RADFORD -- James L. Werth Jr., director of Radford University’s new Doctor of Psychology program, recently received the Outstanding Psychologist Award from the Ohio Psychological Association.

The award was given to Werth with a citation reading, “In recognition of contributions through teaching, innovation, OPA committee work and the promotion of high professional standards in the field of psychology.”

Before beginning work as RU’s Psy.D. director, Werth (pictured at right) was a faculty member in the Collaborative Program in Counseling Psychology at The University of Akron.

“I am quite surprised, honored, and humbled to receive this award from my friends and colleagues in Ohio, especially because I now consider Radford my home,” Werth said. “If their recognition of my work means they think I made a contribution to the betterment of the lives of people in Ohio, then I am happy they think I made a difference. I hope to be able to become similarly involved in psychological activities here in Virginia and to reflect well on the Psy.D. program, Department of Psychology and Radford University.”

Werth is a licensed psychologist and mental health practitioner with extensive experience working with people who are HIV positive and suicidal. He earned his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Auburn University in 1995. Werth joined the RU faculty this fall.

In addition to his directorship of the Psy.D. program, Werth teaches a course in the program labeled: “Working with Potentially Dangerous Individuals: Assessment, Counseling and Research Issues.” 

The Psy.D. program in counseling psychology is RU’s first doctoral program and enrolls its first class of students in fall 2008. Its focus is on rural mental health and is designed for persons interested in careers as psychologists in mental health settings and institutions where clinical supervision and the direct application of counseling, therapy and psychological assessment are required. The program follows the practitioner-scholar model with an emphasis on clinical training and the application of research to practice.