Caldwell University Names Art Therapy Treatment Center For Alum Codey

CALDWELL, NJ — The Caldwell University art therapy community treatment center is now officially “The Mary Jo Codey Community Treatment Center for Counseling Art Therapy,” named in a ceremony on Saturday in honor of alumna Mary Jo Codey '77.

Mary Jo Codey — the wife of state Sen. Richard Codey — has been an advocate for mental health, speaking publicly in the past about her own struggles with postpartum depression. The pair together started the Codey Fund for Mental Health.

A ribbon-cutting celebration ceremony was held on Caldwell’s campus on Saturday with alumni, faculty, staff, students, friends and family.

"This is a deeply meaningful recognition for Mary Jo,” said Richard Codey, the longest serving member of the legislature and a former acting governor. "She has been a tireless advocate for mental health — as a teacher, a parent, in her public life and as a driving force behind the Codey Fund for Mental Health. On behalf of our family, we are grateful the University has recognized Mary Jo, especially during Women’s History Month."

Caldwell University President Matthew Whelan, Ph.D. said the counseling art therapy community treatment center is truly a distinctive feature of Caldwell University.

“We are wholly grateful to [former acting] Governor and Mary Jo Codey for their unwavering commitment to the mental health needs of our population," he said. "We look forward to the ways in which we can engage the community, while providing hope and healing through the power of art therapy."

The college offers degrees in art therapy all while the center serves clients.

Cindy Concannon, director of the center, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the grand opening of The Mary Jo Codey Community Treatment Center for Counseling Art Therapy where we are now providing services to adults in the local area.”

Mary Jo Codey said it was a very touching experience, and that she is so grateful to Caldwell for all they have given her “throughout my life,” not just the four years while she was in college.

Attendees of the ribbon-cutting had the chance to take part in art-making for self expression.

An experiential workshop was led by adjunct art therapy faculty member Maria Lupo, a board certified art therapist.

Eco-artist and local watercolor artist Marilyn Rose, who was selected for artist residencies in NYC’s Bryant Park and Arad, Israel, demonstrated live loose watercolor sketches at the event.

More About The Center

Counseling Art Therapy services are available to the public on the campus of Caldwell University. Counseling Art Therapy services have been used to enhance the lives of individuals and families through art-making and verbal processing. Counseling Art Therapy services can help solve problems such as:

• Stress due to physical and mental health
• Career concerns
• Relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Life transition

The Counseling Art Therapy Community Treatment Center provides the public with access to innovative, person-centered, clinical services demonstrating the University’s commitment to the larger community. Find out more: https://www.caldwell.edu/art-t...

Programs In Art Therapy

Caldwell offers highly qualified undergraduate psychology and art majors a combined B.A. in Psychology/ M.A. in counseling with Art Therapy Concentration.

Caldwell offers graduate programs in art therapy including an M.A. in Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization and a postgraduate M.A. in Art Therapy.