phd counselling psychology usa

Counseling Psychology PhD

Doctor of philosophy in counseling psychology.

The Ph.D. Program in Counseling Psychology is dedicated to the preparation of counseling psychologists who facilitate the optimal development of individuals, groups, and organizations that is culturally relevant and psychologically appropriate across the lifespan. Our students are taught to use strategies of prevention, intervention, and remediation to assist others in developing effective coping skills and responses to their environments.

The program prepares students to meet the following profession wide competencies:

Individuals who successfully complete programs accredited in health service psychology (HSP) must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competence sufficient to produce new knowledge, to critically evaluate and use existing knowledge to solve problems, and to disseminate research. This area of competence requires substantial knowledge of scientific methods, procedures, and practices.

Doctoral students are expected to: 

• Demonstrate the substantially independent ability to formulate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., critical literature reviews, dissertation, efficacy studies, clinical case studies, theoretical papers, program evaluation projects, program development projects) that are of sufficient quality and rigor to have the potential to contribute to the scientific, psychological, or professional knowledge base. 
• Conduct research or other scholarly activities. 
• Critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activity via professional publication and presentation at the local (including the host institution), regional, or national level.

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate competency in each of the following areas:

• Be knowledgeable of and act in accordance with each of the following: 
• the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; 
• relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and 
• relevant professional standards and guidelines. 
• Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities. 

Trainees must demonstrate knowledge, awareness, sensitivity, and skills when working with diverse individuals and communities who embody a variety of cultural and personal background and characteristics. The Commission on Accreditation defines cultural and individual differences and diversity as including, but not limited to, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate: 

• An understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves.
• Knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service. 
• The ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural diversity not previously encountered over the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own.
• Demonstrate the requisite knowledge base, ability to articulate an approach to working effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and apply this approach effectively in their professional work.
• Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others. 
• Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness. 
• Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.
• Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training. 

Communication and interpersonal skills are foundational to education, training, and practice in psychology. These skills are essential for any service delivery/activity/interaction and are evident across the program’s expected competencies. 

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services. 
• Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts. 
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well. 

Trainees should demonstrate competence in conducting evidence-based assessment consistent with the scope of HSP. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Demonstrate current knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology.
• Demonstrate understanding of human behavior within its context (e.g., family, social, societal and cultural).
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors including context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process.
• Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient.
• Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective.
• Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.

Trainees should demonstrate competence in evidence-based interventions consistent with the scope of HSP. Intervention is being defined broadly to include but not be limited to psychotherapy.  Interventions may be derived from a variety of theoretical orientations or approaches. The level of intervention includes those directed at an individual, a family, a group, an organization, a community, a population, or other systems. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate the ability to: 

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services. 
• Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals. 
• Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables. 
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making. 
• Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking, 
• Evaluate intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation. 

Supervision involves the mentoring and monitoring of trainees and others in the development of competence and skill in professional practice and the effective evaluation of those skills. Supervisors act as role models and maintain responsibility for the activities they oversee. Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of supervision models and practices. 

Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills are reflected in the intentional collaboration of professionals in health service psychology with other individuals or groups to address a problem, seek or share knowledge, or promote effectiveness in professional activities. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions, as well as knowledge of consultation models and practices.

Strengths and highlights of our training program include:

In-depth infusion of racial-cultural and social justice emphases throughout program components. Although our curriculum features certain courses with words like "multicultural" in the titles, our multicultural-social justice instruction does not just reside in those courses. Rather, we conceptualize every course and program experience within the context of a social justice and racial-cultural framework. Not only is this orientation consonant with our belief that socially-just practice is ethical, effective practice, it also allows us to align our work with broader movement toward social equity.

Research exposure and opportunities.  At Teachers College, you have the opportunity to get first-rate practitioner preparation in the context of first-rate scholarship. Our faculty includes researchers whose work has shaped the counseling profession, and every faculty member maintains ongoing research teams to which students at any level of training may apply. To find out more about our faculty's research interests, please consult their individual pages on the TC website.

A commitment to the crucial role of experiential training and self-awareness within psychotherapist preparation.  As a counselor or therapist, the instrument that you use to enact your professional work is you -- so the more aware you are of your own interpersonal style, skills, and biases, the more effectively you can use your instrument. Many students find that some of the most important, challenging, and transformational aspects of their TC training results from courses like Foundations, Group Counseling, and Racial-Cultural Counseling Lab, where students learn about themselves as they learn about the practice of psychology.

TC's program of study leading to the doctorate in Counseling Psychology is guided by criteria adopted by the  American Psychological Association  for accredited programs in professional psychology.

The course of study includes:

• Scientific and professional ethics and standards
• Psychological measurement, statistics, and research design and methodology
• Knowledge and understanding of a) history and systems of psychology b) the biological basis of behavior c) the cognitive-affective bases of behavior d) the social bases of behavior (e.g., social psychology) and e) individual behavior (e.g., personality theory, human development)
• Intervention strategies and methods of inquiry; and
• Preparation to undertake a doctoral dissertation.

In developing the necessary mastery of these areas, students are expected to be attentive to the historical roots of counseling psychology, i.e., the study of individual differences, the vocational guidance movement, and the mental health movement. Similarly, they are expected to be prepared for the probable future of counseling psychology in the areas of expertise represented by the faculty, especially the influence of social and cultural systems (home, family, workplace, and environment) on human development and change.

Mentorship model.  Students are advised by the faculty mentor with whom they selected during the application process. The advisor serves the important roles of orienting students to the program and helps them to develop their curriculum plans. Students receive mentorship in research by serving on the research teams of their advisors and ordinarily do research practicum on their mentor’s research team.  The doctoral mentors are:

• Melanie E. Brewster: ( Now interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024) Mental and physical health correlates of marginalization and/or objectification; atheism and nonreligious identities; collective action and well-being; instrument development and psychometric evaluation. Co-directs the Sexuality, Women, and Gender Project, which offers a graduate certificate. Link to website . 
• Whitney J. Erby: (Now interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024) The relationship between the experience of racism, racial identity, and well-being; career development; Black women’s mental health; couple’s therapy; psychological assessment.
• George V. Gushue: ( Now interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024) The influence of racial/cultural attitudes, beliefs, and values on social cognition (e.g., perception, judgment, memory, and attribution) in the areas of client evaluation and counseling practice, career development, and health; group and family counseling; psychosocial dimensions of HIV/AIDS. Link to website. 
• Cindy Y. Huang : Cultural factors associated with child development and psychopathology for ethnic minority and immigrant youth; prevention of psychopathology; culturally-informed child and family interventions; and family, school, and community-based prevention intervention.  Link to website . 
• Marie L. Miville : Multicultural counseling; universal-diverse orientation; Latina/o psychology; LGBT issues; women's issues; intersections of identities; supervision and training.  Link to website.  
• Laura Smith:  Social inclusion/exclusion and wellbeing; psychological dimensions of social class, poverty, and classism; intersections of race and class; Whiteness and antiracism; participatory action research; community-based psychological interventions.  Link to website.
• Derald Wing Sue : Multicultural counseling and therapy, cultural competency, multicultural consultation and organizational development, psychopathology, racism and antiracism, law and ethics.  Link to website.
• Brandon L.  Velez (Director of Clinical Training & currently interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024)  The associations of discrimination and identity-related attitudes with mental health and career outcomes among sexual, gender, and racial/ethnic minority individuals, as well as populations with multiple minority identities. Link to website. 

For detailed information about the program and its requirements, please see the Doctoral Student Handbook available for download below.

The Ph.D. program also offers a  Bilingual Latinx Mental Health Concentration .

Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: 

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 / Email: [email protected] Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 90
• Entry Terms: Fall Only

Application Deadlines

• Spring: N/A
• Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
• Summer/Fall (Final): December 1

Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments

• Online Degree Application , including Statement of Purpose and Resume
• Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
• Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
• $75 Application Fee
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
• Academic Writing Sample

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

The program of study that follows is described in terms of full-time study. Some of the courses may be taken on a part-time basis. However, full-time study after the first 30 applicable credits is required unless the student can present persuasive evidence that his or her living and working circumstances have not prevented, and will not prevent, him/her from taking full advantage of the College’s resources. Certain essential subjects and practica are offered only in the morning and early afternoon hours.

The doctorate degree is granted after successful completion of a minimum of 90 points of planned, sequential study beyond the bachelor’s degree, of which at least 60 points must be taken at Teachers College. The doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and requires at least five years, including the equivalent of four years of academic study beyond the bachelor’s degree and one calendar year of internship.

Please note that upon admission to the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology, students will receive a Doctoral Student Handbook for the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology which will provide updated policy, program features, and requirements. (The most recent handbook is available on the Program website). The program of study leading to the Doctorate in Counseling Psychology is guided by criteria adopted by the American Psychological Association for accredited programs in professional psychology.

The course of studies includes: scientific and professional ethics and standards; psychological measurement, statistics, and research design and methodology; knowledge and understanding of: (a) history and systems of psychology, (b) the biological basis of behavior, (c) the cognitive-affective bases of behavior, (d) the social bases of behavior (e.g., social psychology), and (e) individual behavior (e.g., personality theory and human development), intervention strategies and methods of inquiry; and preparation to undertake a doctoral dissertation.

In developing the necessary mastery of these areas, the student is expected to be attentive to the historical roots of counseling psychology, i.e., the study of individual differences, the vocational guidance movement and the mental health movement. Similarly, she or he is expected to be prepared for the probable future of counseling psychology in the areas of expertise represented by the faculty, especially the influence of social and cultural systems (home, family, workplace, and environment) on human development and change.

In addition to core requirements, courses in specific and specialized areas of counseling psychology are available. Courses in the department are supplemented by appropriate offerings in other Programs and Departments at Teachers College, and Columbia University.

Please note that satisfactory performance in the degree program is defined as no incomplete grades and no courses in which the grade earned is lower than B. Academic dishonesty and unethical behavior may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program (master’s or doctoral). Specific information regarding curriculum requirements are contained in the Doctoral Student Handbook. In addition to coursework, a number of other academic experiences are required.

Doctoral Certification

Candidacy as a doctoral student expires after a certain number of years. Ph.D. candidates must complete all degree requirements within seven years of first entering the program (six years if they have an applicable master’s degree or 30 points of advanced standing prior to doctoral admission).

Counseling Psychology students do not become official candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy until they have passed: 1) a College-Wide Psychology Research Methods Exam, and 2) a Program Comprehensive exam which includes both a written exam and the submission of a Research Competence project paper. The written exam covers several areas in Counseling Psychology, including: (1) theoretical concepts; (2) core psychology course work; (3) clinical interventions; (4) assessment in career work and personal/social counseling; (5) professional issues such as ethics, professional trends, and developments in counseling psychology. Cultural issues will be infused into the content questions in the exam. In addition, they must satisfy all other requirements for certification prescribed by the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS). Students who fail to take the certification examination at the appropriate point in their studies are subject to certain penalties. Also there are evaluations done annually to facilitate students’ timely completion of the Ph.D. degree (See Doctoral Student Handbook for more information).

Practicum and Externship

Practicum placements are available both on-campus and off-campus. The Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (CEPS) is an in-house training clinic located at 657 528 Building. Students may petition program faculty to complete practicum placements off-campus and should contact the Fieldwork Coordinator for further information. A year-long externship placement may be required of students who do not obtain sufficient clinical hours during their practicum rotations.

For doctoral students only: Supervised experience in approved and appropriate agencies, institutions, and establishments. Students are required to petition faculty for internship training and must be approved to apply for an internship. Students must have completed all coursework during the academic year in which they are applying for an internship. Students must have passed all certification and comprehensive examinations as well as have an approved dissertation proposal.

The Dissertation

For most doctoral students, the completion of course requirements presents few problems. Successful completion of a dissertation is usually less easily managed. Unless carefully planned in advance, it can prove a difficult hurdle. Accordingly, the degree program has several built-in features designed to facilitate the formulation and successful execution of an acceptable dissertation proposal and assistance in completing the dissertation. These include the completion of a research competence project, the Dissertation Seminar course, and a Review of Research course.

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Teachers College, Columbia University 428 Horace Mann

Contact Person: Jacob Holober

Phone: (212) 678-3397 Fax: (212) 678-3397

Email: jsh2239@tc.columbia.edu Admissions Inquiries: CCPadmission@tc.columbia.edu

College of Education

Counseling psychology doctoral program.

The University of Houston's Counseling Psychology doctoral program generates new knowledge and trains community-engaged change agents. We provide our students the tools they need to help others navigate the modern world. Our students have the opportunity to contribute to unique research opportunities in behavioral health, multiculturalism and social justice. Situated within one of the nation's most diverse cities, we have developed relationships with a variety of unique practicum locations, including several within the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center.

• PHLS Directory
• Mission & Values
• Student Profiles
• Graduate Profiles

About the Program

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program trains psychologists to become health service psychologists and psychological researchers. Our nationally recognized and competitive program offers a challenging curriculum, a supportive student environment, student-faculty mentorship, excellent and diverse sites for clinical training, and multiple opportunities for research.

The following faculty are currently accepting new students:

Dr. blake allan, dr. consuelo arbona, dr. virmarie correa-fernández, dr. marcel de dios, dr. nathan grant smith, option: health psychology emphasis.

For those Counseling Psychology doctoral students who wish to add a Health Psychology Emphasis to their doctoral training, there is additional coursework that can be integrated into your program. This 15-hour minor includes three courses (two required and one elective) and two semesters of clinical health psychology practicum (which can be one of the practicum placements already included in the doctoral program). Hence, this is only an addition of nine credit hours. It is also possible to gain exposure to this topic by taking one or two courses. For more details on this option, please see pages 11-12 of the doctoral program handbook available on this website.

• Accredited American Psychological Association since 1987
• 5 - 6 years to complete the degree
• Counseling Psychology Student Handbook
• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
• UH Graduate School

What will I learn while attending the counseling psychology program?

Students develop professional leadership, ethical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills through:

• Candidacy research project
• Comprehensive exam
• Dissertation

Since degree plans change periodically, students will follow the degree plan that is in place at the time in which they complete an official, approved degree plan. Students enter the program with either a Master’s or Undergraduate degree. Please see page 13 of the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Program Handbook for the most current sample degree plans.

What can I do with my degree?

The program offers the preparation necessary for students to apply for licensure as psychologists in Texas. Our graduates are employed in settings such as:

• Colleges and University Psychology Departments
• University and College Counseling Centers
• Community Agencies
• Private Practice
• K-12 schools

Important Counseling Psychology Documents and Resources

The following is a collection of important documents and other resources

• Resource Guide for Ethnic Minority Graduate Students
• A Guide for LGBT Students Navigating Graduate Training
• Evaluation of Practicum Student Competencies
• Sample Practicum Contract
• Supervisor Evaluation Form
• Practicum Hours Log

Counseling Psychology Faculty

The following is a list of current counseling psychology faculty:.

Counseling Psychology Program

Faculty Profile | Email

Dr. Chakema Carmack

Dr. robert h. mcpherson.

• PHLS Homepage
• Our Programs

The Counseling Psychology faculty's research ranges from stress and coping in the LGBTQ community and tobacco cessation to minority stress and health disparities. Visit the PHLS Research Portal to learn more about our diverse interests and discover faculty pursuing answers to the questions that matter to you.

Feel free to contact faculty directly to learn more about their research. You can find contact information in the Research Portal or by visiting the COE Faculty Directory .

• PHLS Research Portal

Financial Aid

All Counseling Psychology doctoral students are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the UH and the College of Education. To learn more about how to fund your graduate studies, visit the Graduate Funding page .

Graduate Tuition Fellowship

Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) provides tuition remission for 9 credit hours, during the academic year, to students who enroll in at least 9 credit hours. During the summer term, GTFs are contingent upon available budget. Not all years in the graduate program may be covered by this program.

Assistantships

Graduate appointments are usually available to students during the first two years of graduate studies. The program doesn't cover mandatory fees or course fees. Not all years in the graduate program are covered by this program. 

To learn more about funding your education, contact the COE's College of Graduate Studies at  [email protected]  or call 713-743-7676.

• COE Financial Aid and Scholarships
• UH Graduate Funding
• UH Graduate Financial Information

Houston, Texas

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and one of the nation's most diverse cities. This fact benefits our students and faculty both personally and professionally. Home to more than 100 different nationalities and where more than 60 different languages are spoken, Houston is the perfect environment to practice what you're learning in the classroom. The city also boasts more than 12,000 theater seats and 11,000 diverse restaurants featuring cuisines from around the globe (Don't know where to start? Just ask a Houstonian, and they're sure to bombard you with at least a dozen places to eat.) 

Houston is bustling with culture, energy and offers something for everyone inside and outside the classroom.

(Background photo: “ Metropolis ” by eflon is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .)

• Student Housing & Residential Life
• Greater Houston Partnership - Welcome to Houston

Ready to Apply?

Are you ready to apply to the University of Houston Counseling Psychology doctoral program ? Yes? You can learn more about the application process by visiting the College of Education's Graduate Admissions page  or jump right into the application process by visiting the UH's How to Apply to Graduate School page .

If you need more information about the Counseling Psychology program, we are here to help. You can always contact the COE Office of Graduate Studies by phone at 713-743-7676  or by email .

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program is a member of UH's Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences department .

Training and Program Director:  Dr. Consuelo Arbona

UH College of Education Stephen Power Farish Hall 3657 Cullen Blvd., Room 491 Houston, TX 77204-5023

Undergraduate: [email protected] or 713-743-5000 Graduate: [email protected] or 713-743-7676 General: [email protected] or 713-743-5010

*Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to:

The Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 (202) 336-5979 [email protected] http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/

Counseling Psychology (PhD)

Program description, career opportunities, licensure and accreditation.

The PhD Program in Counseling Psychology is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Counseling psychologists are defined as those who enter into professional relationships with individuals and groups and bring to those relationships knowledge of psychology as a science, knowledge of counseling theory and research, a personally integrated theory of counseling, and an ethical responsibility.

The major principles underlying the Program in Counseling Psychology are a focus on a developmental understanding of clients; commitment to a health model of intervention; and appreciation of the gendered, cultural, and institutional contexts of people’s lives, as these contexts affect both clients and counselors.

The program follows the scientist–practitioner model of training and is organized in three areas: general psychology, including statistics and research methodology; counseling and vocational psychology; and patterns of learning experiences designed to meet the professional goals of program matriculants.

In addition to course requirements, students must pass a comprehensive examination to be admitted to candidacy, complete a full-year, full-time internship; have an approved dissertation proposal and dissertation; and pass a final oral examination of the dissertation.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the New York State psychology licensing examination and are prepared to practice in diverse settings such as colleges, clinics, hospitals, and community agencies, as well as pursue careers in research and teaching.

Graduates of the program become fully qualified psychologists with specialized training in counseling and are eligible for licensure by the state. Learn more about licensure requirements in those states in which students are doing learning placements.

The Counseling Psychology program has been fully accredited since 1981 by the American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002-4242 (202-336-5979). Questions related to the program's accreditation status may be directed to this office.

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See  NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website  for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

Additional program requirements.

For completion of the doctorate, 69-72 credits beyond the bachelor's degree are required. Additionally, as part of undergraduate or other graduate work, 18 credits in psychology including a course in statistics are prerequisites to the PhD program. In the Counseling Psychology required curriculum (53-56 credits), students complete work in counseling theory and process, cross-cultural counseling, group counseling, abnormal psychology, psychological measurement, program seminar, seminar in counseling theory, clinical assessment, statistics and research design, and practica in individual counseling, clinical intake and diagnosis, and counselor training and supervision. Students also must take two counseling psychology specialty electives (6 credits); and statistics and research design electives (10 credits).

Students also must complete departmental and state licensure course requirements covering measurement, history and systems, principles of learning, personality, developmental psychology, social psychology, and the biological basis of behavior (21 credits). In addition to course requirements, students must pass a comprehensive examination to be admitted to candidacy, complete a full-year full-time internship, have an approved dissertation proposal and dissertation, and pass a final oral examination of the dissertation.

Sample Plan of Study

APSY-GE 2657 Individual Counseling: Theory and Process must be taken as the first elective if a student enters without a counseling degree

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

• Fulfill the multiple roles of professional psychologists.
• Demonstrate a high level of ethical sensitivity and behavior in their professional roles.
• Knowledgeable in counseling/clinical theory, research, and practice.
• Are knowledgeable about the research process and the creation of new knowledge.
• Attain awareness, knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Understand optimal adaptive and maladaptive human functioning across the lifespan.
• Have a professional identity of a counseling psychologist and who are able to acquire additional knowledge appropriate to this specialty.
• Demonstrate understanding of  how to maximize psychological flourishing within individuals and across populations and settings.

Fieldwork Placement

Stem opt benefits for international students, nyu policies, steinhardt academic policies.

Be advised that fieldwork placement facilities that provide training required for your program degree, and agencies that issue licenses for practice in your field of study, each may require you to undergo general and criminal background checks, the results of which the facility or agency must find acceptable before it will allow you to train at its facility or issue you a license. You should inform yourself of offenses or other facts that may prevent obtaining a license to practice in your field of study. NYU Steinhardt will not be responsible if you are unable to complete program requirements or cannot obtain a license to practice in your field because of the results of such background. 

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT .

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Additional academic policies can be found the  Steinhardt academic policies page . 

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The PhD in Counseling Psychology program at Northeastern is designed to train the next generation of mental health professionals.

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The PhD Program in Counseling Psychology offers doctoral education and training in psychology and prepares students for entry-level practice in counseling psychology. Doctoral level counseling psychologists conduct research, teach at the university level, supervise students and professionals, consult with community agencies, and provide clinical services to people across the developmental lifespan. Counseling psychologists also enhance the science of health promotion and health psychology and emphasize community-based interventions.

Mission:  It is the mission of the PhD in Counseling Psychology program to train multiculturally competent counseling psychologists who are: (1) clinically adept in multiple settings with a variety of psychological and health-related issues; (2) able to conceptualize, conduct, and evaluate research across biological, cultural, and relational systems in numerous social contexts, such as families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

Our clinical training prepares counseling psychologists to work in various settings with individuals presenting with a variety of psychological and health-related issues. We emphasize an ecological model which encourages the conceptualization of relationships and research across multiple systems: biological, cultural, and relational. These relationships occur in various social contexts, including families, schools, neighborhoods and communities.

• Merging of science and practice within multicultural and urban contexts
• Translational research related to health promotion of individuals, groups, families, and communities
• Opportunities for empirically-based practice in urban community centers, agencies, schools, and hospitals
• Development of consultation and leadership skills in researchers and practitioners
• To prepare graduates for the role of professional psychologists, to include advanced skill development in behavioral observations, interviewing, psychological assessment, counseling and treatment planning and practice, consultation, effective use of supervision and an understanding of and commitment to the profession’s ethical codes.
• To foster understanding and application of the scientific basis of clinical practice in psychotherapy and clinical assessment.
• To produce graduates who possess advanced and applied research skills within an ecological perspective.
• To produce graduates who are committed to and demonstrate ethical practice as counseling psychologists.
• To produce graduates who are multiculturally competent across sources of difference, including race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion/spirituality, disability, and sexual orientation, in both clinical and research settings.
• To advance the field of counseling psychology using program strengths: (a) an interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach to clinical services provision and enhancement of the science of health promotion and health psychology; (b) stress on urban, community-based interventions using an ecological approach.

Northeastern’s Counseling Psychology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) The next APA accreditation site visit will be held in 2024.

At least two years of intensive clinical training is required. This preparation includes advanced fieldwork at various mental health settings in the Boston area. Students are expected to be at their site for 20 hours each week. Approximately half of their time is direct service delivery. Training goals include advanced skill development in behavioral observations, interviewing, psychological assessment, counseling and treatment planning and practice, consultation, effective use of supervision, and an understanding of and commitment to the profession’s ethical codes. Students must complete a one year, full-time pre-doctoral internship that has been approved by the program.

Where They Work

• McLean Hospital
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Arbor Counseling Services

What They Do

• Healthcare Services
• Community and Social Services
• Business Development
• Entrepreneurship

What They’re Skilled At

• Mental Health
• Psychotherapy
• Public Speaking

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal Statement
• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• 3.5 GPA and above preferred
• Masters degree in psychology or related field
• Official GRE General is optional
• Personal interview

Application Deadline: December 1st

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Counseling Psychology

• Partnerships

Counseling Psychology (PhD)

YOU ARE BOUVÉ

We’re training the next generation of mental health professionals

The Ph.D. Program in Counseling Psychology offers doctoral education and training in psychology and prepares students for entry-level practice in counseling psychology.

Doctoral-level counseling psychologists conduct research, teach at the university level, supervise students and professionals, consult with community agencies, and provide clinical services to people across the developmental lifespan.

Counseling psychologists also enhance the science of health promotion and health psychology and emphasize community-based interventions.

Unique Program Features

• Translational research related to health promotion of individuals, groups, families, and communities
• Empirically-based practice in urban community centers, agencies, schools, and hospitals
• Merging of science and practice within multicultural and urban contexts
• Development of consultation and leadership skills in researchers and practitioners

Program Emphasis

• Culturally and ethnically diverse faculty
• Ecological model
• Developmental emphasis throughout the lifespan
• Research teams where students gain valuable experience evaluating and conducting research
• Student-centered faculty
• Strong and supportive student cohort groups

Degree type: – Counseling Psychology PhD Study options: – Boston campus – Full-time

Application Deadline: Dec 1, 2023

Note: Official TOEFL or IELTS* required

Counseling Psychology PhD

Our clinical training prepares counseling psychologists to work in various settings with individuals presenting with a variety of psychological and health-related issues. We emphasize an ecological model that encourages the conceptualization of relationships and research across multiple systems: biological, cultural, and relational.

These relationships occur in various social contexts, including families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. At least two years of intensive clinical training is required. This preparation includes advanced fieldwork at various mental health settings in the Boston area. Students are expected to be at their site for 20 hours each week. Approximately half of their time is direct service delivery.

Training goals include advanced skill development in behavioral observations, interviewing, psychological assessment, counseling, and treatment planning and practice, consultation, effective use of supervision, and an understanding of and commitment to the profession’s ethical codes. Students must complete a one-year, full-time pre-doctoral internship that has been approved by the program.

Accreditation and Licensure

The PhD in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association and meets the “Guidelines for Defining ‘Doctoral Degree in Psychology’” as implemented by the ASPPB/National Register Designation Project.

Therefore, a graduate of this designated program who decides to apply for licensure as a psychologist typically will meet the jurisdictional educational requirements for licensing. However, individual circumstances vary, and, there may be additional requirements that must be satisfied prior to being licensed as a psychologist, potentially including specific clinical practice supervision requirements at the advanced practicum, internship, and post-doctoral level.

Students should contact the state/provincial/territorial licensing board in the jurisdiction in which they plan to apply for exact information. Additional information including links to jurisdictions is available on the ASP PB’s website. For questions about the PhD in Counseling Psychology as it relates to doctoral psychology licensure, please contact Program Director Christie Rizzo .

Handbooks and Tools

Sample curriculum.

Students will enter the program with a master’s degree. It is anticipated that the time to completion is a minimum of four years.

Total 62 Credits

The curriculum is subject to change so please also check the university catalog .

• Dissertation

CAEP 6390 History and Systems of Psychology

CAEP 6394 Advanced Multicultural Psychology

CAEP 7750 Biological Bases of Behavior

CAEP 7755 Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior

CAEP 775 6 Social Psychology in an Organizational and Ecological Context

Complete 8 semester hours from the following :

CAEP 77 41 Advanced Fieldwork 1

CAEP 77 4 2 Advanced Fieldwork 2

CAEP 77 4 3 Advanced Fieldwork 3

CAEP 77 4 4 Advanced Fieldwork 4

CAEP  6350 Introduction to Cognitive Assessment

CAEP  6352 Personality Assessment

CAEP 6360 Consultation and Program Evaluation

CAEP 7710 Advanced Clinical Assessment

CAEP 7720 Advanced Clinical Interventions

CAEP 7758 Doctoral Seminar in Contemporary Theories of Psychotherapy

Three semester hours can be chosen from any graduate level CAEP course or combination of graduate level CAEP courses outside of the PhD in Counseling Psychology program of study. Other electives may be chosen upon approval of the program director and faculty adviser:

Professional

Complete 6 semester hours from the following:

CAEP 7701 Doctoral Seminar in Counseling Psychology (Repeatable 3 times for 1 credit and 3 times for 0 credits)

CAEP 7732 Legal and Ethical Issues in Community and Educational Settings

CAEP 7711 Measurement: Advanced Psychometric Principles

CAEP 7712 Intermediate Statistical Data Analysis Techniques

CAEP 7716 Advanced Research and Data Analyses 2

Complete 3 semester hours. Prior to beginning internship consult with director, DCT, and/or the Doctoral Internship Seminar instructor.

CAEP 7798 Doctoral Internship

CAEP 9990 Dissertation Term 1

CAEP 9991 Dissertation Term 2

Admissions Requirements

Candidates for admission are expected to meet the following requirements:

Master’s degree in psychology or related field

Strong academic record (3.5 GPA and above preferred)

Demonstrated interest in and commitment to counseling psychology

Official TOEFL or IELTS*

Three letters of reference 

Personal statement. The applicant may wish to highlight:

• Specific research and clinical interests
• Long-term career goals.
• Current and past clinical and research experiences
• Fit with program emphasis

Completed application (due December 1)

Personal interviews with the faculty and current students will be held in February

Got questions?

Christie Rizzo, PhD Program Director 617-373-2486

Or contact our Graduate Enrollment team.

The Counseling Psychology PhD program will not require students to submit GRE (General Test of the Graduate Record Exam) scores for the Fall 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants who have taken or are planning to take the GRE may submit their scores if they choose. Those applicants choosing not to submit GRE scores will not be negatively impacted in the admissions decision process. Applications will be evaluated based on all materials provided. 

Admission is based on evaluation of the above factors, previous relevant experiences, and your fit within our program. The program faculty reviews your credentials to assess the likelihood of your successful completion of the program and your potential for contribution to the field of counseling psychology and the community at large.

Student Admissions Outcomes and Other Data

Program details.

• Minimum of two years of advanced fieldwork
• At least 20 hours per week at an approved fieldwork site with supervision by a licensed psychologist or a licensed psychiatrist for a minimum of 600 hours per year
• Minimum of one hour of individual supervision per week by a licensed doctoral level psychologist
• Minimum of half (50%) of the 20 hours per week are required in direct service

Research Topics

Applied psychology program for eating and appearance research — appear, faculty leaders.

Rachael Rodgers Jessica Edwards George

Dating Violence and Relationship Risk Prevention Team

Faculty leader.

Christie Rizzo

Feminist Therapy and Theory; Feminist Ecological Model

William Sanchez

Intersectionality Lab in Applied Psychology

Tracy Robinson-Wood

Mindfulness for Health Behavior Change

Laura Dudley

Use of Technology and Games for Health Behavior Change

Babatunde Aideyan received a BA in Psychology from Emory University and an MA in Counseling from Northwestern University. Tunde began the Counseling Psychology program in 2018 and is a PhD candidate at Northeastern University. He has several years of work experience in corporate work environments where he developed data analysis and survey research skills.

At Northeastern, Tunde has researched with his advisor, Dr. Jessica Edwards George, the neurocognitive effects of gluten exposure in individuals with celiac disease. While obtaining his master’s degree, Tunde interned at a community mental health agency that supported group home and foster care residents, as well as in a private practice setting.

At the doctoral level, Tunde spent a year at Butler Hospital administering neuropsychological assessments for individuals presenting with memory problems; he is currently co-facilitating resilience training groups at the MGH Resilience and Prevention Program.

Clinically, Tunde is interested in breathwork practices, health psychology, and strength-oriented counseling. His research interests involve using artificial intelligence methods for improving mental health diagnosis and prognosis.

Payton Bruland has been a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Northeastern University since the Fall of 2019. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gonzaga University.

At Northeastern, Payton works on the SNAP/Social Research team with Dr. Christie Rizzo and the More Fun with Sisters and Brothers (MFWSB) team with Dr. Laurie Kramer. Her research interests align with each of these labs, examining both protective and risk factors among children and adolescence in the areas of emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Payton also has an interest in the ways childhood trauma affects outcomes in adolescence and later life. Clinically, she has worked with children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings, including outpatient and inpatient services.

Elizabeth (Libby) Collier enrolled in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Northeastern in the fall of 2021. Prior to her move to Boston, Libby received an M.A. and Ed.M. in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Libby’s clinical fieldwork placement was at Mount Sinai Hospital where she conducted group therapy and individual therapy sessions involving dual diagnosis patients.

During her master’s program, she also spent time in two research labs affiliated with New York University and Columbia University that focused on youth mental health. These studies focused on interventions for adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis and systems-level interventions concerning youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

Libby is in the Adolescent Relationships and Risk Behavior Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Christie Rizzo. She hopes to continue to work alongside youth at-risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system and is interested in mentorship as a facilitator of positive youth development.

Jaylan Abd Elrahman , (She, Her) received her B.A. in Psychology from Wellesley College and her M.Ed. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, with a concentration in Child Advocacy.

She is currently a member of the Intersectionality Research Lab and her primary research interests rest at the nexus of adolescent identity development, trauma, culture and social change. She previously served in various research roles at Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, Brookings Institution and Harvard University’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics.

She has been actively involved in facilitating healing justice, youth development and community-based work across the nation for the last nine years, primarily with and for refugee, migrant, and young women of color. She welcomes all connections and can be reached at  [email protected] .

Laura Fischer received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and an M.S. in Psychology from Drexel University in Philadelphia.

She has held positions across a variety of clinical, research, and community mental health settings, including the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Her primary clinical and research interests include empirically supported treatments for anxiety disorders, mindfulness-based interventions, and the implications of intersecting identities for mental and physical health.

Ruthann Hewett has been a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program since the Fall of 2021. She holds a dual BA from Brandeis University in Psychology and Health: Science, Society & Policy (2016), as well as an MS from Northeastern University’s Counseling Psychology master’s program (2020).

She is a member of the Intersectionality Research Team under the supervision of Dr. Tracy Robinson-Wood. She has worked on research projects with the Intersectionality team including a study of the racial socialization experiences of biracial adults.

Prior to beginning her MS, she worked as a research coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit. She has also worked as an intern clinician at the Therapeutic After School Program at the Home for Little Wanderers, and as a clinician at the Therapeutic After School Program at the Italian Home for Children.

Her interests include examining oppressive power systems operating within mental health treatment facilities, particularly state funded institutions, and interrogating how these systems can be modified to better serve clients with intersecting marginalized identities.

Katherine Laveway is a Ph.D. student in Counseling Psychology and a member of the Applied Psychology Program for Eating and Appearance Research (APPEAR) team since the Fall of 2020. She received her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and her B.A. in English and Music from Wellesley College.

During her master’s training, Katherine gained clinical experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Katherine’s research interests include body image and eating concerns among queer and trans individuals. She is particularly interested in sociocultural constructions of gender, experiences of weight stigma, and the role of social media on the psychological health of young people.

Madeline Manning has been a PhD student in the Counseling Psychology program at Northeastern University since the Fall of 2017. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Communications from Stonehill College (2015) and her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine (2017). She will be completing her pre-doctoral internship at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in the Neuropsychology Track with the goal of pursuing a career in Pediatric Neuropsychology.

Prior to beginning her doctoral training, Madeline worked as a mental health counselor in the adult inpatient psychiatric unit at Tufts Medical Center. She also worked as a clinical research assistant at the Pediatric Anxiety Research Clinic (PARC) at Bradley Hospital and the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital where she helped conduct research on the dissemination of treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/other anxiety related disorders in children and exploring factors which impact adolescent suicidality post-inpatient level of care.

During her graduate training, she completed clinical practicum experiences at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital Pediatric Neuropsychology Program, Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment at Butler Hospital Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Hasbro Children’s Sleep Disorder Clinic, Hasbro Children’s Partial Hospitalization Program, Boston Children’s at Martha Eliot Health Center (Mental Health Clinic and Early Intervention Program), and Franciscan Children’s Hospital Community Based Acute Treatment (CBAT) Unit.

She is part of the Adolescent Relationships and Risk Behavior Research Lab and the More Fun with Sisters and Brothers Research Lab, and also completed the Early Intervention Certification Program at Northeastern. Madeline’s primary research interests include exploring the protective factors that promote resilience in children and adolescents, as well as integrating community and individual resilience to violence and trauma. Madeline also has interests in the areas of adolescent dating violence prevention, pediatric psychology, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.

Chantal Muse received an M.A. from Chatham University and a B.A. from Duquesne University. Previously, she worked on a study examining how employment status effects the health and well-being of Sub-Saharan African women. Also, she held a clinical position at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Acute Adult Trauma Unit and the Comprehensive Services and Recovery Unit. Her primary research and clinical interests are working with cancer patients, examining the patient-provider relationship, specifically the relationship between African-American women with breast cancer and white doctors, and health communication.

Briana Paulo previously studied at the University of Rhode Island for a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Thanatology. She later earned a M.A. in Psychology Research from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2017. Briana came to Northeastern University in the Fall of 2020 with clinical experiences in a variety of settings with children and adolescents who experience a range of social, behavioral, and emotional difficulties. She also held a clinical research position at the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center (PARC) at Bradley Hospital, where she led outreach and collaboration efforts with schools, pediatric office, and other community partners, conducted semi-structured diagnostic assessments, and facilitated in-home/in-community exposure and response prevention (ERP) sessions with children and adolescents.

Briana currently works with the Dating Violence and Relationship Risk Prevention Team, led by Dr. Christie Rizzo. Her work in this lab involves studies that assess health-related behaviors and interpersonal communication patterns of juvenile-justice involved teens to understand risk and protective factors of dating violence. Briana’s research and clinical interests lie in socioemotional and behavioral issues in children/adolescents of traditionally marginalized populations and increasing awareness of and access to mental health resources.

Lisa Rines-Toth received her Master of Arts and Master of Education degrees in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also holds a BA in English Literature from Columbia University. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies at Northeastern, Lisa worked at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City as a clinician in the psychiatric emergency department. Lisa’s primary research and clinical interests are in the general areas of integrated behavioral care, crisis intervention, addiction and mindfulness & yoga. Lisa currently works as a counselor in the Department of Psychiatry at Boston Medical Center.

Kaitlyn Schneider received an M.S. from Villanova University and a B.S. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her primary research interests are in the areas of domestic violence, attachment, and trauma. Her previous work has explored the development of a rater-based method to measure secondary attachment strategies enacted within the maternal-fetal attachment relationship. She has also previously worked clinically with clients experiencing domestic violence.

Isabella “Isa” Sereno has been a PhD student in the Counseling Psychology program at Northeastern University since the Fall of 2020. Isa received a BS in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and an MA in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Track, from Virginia Tech. Isa worked as a treatment coordinator at the Latinas y Niño’s Center in Casa Esperanza Inc., a substance abuse residential program for Latinx women in recovery and their children, where she worked closely with monolingual Spanish-speaking women and their families. Isa also worked as a clinical research coordinator II at the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Cancer Outcome Research and Education program (CORE), helping conduct research in palliative care for patients diagnosed with advanced cancer and their caregivers. She is a part of the APPEAR lab and is working under the mentorship of Dr. Jessica Edwards-George and Dr. Rachel Rodgers. Isa will be completing her advanced fieldwork practicum at Martha Eliot Health Center/Boston Children’s Hospital. She is fluent in Spanish and is interested in understanding racial and ethnic disparities that affect the caregiver experience within health settings, particularly parents of children with complex care needs.

We train multiculturally competent counseling psychologists who are:

• Clinically adept in multiple settings with a variety of psychological and health-related issues
• Able to conceptualize, conduct, and evaluate research across biological, cultural, and relational systems in numerous social contexts, such as families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

(i) Research

• Demonstrate the substantially independent ability to formulate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., critical literature reviews, dissertation, efficacy studies, clinical case studies, theoretical papers, program evaluation projects, program development projects) that are of sufficient quality and rigor to have the potential to contribute to the scientific, psychological, or professional knowledge base.
• Conduct research or other scholarly activities.
• Critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activity via professional publication and presentation at the local (including the host institution), regional, or national level.

(ii) Ethical and legal standards

• the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct;
• Relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and
• Relevant professional standards and guidelines.
• Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities.

( iii) Individual and cultural diversity

• An understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves.
• Knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service.
• The ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability to apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural diversity not previously encountered over the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own.
• Demonstrate the requisite knowledge base, ability to articulate an approach to working effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and apply this approach effectively in their professional work.

(iv) Professional values, attitudes, and behaviors

• Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others
• Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness.
• Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.
• Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training.

(v) Communications and interpersonal skills

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services.
• Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well.

(vi) Assessment

• Demonstrate current knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology.
• Demonstrate understanding of human behavior within its context (e.g., family, social, societal and cultural).
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors including context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process.
• Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient.
• Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective.
• Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.

(vii) Intervention

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services.
• Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals.
• Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making.
• Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking.
• Evaluate intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation.

(viii) Supervision

• Demonstrate knowledge of supervision models and practices.
• Apply supervision knowledge in direct or simulated practice with psychology trainees, or other health professionals. Examples of direct or simulated practice examples of supervision include, but are not limited to, role-played supervision with others, and peer supervision with other trainees.

(ix) Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills

• Demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of consultation models and practices.

To prepare graduates for the role of professional psychologists, to include advanced skill development in behavioral observations, interviewing, psychological assessment, counseling and treatment planning and practice, consultation, effective use of supervision and an understanding of and commitment to the profession’s ethical codes.

Objective 1A: Students will be exposed to various professional roles including student teaching, participation in research projects where they are mentored by faculty and mentor peers and/or junior colleagues.

• Competency 1A1: Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of their roles as clinicians.
• Competency 1A2: Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of their roles as educators.
• Competency 1A3: Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of their roles as community change agents ethically serving diverse populations and advocating for social justice.
• Competency 1A4: Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of their roles as researchers.

To foster understanding and application of the scientific basis of clinical practice in psychotherapy and clinical assessment

• Objective 2A: Students will acquire an understanding of the biological, cognitive and affective, and social aspects of behavior.
• Objective 2B: Students will acquire knowledge of the history and systems of psychology
• Objective 2C: Students will acquire knowledge of empirical research regarding effective clinical practice, assessment, and interventions.
• Objective 2D: Students will acquire knowledge of contemporary theories that explicate human behavior across the lifespan.
• Objective 2E: Students will study current evidenced based practices in psychotherapy, psychological testing, and biological bases of clinical practice.
• Objective 2F: Students will acquire knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based clinical interventions with diverse populations.
• Competency 2A: Students will understand the regulation of biological and emotional functions of the nervous system.
• Competency 2B: Students will understand the contribution of environmental factors to brain development, to the development of the mind, and to their functions.
• Competency 2C: Students will understand theories and research with respect to clinical efficacy.
• Competency 2D: Students will understand contemporary theories of human behavior from a lifespan developmental perspective.
• Competency 2E1: Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of current evidence based practices in psychotherapy, psychological testing, and the neuroscientific bases of clinical practice.
• Competency 2E2: Students will develop the ability to select and apply evidence-based interventions and to assess progress and outcomes.
• Competency 2F1: Students will demonstrate that they are familiar with outcome research for various intervention strategies.
• Competency 2F2: Students will develop the ability to implement a wide range of developmental, preventive, remedial, and psychoeducational interventions, including psychotherapy, crisis management, consultation and dealing with emergency psychological/psychiatric situations with people across sources of difference.

To produce graduates who possess advanced and applied research skills within an ecological perspective

• Objective 3A: Students will be involved in course work on advanced and applied research skills.
• Objective 3B: Students will become proficient in reporting research findings.
• Objective 3C: Students will be able to critically evaluate research from an ecological perspective.
• Competency 3A1: Students will demonstrate competency in research design and data analysis related to health and illness using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods models.
• Competency 3A2: Students will be able to develop meaningful research questions, based upon theories and models in the scholarly research literature.
• Competency 3A3: Students will be able to implement appropriate research design, methods, and statistical analyses, consistent with the research questions.
• Competency 3A4: Students will understand advantages and disadvantages of various research designs, modes of inquiry, data collection methods, statistical procedures, and measurement concepts.
• Competency 3B: Students will demonstrate the ability to report their research investigations appropriately, including knowledge of the socio-cultural contexts in the interpretation of the data.
• Competency 3C1: Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and critically assess the methodology of empirical research and the validity of research conclusions within a multicultural/ecological perspective.
• Competency 3C2: Students will be able to integrate themselves in research projects on research teams that stress a multicultural/ecological perspective.
• Competency 3C3: Students will successfully complete their dissertation proposals grounded within a multicultural/ecological perspective.

To produce graduates who are committed to and demonstrate ethical practice as counseling psychologists.

• Objective 4A: Students will learn through courses, mentoring, and supervision in the ethical codes of the profession.
• Objective 4B: Student will learn through courses and supervised clinical experiences, local, state, and national laws affecting professional psychological practice.
• Competency 4A: Students will become competent in understanding the codes of ethics and professional conduct of APA and develop a competent ethical decision-making process.
• Competency 4B: Students will demonstrate understanding of the legal issues affecting practice and resolution of ethical/legal conflicts that may occur.

To produce graduates who are multiculturally competent across sources of difference, including race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion/spirituality, disability, and sexual orientation, in both clinical and research settings.

Objective 5A: Students will study, be mentored in, and be exposed to multicultural perspectives that stress the understanding of different worldviews and confronting forms of oppression.

• Competency 5A1: Students will be able to integrate multiple worldviews and important historical and political positions in their clinical and research activities.
• Competency 5A2: Students will be able to understand their own positions of privilege, related to race, gender, social class, ability, and/or sexual orientation and its effect on their work as professional psychologists.
• Competency 5A3: Students will be able to integrate and actively advocate for the elimination of racism, sexism, class oppression, homophobia, ageism, and other forms of oppression.
• Competency 5A4: Students will be able to conceptualize and advocate for social and economic justice as professional psychologists.

To advance the field of counseling psychology using program strengths: (a) an interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach to clinical services provision and enhancement of the science of health promotion and health psychology; (b) stress on urban, community-based interventions using an ecological approach.

• Objective 6A: Students will be exposed to interprofessional models of health promotion research within the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.
• Objective 6B: Students will study the strengths and challenges facing urban populations and work within health promotion and prevention.
• Competency 6A1: Students will develop an understanding of how health promotion research is conceptualized and undertaken by an interprofessional team.
• Competency 6B1: Students will understand the unique challenges facing urban populations and work within settings that provide health promotion and prevention efforts with multicultural populations.

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How to apply phd, counseling psychology.

This American Psychological Association–accredited doctoral program prepares you to work as a counseling psychologist in colleges, community agencies, clinics, and hospitals. Graduates of this license-qualifying doctoral program are eligible to take the New York State Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

Official Degree Title

Application Deadline

Program Information

Admissions Information

Primary Research Mentors

The doctoral program in counseling psychology at NYU is a small, individualized scientist-practitioner training program; thus we pay close attention to the match between the candidate and the program’s faculty and resources. In particular, we seek to admit students whose professional interests align with the program as a whole and whose research interests are well-matched with those of more than one faculty member. Each new student will be matched with a primary research mentor and will also be supported by secondary faculty mentors in other research and clinical roles.

The faculty who are available to serve as primary research mentors for the Fall 2024 admission are:

• Anil Chacko
• Shabnam Javdani
• William Tsai

Other faculty are pote ntially available to serve as secondary mentors, so we encourage you to write about your interests and experiences that demonstrate that you are a good match with the program as a whole as well as with your potential primary mentor.

Admissions Requirements

Candidates to this doctoral program require 18 prior credits (or 6 courses) in psychology, including at least one course in statistics.

How to Apply

These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the  special instructions for international applicants .

Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.

1. Prepare Your Application

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.

Statement of Purpose

We are looking for students who appreciate and desire a career that includes research and practice, integrating social justice and diversity in both areas. Please speak to this for your career trajectory in a typed - double spaced three to four page statement of purpose which you upload to your application.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit  three  letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read  detailed instructions .

Transcripts

Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.

If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.

See  detailed instructions on submitting transcripts .

Not required.

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2024 admissions cycle GRE scores will not be required. For more information see  testing requirements .

Proficiency in English

See  testing requirements .

Interview Date

The interview date for the 2024 cycle will be Friday, February 9, 2024 .

Application

Start your application now

After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application.  Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.

Application Fee

You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our  fee waiver policy .

Mailing Additional Items

If any application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials to NYU Steinhardt, Office of Graduate Admissions, 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680.  Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be  received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline . Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.

Application Policies

Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines.  It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.

Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application.  Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.

Deferral policy:  NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.

3. Receive Your Admission Decision

You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.

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PhD in Counseling Psychology

Join our nationally recognized, social justice oriented, apa-approved program in counseling psychology.

Earn your doctoral degree and license to practice as a professional psychologist in a program focused on breaking down barriers to equity in health and education.

Our commitment to you

Upon graduation with a PhD in counseling psychology from Loyola, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to work as a licensed psychologist, conducting research, teaching, and/or counseling in a variety of settings.

You'll gain discipline-specific knowledge in counseling psychology (including vocational psychology, prevention and outreach, and multicultural and international psychology), the psychological sciences, measurement, research methods, and statistics, as well as foundational knowledge in the history and philosophy of counseling psychology, current professional issues and trends, theories and research on normal human development, and major theories and research in vocational psychology, prevention and outreach, and multicultural and international psychology. Throughout all this, there will be an emphasis on how social injustice affects human functioning.

You will   engage in independent scholarship on questions important to counseling psychology, and develop and evaluate interventions to promote positive human development. You'll be equipped to practice as a health service psychologist with competencies in research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values and attitudes, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, consultation and inter-professional/interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Professional Values

You'll be educated in the scientist-practitioner model, committed to both research and its practical applications, all with social justice and equality in mind. You will display effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as professional behaviors, and apply the knowledge base of the discipline in a scientifically-based, theoretically-driven, ethical, and culturally-responsive manner.

Program Faculty

Our dedicated  Counseling Faculty  are experts in their fields who will support students throughout each stage of the program.

APA Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Click here to access the  APA Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (2023)  related to this program.

Accreditation

Loyola's PhD in counseling psychology has been accredited by the  American Psychologist Association (APA)  since 1984.

2023 Current Students

Aaron Graham, M.S. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Matteson, IL • Ethnicity: Black • Clinical Interests: My clinical interests reside in mindfulness-based therapies and counseling practices, vocational counseling, psychoeducation, mind & body integrative therapy, and general mental health wellness. • Research interests: My current research interests are in the stigma against mental health in underrepresented communities, community-based participatory research, workplace mental health, and counseling training. • Contact info:  [email protected]

Jiwon Lee, M.Ed. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Seoul, South Korea • Ethnicity: Asian • Clinical Interests: Trauma-informed therapy, cross-cultural counseling (working with racial/ethnic minorities, LGBT+ population), self-acceptance/self-compassion, social anxiety • Research interests: Experiences of racism and microaggressions among Asians/Asian Americans, systemic interventions that target racism • Contact info:  [email protected]

Claude Louis, M.S. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Norwalk, CT • Ethnicity: Black/Haitian American • Clinical Interests: Community based counseling, integration of social justice in counseling for marginalized populations, LGBTQ focused counseling existential, humanistic, and person-centered counseling interventions. • Research interests: LGBTQ, minority and urban populations; development of humanistic, social justice interventions in community counseling settings to address retention, quality of mental health treatment and other disparities among urban vulnerable populations; counselor education, with a focus on counselor competency working with multicultural, immigrant, and other underserved populations. Counselor identity development and internalized racism. • Contact info:  [email protected]

Trayvon Truss, M.A. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Chicago, IL • Ethnicity: African American • Clinical and Research Interests: Stigma among mental health in African American men. • Contact info:  [email protected]

Kayla Horne, M.A.

• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
• Ethnicity: African American/ Black
• Clinical Interests: Trauma-informed care, addictions counseling, person-centered interventions, and social justice and multiculturally competent counseling.
• Research Interests: I am excited to research identity development in people who have become bilingual or multilingual after attending an International School. I am interested in understanding how the language(s) have shaped the graduates and how they have integrated the new language and culture into their identity.
• Contact info: [email protected]

Katharina Lippert, B.S.

• Hometown: Miami, FL
• Ethnicity: White
• Clinical Interests: My clinical interests focus on mindfulness/ positive psychology intervention techniques, as well as focusing on self-identity and purpose in life.
• Research Interests: My current research interest focuses on how well-being and positive psychology methods can help identity development in youths and adults across cultures. Especially the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions across cultures and social classes.
• Contact info: [email protected]

Kristin Woodlen, M.A.

• Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
• Ethnicity: Asian, Chinese American
• Clinical Interests: Person-Centered therapy, Cross-cultural counseling (working with racial/ethnic minorities and diverse families), Racial/Ethnic Identity Development.
• Research Interests: Racial/Ethnic identity development and mental health of transracial adoptees.
• Contact info: [email protected]

Length of Program

The program typically takes four to five years of study, including a full-time pre-doctoral internship. Time for degree completion, including the dissertation is six years.

Continuous Enrollments Doctoral students in counseling psychology are required to maintain continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. A formal  leave of absence  may be granted upon request and with the approval of the Graduate School’s Associate Dean.

Comprehensive Assessment

Comprehensive take-home exam is required. Refer to the  2023 CPSY Doctoral Handbook  for more information.

Admission Requirements

Interested in applying? Check out the  PhD Counseling Psychology application requirements .

• For  application  related questions,  contact Graduate Enrollment Management . 
• For  program structure and academics  related questions, contact:  Matthew Miller and Elizabeth Vera , Program Chairs

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

The School of Education and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable. You can learn more on the  Financial Assistance  page.

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QUICK FACTS

Visit Admissions!

Special Note: The GRE test has been waived for the December 1, 2023 application deadline (Fall 2024 start). 

• Application requirements:  Online application, transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 undergraduate and graduate, proof of  English language proficiency , GRE test scores (waived for 2024 Fall start), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• International students: Please visit this page for information regarding transcript evaluation requirements.
• Deadline(s):  December 1 for Fall start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.
• Course Requirements:  29 courses (72 credits) if you have a Master's degree or 38 courses (102 credits) if you do not have a Master's degree when entering the program
• Typical Course Load:  Fall (2 courses), Spring (2 courses), Summer (1-2 courses)
• Time to Completion:   4-5 years depending on course loads and whether you have a Master's degree prior to enrolling
• Alumni Current Positions:  Graduates work as staff psychologists at counseling centers and are faculty members at universities. Many become psychologists in private practice, and others work in hospitals and in policy fields.  

The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program, which is accredited as a scientist-practitioner program by the American Psychological Association, provides training to students to become effective counseling psychologists with  the knowledge and skills in research and clinical practice necessary to help people from diverse, multicultural backgrounds in a variety of settings. 

Doctoral students work closely with innovative faculty to conduct and publish significant peer-reviewed research on mental health issues, in addition to gaining extensive clinical experience that culminates with a one-year full-time internship at an approved site.

Lehigh’s Counseling Psychology faculty have significant research expertise in such areas as socio-emotional development of young children, attachment and family relationships, process and outcomes of interventions, liberation psychology career development interventions, undocumented and documented migration, gerontology, sexual assault prevention, LGBTQ issues, intimate partner violence, trauma-informed schools, experiences of racism, masculinity, Asian American concerns, and the intersection of identities. 

The doctoral program embraces multiculturalism and social justice, preparing students to conduct research and to work with people of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, religions, ages and socioeconomic statuses. 

Alumni have gone on to become members of university faculties or staff psychologists at counseling centers. Many work in hospitals or in policy fields, while others become psychologists in private practice.  

Students are highly involved in research, teaching apprenticeships, and clinical practica. As part of a research apprenticeship with a faculty member, students are immersed in the advisor’s lab early in the program. Students go on to complete an empirical qualifying project that is the equivalent of a master’s thesis. Later, they research and write their doctoral dissertation with supervision from a faculty mentor. They typically conduct additional research with their faculty mentor and other members of the faculty. Faculty mentor students in presenting their research and scholarship at national and international conferences, as well as in publication. Among the requirements, doctoral candidates complete a college teaching apprenticeship where they work closely with a faculty member to develop effective pedagogy. With the support of our clinical faculty, students complete their clinical practica. Students have completed their practica at University counseling centers, hospital settings, VAs, and community clinics. 

The full-time program requires 102 credits, which includes 30 master’s level credits plus 72 doctoral level credits. A student who enters the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program already holding a master’s degree in the field may be exempted from taking up to a total of 30 credits of required master’s level coursework if the student’s advisor approves, based on a review of the student’s transcript and course syllabi. 

Students entering with a bachelor’s degree have 10 years to complete all the doctoral degree requirements while those entering with a master’s degree have seven years. Typically, most students complete the program in much less time (5-6 years). 

Those seeking to apply for the Ph.D. program should complete the online application and provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for undergraduate and graduate work, and students must submit GRE test scores from within the past five years. 

Prospective students should provide an essay about why they want to become a psychologist and two letters of recommendation with at least one from a faculty member of an accredited academic institution. They must acknowledge they understand the College of Education policy on clearances. 

The deadline to apply is Dec. 1 for a fall start. 

All Counseling Psychology doctoral students are evaluated based on professional competencies expected to be demonstrated by counseling psychologists (see APA Education Directorate, 2013, and Campbell et al., 2013).

Questions regarding APA Accreditation may be addressed to the APA Office of Accreditation at: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First St, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/ Telephone: (202) 336-5979 TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123 Fax: (202) 336-5978 Email  (General Questions) ( [email protected] ) Email  (Annual Report Online only)

Currently, the doctoral program requires a total of 100 credits, which are composed of 30 master's level credits plus 72 doctoral level credits. A student who enters the counseling psychology doctoral program already holding a master's degree, regardless of where the degree was obtained, may be exempted by her or his advisor from taking up to a total of the 30 credits of required master's level coursework, with the exemption granted based on a review of the student’s transcript and/or course syllabi to ensure that the course or courses were of similar content to the course offered by Lehigh. These exempted credits do count toward the total needed for the doctoral degree (currently 100), but will not appear on the student’s Lehigh transcript. After conferring with his or her advisor, the student will complete an internal petition to have these credits exempted, and this petition must be approved by the program director. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets eligible F-1 students work in their field of study in the United States for 12 to 36 months after completing their program. Most students studying on F-1 visas become eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students with a degree in a STEM field—science, technology, engineering or math—may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their 12 months of OPT. Thus, students with an F-1 visa in our program may be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, which allows for up to a total of 36 months of Optional Practical Training off-campus work authorization. For more information on who is eligible to apply for this extension visit Lehigh’s Office of International Students and Scholars: STEM OPT Extension ( https://global.lehigh.edu/ oiss/current-students/stem- opt-extension ).

Counseling Psychology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 294 results

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

Graduate School

• • Rating 3 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: I loved my graduate program at Penn. Learning along side top notch professors from Wharton, Graduate School of Education and Design school, I had a diverse and interdisciplinary education that will help me in all of my future roles. ... Read 5 reviews

Blue checkmark.

University of Pennsylvania ,

Graduate School ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I loved my graduate program at Penn. Learning along side top notch professors from Wharton, Graduate School of Education and Design school, I had a diverse and interdisciplinary education that will... .

Read 5 reviews.

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical, policy, and business/economics of the energy and sustainability sector pulling professors from the Kellogg School of Management as well as the McCormick School of Engineering. The industry professionals are leaders in their respective fields and are always willing to help the students. The cohort focused program enables deep connection among the students that will last a lifetime! ... Read 3 reviews

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical,... .

Read 3 reviews.

Social Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my personal favorites ju-jutsu, just to name a few. These sports are completive but they also have clubs that are just for fun and any body of any skill level can join. There is also this amazing climbing wall in the recreation center but we are not allowed to climb it at the moment because of COVID restrictions. It's also convent to be surrounded by hospitals (Rush and UIC). I got hurt while I was at school, I broke my arm, and I did not have to call on anyone to take me to the hospital, I could just walk. The food is okay and you get to chose from a good selection of things. The rooms where a nice size and most of the students were so friendly it was easy to make friends. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my... .

Read 4 reviews.

College of Education and Human Development - Radford University

Radford University •

Graduate School •

RADFORD, VA

School of Humanities and Social Sciences - Mississippi College

Mississippi College •

CLINTON, MS

Houston Christian University College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Houston Christian University •

HOUSTON, TX

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   10

JHU School of Education

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.65 out of 5   20 reviews

Master's Student: The clinical mental health counseling program has been great in emphasizing the importance of cultural competence in the counseling space. I have been able to collaborate with an amazing group of peers that make up my cohort to face challenges and concerns that arise in regard to the field of counseling. I have had some great professors who do their best to ensure we have the knowledge we need to be successful. However, there have been some adjunct professors who have other obligations that take away their time from providing feedback in a timely fashion and prolong receiving grades back for assignments. There have also been major changes in faculty that affect our ability to know what professor we will have when registering for the next semester. ... Read 20 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

20 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The clinical mental health counseling program has been great in emphasizing the importance of cultural competence in the counseling space. I have been able to collaborate with an amazing group of... .

Read 20 reviews.

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: I have been working full time while in school full time to prepare for my future. Navigating my way through college has been a struggle at times due to being the first, first time college student in my family with having no one close to me to be able to answer the questions I have. Other then that i really enjoyed the challenges of college. This has not been an easy journey but I do believe it's been worth it. I received my high school diploma at a technical highschool then started my college journey at a community college in Worcester. After receiving my associates degree there I applied to Worcester State University and received my degree in science. After all this I applied to Northeastern University and I am currently getting my degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. ... Read 4 reviews

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have been working full time while in school full time to prepare for my future. Navigating my way through college has been a struggle at times due to being the first, first time college student in... .

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

New York, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.27 out of 5   26 reviews

Master's Student: So far I’m almost a year into NYU Steinhardt’s online speech program and I love it! For those who don’t mind online learning and can time manage, this is for you. It gives me more flexibility and encourages me to stay on top of asynchronous work for my zoom meets. Another big plus about this program and why I chose it is that I did not graduate with a bachelor’s in speech or CSD. This program offers most prerequisite classes that extend your plan of study but is so worth it. The only down side is the prerequisites required by ASHA cannot be taken through their program. So while I have taken statistics, a biological and behavioral /social science during my undergrad I will need to take a physical science outside of the program before I start my clinic/practicums. Overall, many of my peers seem to enjoy the program too and even though the program is online for me, the helpfulness and acceptance from professors is truly unmatched. ... Read 26 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

26 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far I’m almost a year into NYU Steinhardt’s online speech program and I love it! For those who don’t mind online learning and can time manage, this is for you. It gives me more flexibility and... .

Read 26 reviews.

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Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

Lehigh University Graduate College of Education

Bethlehem, PA •

Lehigh University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: The best part of my experience is that it is online and to apply we did not need to complete an essay. The teachers provide a lot of guidance and assistance. The Lehigh University Graduate PACE Program provides guidance. The worst part is that it is an accelerated program so you do not have time to come up for air. Papers or reports are due almost every week. ... Read 1 review

Lehigh University ,

BETHLEHEM, PA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of my experience is that it is online and to apply we did not need to complete an essay. The teachers provide a lot of guidance and assistance. The Lehigh University Graduate PACE... .

Read 1 reviews.

Liberal Arts and Sciences - University of Florida

Gainesville, FL •

University of Florida •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: Overall, the University of Florida seems to be a great school as far as rankings and attendance rates go. Despite the political turmoil going on in the state of Florida, there seems to be a relatively strong student body of undergraduate students. Graduate students, however, are less cohesive. Likely due to politics, our graduate student union is in jeopardy, and it is so difficult to get the union membership to 60%. In the Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Law, we have a very low union membership status, which is somewhat ironic considering the nature of our disciplines. The demands of balancing an assistantship and academic career are exhausting, and even more so with limited resources (financial, emotional, etc.). The faculty turnover in the dept. is also insane, likely due to the political situation that seems to be driving out all faculty members of color. Lastly, financial support is incredibly limited. All things aside, the education that I am receiving is appropriate. ... Read 1 review

University of Florida ,

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Overall, the University of Florida seems to be a great school as far as rankings and attendance rates go. Despite the political turmoil going on in the state of Florida, there seems to be a... .

Wheelock College of Education and Human Development

Boston University •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: My experience with Wheelock College has been limited since I have not officially started at the University. I have limited experience with the school and faculty. In terms of the counseling department, and the admissions team have been extremely helpful and overall thorough. The faculty seems quite kind and open as well. Wheelock college is definitely a welcoming and unique place for one to take opportunities. ... Read 5 reviews

Boston University ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience with Wheelock College has been limited since I have not officially started at the University. I have limited experience with the school and faculty. In terms of the counseling... .

UW-Madison School of Education

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6 reviews

Doctoral Student: UW Madison's OTD program has been life changing for me. Not only have I been able to work through courses to create a foundation as a future OT practitioner, I have been able to connect with my fellow cohort members and professors in a way that these connections will last a lifetime. I am so honored to have the resources and accommodations that I do to succeed. That being said, with this program being newer, it does have some areas where it could be improved in terms of flow of content. I am sure with time and continuing feedback, this will be sorted out and make the program better and better moving forward! ... Read 6 reviews

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says UW Madison's OTD program has been life changing for me. Not only have I been able to work through courses to create a foundation as a future OT practitioner, I have been able to connect with my... .

Read 6 reviews.

University of Georgia College of Education

Athens, GA •

University of Georgia •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   6 reviews

Doctoral Student: This program has challenged me in many ways, both positively and negatively; however, even the negative experiences have assisted my personal and professional growth for the better. The best parts of this program are the connections I have made with colleagues and friends, as well as faculty who hold high status in the field. Additionally, this program has helped me develop into a competent future counseling psychologist and one who has a decent grasp of multicultural and social justice competency, which is important to me and vital to our field. That said, the worst parts of my experience relate to this, in that I do not feel we have enough formal training when it comes to social justice/multicultural competence. I and others in my program have also experienced the negative impacts of COVID-19 and its impact on departmental organization, which has affected our educational trajectories. This has made all of us resilient, however, and we are all on track for success! ... Read 6 reviews

University of Georgia ,

ATHENS, GA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says This program has challenged me in many ways, both positively and negatively; however, even the negative experiences have assisted my personal and professional growth for the better. The best parts of... .

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• Experimental Psychology Graduate Programs

School of Education and Human Development - University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: I had excellent faculty that was excited to help me in my Master's journey. There were endless opportunities to learn and build my expertise in counseling. ... Read 3 reviews

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I had excellent faculty that was excited to help me in my Master's journey. There were endless opportunities to learn and build my expertise in counseling. .

School of Education and Counseling Psychology - Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA •

Santa Clara University •

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   3 reviews

Graduate Student: Amazing program, close knit community of professors and students. I have learned so much while in this program and now as a practicum student I am getting hands on experience to help me grow as a clinician in the future. ... Read 3 reviews

Santa Clara University ,

SANTA CLARA, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Amazing program, close knit community of professors and students. I have learned so much while in this program and now as a practicum student I am getting hands on experience to help me grow as a... .

Penn State College of Education

University Park, PA •

Penn State •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: Our instructional mission includes undergraduate, graduate, professional, continuing, and extension education offered through both resident instruction and distance learning. Our educational programs are enriched by the talent, knowledge, diversity, creativity, and teaching and research acumen of our faculty, students, and staff. ... Read 2 reviews

Penn State ,

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Our instructional mission includes undergraduate, graduate, professional, continuing, and extension education offered through both resident instruction and distance learning. Our educational programs... .

Read 2 reviews.

College of Liberal Arts - Texas A&M University

College Station, TX •

Texas A&M University •

Texas A&M University ,

COLLEGE STATION, TX ,

University of Iowa College of Education

Iowa City, IA •

University of Iowa •

• • Rating 4.29 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: Take advantage of every opportunity extended to you that you think will benefit you in any way. Build relationships and make connections with classmates and faculty who will support your work and help you achieve your future goals. ... Read 7 reviews

University of Iowa ,

IOWA CITY, IA ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Take advantage of every opportunity extended to you that you think will benefit you in any way. Build relationships and make connections with classmates and faculty who will support your work and... .

Read 7 reviews.

Auburn University College of Education

Auburn, AL •

Auburn University •

Auburn University ,

AUBURN, AL ,

Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education

Norman, OK •

University of Oklahoma •

Graduate Student: The University of Oklahoma offers excellent education programs and opportunities for its students. I have been able to obtain my Master of Human Relations and am now looking to obtain a Master of Arts in Museum Studies. This will enable me to be well versed in an area that I am most passionate about. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Oklahoma ,

NORMAN, OK ,

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Oklahoma offers excellent education programs and opportunities for its students. I have been able to obtain my Master of Human Relations and am now looking to obtain a Master of... .

College of Education - Washington State University

Pullman, WA •

Washington State University •

Washington State University ,

PULLMAN, WA ,

Morgridge College of Education

Denver, CO •

University of Denver •

• • Rating 2.86 out of 5   7 reviews

Current Master's student: The 100% online Masters of School Counseling Program is tailored for the working student very well. The class work has all been manageable while working a couple jobs, and the professors are incredibly supportive of the fact that we are not just students, but people with many things to juggle. ... Read 7 reviews

University of Denver ,

DENVER, CO ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 2.9 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The 100% online Masters of School Counseling Program is tailored for the working student very well. The class work has all been manageable while working a couple jobs, and the professors are... .

KU School of Education

Lawrence, KS •

The University of Kansas •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Other: I will be going to the University of Kansas for the school of education and human sciences in the Fall of 2024. ... Read 4 reviews

The University of Kansas ,

LAWRENCE, KS ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I will be going to the University of Kansas for the school of education and human sciences in the Fall of 2024. .

St. Lawrence University

Canton, NY •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The graduate program prepared me for my career and I had an excellent time being around the campus, people, and professors. ... Read 2 reviews

CANTON, NY ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The graduate program prepared me for my career and I had an excellent time being around the campus, people, and professors. .

University of San Francisco School of Education

San Francisco, CA •

University of San Francisco •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: I feel that this program is heavily committed to social justice which is something that is extremely important to me. Going into the mental health field, it is important to be attuned to what is going on in the "real world" and USF does a great job at making things "real". The professors are actively working in the mental health field, and a lot of them are doing community mental health which really ties in the social justice aspect of the profession. It has made my academic experience much livelier and relatable. ... Read 8 reviews

University of San Francisco ,

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I feel that this program is heavily committed to social justice which is something that is extremely important to me. Going into the mental health field, it is important to be attuned to what is... .

Read 8 reviews.

University of St. Thomas - Minnesota Graduate School of Professional Psychology

St Paul, MN •

University of St. Thomas - Minnesota •

Current Master's student: I chose this program because my research mentor said, "the best therapists I've worked with trained at the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Professional Psychology". This surely grabbed my attention and I can attest to the quality of education I've received after a year of study. The diversely trained faculty bring their applicable experience to the classroom. They stay up-to-date on current research and relate to the students. I feel supported not only academically but personally too. The faculty want us to succeed and through their coursework, interactive classes, creative projects, and strong community connections I believe they are setting us up for success. ... Read 1 review

University of St. Thomas - Minnesota ,

ST PAUL, MN ,

Featured Review: Current Master's student says I chose this program because my research mentor said, "the best therapists I've worked with trained at the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Professional Psychology". This surely grabbed my... .

Jessup University

ROCKLIN, CA

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   6

Radford University

• • Rating 4.54 out of 5   24

Framingham State University

FRAMINGHAM, MA

• • Rating 4.88 out of 5   8

Showing results 1 through 25 of 294

Counseling and Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology (phd).

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Mission statement

The counseling psychology program at Arizona State University (ASU) is a doctoral program in health service psychology that prepares students to become scientist-practitioners of counseling psychology. Graduates are license eligible as psychologists in Arizona and other states with comparable licensure requirements. With its central focus on multicultural competence and social justice, students learn to conduct empirical research and develop clinical skills to promote the health of individuals, families, groups, and organizations in a diverse society.

Applications for Fall 2024 are now closed.

All  required application materials   must be submitted before November 15 in order to be considered for admission for the following fall semester.

The program is providing preference to applicants with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field for the Counseling Psychology PhD admission. Please consider applying to the Master of Counseling program if you do not have a graduate degree.

New students begin the program in fall semesters only.

About the program

The doctoral program (PhD) in counseling psychology has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1972 and is currently accredited through 2030. If you wish to become better educated about APA’s standards for accreditation, we strongly encourage you to visit APA’s  Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation . The doctoral program in counseling psychology closely adheres to the scientist-practitioner training model in preparing graduates for employment in academic and/or service-delivery settings. Although faculty interests are diverse, there is a common emphasis on empirical data as the basis for professional practice. The program faculty has endorsed the APA’s Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists, Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Girls and Women, Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People, and the Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients.

Ayşe Çiftçi,  Faculty Head

Cheryl Warner , Training Director

Graduates of our American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral program in counseling psychology meet the licensure requirements of most states. Because requirements vary by state, we recommend that students consult the licensing requirements for the state in which they intend to reside. Contact information for licensing boards by state is available at the  Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards  and ASU’s  Professional Licensure  website.

For information on the Counseling Psychology program, please review the program handbook .

Please  email us  for questions not addressed in the handbook, or contact individual faculty members. Due to the large number of applicants, please be patient with faculty inquiries. Faculty members do welcome your questions and will respond as time permits.

Learn more on the Counseling Psychology (PhD) degree page

email:  [email protected] phone: 480-965-8733

Cheryl Warner, PhD Clinical Associate Professor Director, Counseling Psychology PhD Training Counseling and Counseling Psychology  Mail Code 0811 Payne Hall (EDB) 401 Tempe campus

Mailing address: Counseling and Counseling Psychology Arizona State University PO Box 870811 Tempe, AZ 85287-0811

Accreditation

The doctoral program in counseling psychology at Arizona State University is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the APA Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202-336-5979 /  Email APA

Student Admission, Outcomes, and Other Data  (PDF)

Student resources

Counseling Psychology Program Handbook

Past Counseling Psychology Program Handbooks

Counseling Psychology Program FAQ (PDF)

[email protected] Alumni listserv signup

Research labs and projects

Previous Years Handbooks

• 2022 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2021 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2020 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2019 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2018 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2017 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2016 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2015 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2014 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2013 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2012 PhD Handbook (PDF)
• 2011 PhD Handbook (PDF)

APA-Accredited Programs

Find a program that's right for you., search for accredited programs.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 SITE VISITS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, site visits for the majority of programs scheduled to be visited in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 have been shifted. Please note that the “next site visit date” listed for each program does not represent an expiration of accreditation. It represents a timeline for a program’s next periodic review. The accreditation status of the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs will not be impacted by site visit delays. Cycle shifts are listed here . 

Other Accreditation Statuses

Accredited program lists, related pages.

Choosing a Program

Get Accredited

Why APA Accreditation Matters

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation

750 first st, ne  washington, dc 20002-4242 [email protected], telephone: (202) 336-5979  tdd/tty: (202) 336-6123  fax: (202) 336-5978 .

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Counseling psychology.

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program at Northeastern is committed to the development of competent Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) through the disciplinary studies and contemporary professional practice of counseling psychology.

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program is unique in that within the general Master of Science program we offer students a choice of specific concentrations, in which students have an opportunity to gain additional depth in selected areas. We believe that having a concentration in training will make our graduates especially successful in admission to further graduate study and jobs after graduation. These concentrations take advantage of interdisciplinary training and perspectives in the areas of:

• Child and Adolescent Counseling
• Early Intervention
• No Concentration
• Research in Counseling Psychology

More Details

Unique features.

• MSCP program is consistent with the requirements for LMHC
• Small program size with around 30 admitted students in each class
• Four unique concentrations allow students to enhance knowledge and skills as well as employment opportunities

Looking for something different?

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Undergraduate major in psychology or its equivalent (six to eight courses with emphasis on the science of human behavior)
• GPA of 3.0 or above
• Three letters of recommendation including at least one former professor. One letter from a supervisor in a human service setting preferred.
• Personal statement
• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Priority deadline: January 15, 2022

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Boston is one of the world’s foremost centers for health treatment and research, and we have excellent relationships with numerous hospitals, clinics, health centers, shelters, and community service agencies. Over the course of your two years of study, you may choose to return to the same placement site or gain a variety of experiences at different sites. Your adviser will work with you to find an appropriate placement in a: federal prison, court clinic, victims' assistance program, battered women’s shelter, rape crisis center, community service agency, mental health center, health promotion program, mind-body clinic, complementary medicine clinics, or another setting that matches your interests.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Tracy Robinson-Wood

Rachel Rodgers

Jessica Edwards George

Dr. William Sanchez

Christie J. Rizzo, Ph.D.

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Psychology & Mental Health alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• McLean Hospital
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Arbor Counseling Services

What They Do

• Healthcare Services
• Community and Social Services
• Business Development
• Entrepreneurship

What They're Skilled At

• Mental Health
• Psychotherapy
• Public Speaking

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

Related Articles

5 Alternative Careers For Psychology Majors that Aren’t Counseling

5 Research Careers With a Master’s in Psychology

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Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) - Counseling Psychology

Develop exceptional  mental health counseling skills with a psyd in counseling psychology.

Expert mental health counselors are essential for a healthy society, but there often aren’t enough counselors to meet demand. With a Doctor of Psychology degree in Counseling Psychology from University of the Pacific, you can develop the skills required to fill this vital need.

Our PsyD degree helps you advance a career as a mental health practitioner by providing a deep knowledge base in psychology, clinical skills and research skills. Over the course of the four-year Counseling Psychology program, you’ll study counseling, assessment, ethics, psychopharmacology and more to become a well-rounded, effective counselor.

A flexible approach to earning your Doctor of Psychology degree

This PsyD program is taught through a flexible hybrid model that helps you fit your coursework into your busy schedule. Online you will find lectures, discussions, quizzes and more, so you can study new material when it’s most convenient to you.

Meanwhile, you’ll spend your valuable in-person class time on interactive learning. In-person learning takes up just one to two days a week, minimizing the time you have to spend commuting.

Stockton Campus Location

Hybrid course format, in-person 1-2 days/week.

Our PsyD in Counseling Psychology is crafted to give you in-depth knowledge in all the topics needed to be an effective counseling psychologist. What sets this Counseling Psychology program apart, though, is our commitment to giving you hands-on experiences and a flexible learning model.

Get In-Person Experience in the Field

Every PsyD candidate completes an internship before graduating, so you’re guaranteed to enter the workforce with practical experience on your resume. You’ll also have opportunities to practice your skills in practicum placements in various types of counseling settings.

Fit Your Studies Around Your Busy Schedule

We understand that you have a lot going on, from existing jobs to family obligations and more. So we’ve designed a hybrid PsyD program that mixes synchronous and asynchronous online learning with one to two days of face-to-face classes. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid learning without sacrificing valuable in-person interaction.

Connect with Practioners and Researchers

The faculty of our counseling psychology program includes expert practitioners engaged in impactful research. You’ll also gain networking opportunities through practicums and your internship, so you’ll be able to establish a professional network while completing your PsyD degree.

Learn Alongside a Cohort of Peers

Courses for this Doctor of Psychology follow a predetermined sequence, so you’ll have no confusion about what to take next. More importantly, you’ll get to progress through the program alongside a cohort of fellow students, learning from and supporting each other as you take classes together.

“At University of the Pacific, we value and teach students to be reflective practitioners, collaborative leaders and lifelong learners. Students benefit from close working relationships with dedicated and passionate professors. Our distinguished faculty members are firmly engaged in the local community and provide students with exceptional opportunities for experiential learning.”

-Justin Low, Program Lead, University of the Pacific

What Can You Do With Your Doctor of Psychology Degree?

Once you’ve graduated with your PsyD degree, you’ll be able to help fill San Joaquin County’s pressing need for mental health professionals. Counseling jobs are available in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices and schools — essentially, almost any setting you may be interested in

Mental health counseling is a growing field in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for mental health counselors will grow by 22 percent by 2031, a rate that’s much higher than the national average. Earning a PsyD in Counseling Psychology positions you to take advantage of this growth.

Explore Courses for the Doctor of Psychology

We’re committed to providing a foundation in both theory and practical applications for every aspect of counseling psychology in our PsyD program. Topics you’ll study include:

• Development
• Ethical practice
• Psychopharmacology
• Neuropsychology
• Research methods

Specific courses for the PsyD degree include practicum-based classes dedicated to developing hands-on experience, a group counseling course that teaches the theories of group dynamics through participation in group learning, and more.

Take the Next Step to Your Doctor of Psychology Degree

We take a hands-on approach with our students. This means we want to get to know you throughout your discovery and application process. Help us connect with you by taking the next step toward earning your PsyD in Counseling Psychology

Graduate Degree Programs Related to Counseling Psychology

3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211