About Us

Historically, professional counseling has always been promoted as a combination of art and science.

• The "art" of counseling has been demonstrated through the counseling skills necessary to establish a therapeutic relationship.
• The "science" of counseling, the actual determination of counseling effectiveness, has long been based on personal opinions or weak outcomes research efforts that lack validity or reliability.

Evidenced-Based Counseling Service

Advanced Counseling and Research Services is a professional, evidence-based counseling service in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We have chosen to use the term "advanced" in our name because of our commitment to accountability demonstrated through formal outcomes research activities. . We believe the scientific measures generated by our outcomes research efforts are a unique characteristic of our company.

We recognize the complexity of human behavior and the impact this has on behavioral research efforts. Advances in research strategy and computer technology have allowed counseling professionals to embrace outcomes research in a responsible effort to measure the effectiveness of the clinical services they provide. While our research design does include some limitations, we believe our overall research effort goes well beyond the "professional opinions" often offered as evidence of counseling progress.

We seek to prove the effectiveness of the clinical services we offer and present this information in a manner that is easily understood by the public. As you visit our site, you will notice we offer numerous educational and informational opportunities for people to become more familiar with the many facets of evidence-based therapy. I hope you will consider utilizing some of our services and join us on our journey to promote greater accountability in the helping services.

Dr. Paul L. West Founding Owner (1948-2018)

Important Notice

We are reaching out to provide clarity regarding recent news reports involving a similarly named mental health organization.

You may have seen media coverage about **Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions**, a company located in Wyomissing and Lancaster, whose owners, Dr. and Mrs. Lucas, were recently indicted for insurance fraud.

We want to assure you that **Advanced Counseling and Research Services (ACRS)** has **no affiliation or connection—past or present—with Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions** or the individuals involved in that matter. Although they opened their practice years after ours, the similarity in name is purely coincidental.

We remain an independent organization with a distinct leadership, mission, and ethical commitment to our clients. Our team continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, clinical care, and integrity. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We thank you for your continued trust in us.

Warm regards,

Cheryl Wilson-Smith