For Release: November 12, 2008

Contact:
Matt Nehmer
312.329.6672
mnehmer@thechicagoschool.edu

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Merges with California Graduate Institute, Expands Number of Southern California Campuses to Three

CHICAGO, Ill., and WESTWOOD, Calif. – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCS) formally announced today a merger with the California Graduate Institute (CGI). As a result of the affiliation, The Chicago School’s physical presence in Southern California surges from one campus, in downtown Los Angeles, to three with the addition of CGI’s locations in Irvine and Westwood, Calif.

“The intent of this partnership is to unite the strengths of both organizations,” said TCS President Michael Horowitz . “As a result of the TCS-CGI affiliation, we can now stake claim to being the first and largest independent nonprofit school devoted exclusively to graduate psychology and related behavioral sciences education in the world.”

Founded in 1968, CGI made its mark over the past four decades as a successful nonprofit school focused exclusively on psychology and related behavioral sciences. In addition to its locations and experience with offering training for the Marriage and Family Therapy licensure, CGI also brings to TCS one of California’s largest and most successful counseling centers. The CGI Community Counseling Center provides psychotherapy and counseling services that are affordable and accessible. In turn, The Chicago School brings to CGI a growing national and international reputation; additional resources in the areas of community engagement and student services; experience with regional and programmatic accreditation; and program diversity.

The conversation to integrate the two institutions began when The Chicago School Board of Trustees launched an initiative in 2007 to expand The Chicago School to new geographies, including the West Coast—the school’s L.A. Campus began offering classes this fall. At the same time, CGI’s founder and president, Dr. Marvin Koven, began thinking about strategies to ensure the future of CGI and increase its recognition and influence around the nation. The decision to bring the organizations together was reached after a full evaluation by The Chicago School and CGI’s governing boards and Dr. Koven, who will remain active at the Irvine and Westwood campuses as chancellor and professor.

“We have full confidence that our students and alumni will be among the chief beneficiaries of the new TCS-CGI affiliation,” said Drs. Horowitz and Koven in a joint statement. “Graduates from all TCS campuses will soon have access to a larger network of psychology professionals, employment opportunities, career resources, and new locations and programs should they wish to continue their education.”

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology:
Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is the nation’s leading nonprofit school exclusively dedicated to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. The school is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized The Chicago School for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The school’s community service initiatives resulted in recognition on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to disadvantaged youth. For more information about The Chicago School, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.

Click here for the TCS-CGI FAQ page.