Ruth Bichsel, Educator and Licensed Psychologist
About my company
The Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP) is an academic program that provides course work in the areas of substance use, drug and alcohol prevention, treatment, and recovery, as well as related topics.
Students, professionals, and community members may register for SAPP courses to broaden their knowledge base and earn upper division college credits. We offer courses throughout the school year, including many on evenings, weekends, and online to complement student and professional schedules.
Our courses are engaging and evidence-based, and are popular among other majors at the university for that reason. SAPP is based in the College of Education, and many courses are integrated with the Family and Human Services and Prevention Science Programs.
The typical SAPP instructor has extensive applied experience working with clients, organizations, and the community. Most instructors hold advanced degrees, certifications, and/or licenses in their area of expertise.
SAPP offers the coursework required to pursue the Oregon Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) and the Oregon Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credentials through the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon (ACCBO). SAPP is nationally certified through NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.
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Psychological Assessment Consultation and Education Services (PACES), my private practice, serves to help those with psychological and mental health issues as well as substance use problems. We teach and consult regarding prevention and intervention around Integrated Health and individual, family and child needs around mental health and substance use as well.
I chose this career path because
I chose this career path because I wanted to help and give back to the community, students and instructors.
I prepared for this career by
I prepared for this career with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and am a Licensed Psychologist. I am also a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner and hold a Master's Addictions Certification. I am certified as a Forensic Evaluator for both adults and children in the State of Oregon.
The biggest challenge I've overcome
The biggest challenge I've overcome was being a Native American that was raised partially on a reservation in a poor community and finding the way to get an education.
My greatest strength(s)
My greatest strength is my ability to connect with people and give them the help they need.
My greatest accomplishment to date
My greatest accomplishment to date is my ability to help those that others in my field can't reach such as the homeless population.
My personal/professional goals
My professional goal is to find a way to get more non-credit classes offered so people that wouldn't ordinarily attend classes can and to find a way to increase scholarships for students.
What/Who has inspired me the most
My mom was my biggest inspiration. She is now 89 years old and I have watched her overcome so much in her life.
I most want to be known/remembered for
Helping others and being true to my culture and traditions.
I participate in the following organizations/memberships
I am the President of the Lane County Psychologists Association this year and I am on the Steering Committee for the Addiction Professional's Association of Lane County. I am also a Catalyst Committee Member for the 15th Night Initiative, a movement to help homeless children and youth in Eugene, Oregon.
I have received the following Honors/Awards/Scholarships
International Women’s Leadership Association, Woman of Outstanding Leadership Award, for Contribution to Family, Career and Community, 2016
Oregon Psychological Association Diversity Award, 2014
Strathmore’s Who’s Who, Outstanding Professional, Featured Professional, Lifetime Appointment, 2013.
Covington’s Who’s Who, Appointed Lifetime Membership July 2012 for Professionalism as an Executive and Professional Business Person.
Strathmore’s Who’s Who, Professionalism in Business Practices and Leadership, Appointed Lifetime Membership October 2012.
Sutton’s Who’s Who in Academia, 2010-2011.
Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2016-2017.
Who’s Who in The World, 2008-2009, 2010-2011.
Who’s Who in America, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2016-2017.
Who’s Who in American Women, 2009-2010, 2010-2011.
Who’s Who Among Americas Teachers, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 (All nominations are by students.)
Faculty Recognition Award Lane Community College, 2003-2004.
Faculty Recognition Award (Outstanding Instructor) Lane Community College, Spring 2007.
Fellow, American College of Forensic Examiners International, 2007. Lifetime appointment.
Fellow, American Board of Psychological Specialties (Behavioral Science), 2007, Lifetime appointment.
Oregon Society of Individual Psychologists’ Social Interest Award, March, 2003.
Diplomat, American Board of Psychological Specialties (Behavioral Science), 1998, Lifetime appointment 2007.
Diplomat, American College of Forensic Examiners International, 1998, Lifetime appointment 2007.
Excellence Award, National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD), University of Texas at Austin, 1998.
Instructor of the Year, Lane Community College, 1995-96.
American Federation of Police Citizenship Award, 1993.
National Association of Chiefs of Police Award of Merit, 1991.
I support the missions of these charities/volunteer my time
I support the missions of pet and wild animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Eugene 15th Night Initiative, helping homeless children and youth in Eugene, Oregon.
Centro Latino Americano, Eugene, Oregon.
I enjoy the following hobbies/interests
I enjoy spending time with my dogs as well as rescuing dogs and cats in my spare time. I also work with others in protecting and relocating wildlife and rehabilitating wildlife.