THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - California Lutheran University's doctoral program in clinical psychology, which started in 2010, has been accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The accreditation means CLU's program meets national professional standards and consistently reviews and improves its work. The designation is retroactive to April, so the first group of students, who finished their requirements this summer, will have completed an accredited program.

CLU applied for the accreditation in 2014, the first year it was eligible, and received a maximum term of seven years.

The university started the program at its Oxnard Center to respond to a need for more people working in mental health. The commission recognized the program's efforts to promote diversity among students and faculty, as well as clients.