Antioch Seattle Names Its First Psychology Dean

Catherine Koverola has accepted the new post of Dean of the School of Applied Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy at Antioch University Seattle.

Koverola will have administrative responsibility for all Antioch Seattle psychology programs, including master’s degrees in art therapy, Couple and family therapy, mental health counseling and integrative studies, Psy.D. in clinical psychology, new postdoctoral certificate in psychopharmacology and the Community Counseling and Psychology Clinic on the Belltown campus. Antioch offers the nation’s only psychology doctorate with an art therapy concentration.

This first dean appointment for an Antioch academic center (other centers are led by directors) was inspired by psychology faculty and staff, who also adopted a resolution of intent to become a school rather than a center. Making that happen will be among Dean Koverola’s goals when she joins Antioch in July.

As he announced Koverola’s appointment, Academic Dean Ormond Smythe said, “Dr. Koverola brings exactly the energy, vision and personal characteristics this expanded new job will require.”

Koverola is currently professor of psychology, director of M.A. and Ph.D. programs in psychology and director of the Alaska Rural Behavioral Heath Training Academy at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she previously served as chair of the psychology department.

Prior to her work in Fairbanks, she served in a variety of faculty, administrative and research positions at the University of Maryland, University of Southern California, Azusa Pacific University and University of Manitoba. She also served as director of a village-based counseling program for the Norton Sound Health Corporation in Nome, Alaska.

Her work has accented rural mental health programs, with special reference to First Nations communities. Active in both practitioner work and research, she has generated more than four million dollars in grants and contracts and has published dozens of articles and book chapters, mainly on aspects of rural mental health care, domestic violence and child abuse.

Licensed as a clinical psychologist, she also brings wide experience in interdisciplinary work across a variety of helping professions. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, University of Western Ontario, and Fuller Theological Seminary, she holds degrees in biology and theology as well as psychology.

Learn more about our Psychology and Counseling and Wellness programs.