New Jersey. The accreditation renewal reflects that ongoing commitment to supporting children and families while preparing the next generation of psychologists to meet their needs.
To receive services at the Dr. Helen May Strauss Clinics, please call 973-903-8604 or email institute@ycs.org. To learn more about the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health, visit https://www.ycs.org/index.php/ycs-institute/.
About Youth Consultation Service (YCS)
Youth Consultation Service (YCS) is a leading nonprofit behavioral health and social services agency that has supported New Jersey's most vulnerable children, young adults, and families for more than 100 years. YCS provides a full continuum of therapeutic care, including residential placements, special education, and community-based services, touching the lives of over 3,000 individuals annually. Through its dedicated team of more than 1,000 professionals, YCS partners with at-risk children who have special needs and adults with developmental disabilities to build happier, healthier, more hopeful lives within their families and communities.