Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy

Counseling psychology is a branch of applied professional psychology concerned with the integration of different psychological theories and research traditions within the process of therapy.

The MS in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy balances theoretical perspectives with the application of techniques and approaches, aiming to train students who wish to work with a variety of client/patient groups in various settings. The program prepares participants to conduct the assessment, prevention, and interventions for psychological difficulties, and to serve the profession and the client by offering high-quality services based on theory, high ethical integrity, and empirically validated practices.

Students develop specialized knowledge and competencies, and gradually adopt a range of roles relating to the practice of counseling psychology. Professional skills are initially developed through pre-practicum experiences (as part of coursework) and, following, through the completion of at least 700 hours of supervised practical training in mental health settings.

• Duration: Two years (full-time) or up to four years (part-time).
• Number of Courses: 17 courses, 2 workshops, and practicum (54 US credits)
• Attendance: Classes run Monday to Thursday, from 17:30-20:30. Fridays are reserved for make-up classes and other academic activities, such as master classes, workshops, lectures, and talks.
• Admission points: New students are admitted at the start of the fall, winter, and spring terms.

Unique Program Features

• NECHE Accreditation
• Integrative program, based on the scientist-practitioner approach
• ACG Counseling Center supervised practicum
• External supervised practicum in an array of collaborating organizations
• Solid methodological training, resulting in research work

The program is ideal for psychology graduates and mental health practitioners who wish to pursue careers as mental health counselors and/or psychotherapists. The program attracts students from other backgrounds as well. Depending on their previous studies, applicants who do not hold a first degree in psychology may be asked to complete courses of the Graduate Certificate in Psychology, which provides them with the basic foundations required to enter the program.

Students must successfully complete 17 graduate-level courses, 2 graduate-level experiential workshops, 4 practicum seminars, representing a total of 54 US credits, carry out at least 700 hours of practical training, and undertake at least 40 hours of personal counseling/psychotherapy.

In the first year, the program aims to provide the student with core theoretical and research knowledge in areas relating to Counseling Psychology. In the second year, students enroll in skill-based courses from different theoretical orientations, are assigned to supervised practicum(s) (700 hours), and complete the research thesis.

Required Courses

Year 1:

• Principles of Counseling & Personal Development
• Psychological Testing & Assessment
• Biological Basis of Behavior
• Professional & Ethical Issues in Counseling & Psychotherapy
• Qualitative Research
• Interviewing Techniques
• Diversity Workshop
• Advanced Analysis & Interpretation of Behavioral Data
• Program Design & Evaluation
• Advanced Psychopathology
• Group Counseling & Psychotherapy
• Workshop on Crisis Intervention

Required Courses

Year 2:

• Psychology of Addictions
• Counseling in Health Settings
• Family & System Approaches to Counseling & Psychotherapy

&

• Practicum I
• Practicum II
• Practicum III

&

Two (2) of the following:

• Humanistic & Existential Approaches to Counseling & Psychotherapy
• CBT Approaches to Counseling & Psychotherapy
• Psychodynamic Approaches to Counseling & Psychotherapy
• Short-term Approaches to Counseling & Psychotherapy

Mental Health Counselor Path

• Theories of Learning & Human Development
• Career Counseling

Thesis

• Thesis in Counseling Psychology

Upon successful completion of this program, participants should be able to:

• Describe and explain major theoretical positions and empirical findings in counseling psychology
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cultural differences in counseling and psychotherapy
• Develop an understanding of the importance of personal growth and professional development
• Demonstrate basic counseling skills
• Formulate research hypotheses, design empirical studies to test hypotheses, and carry out data collection in order to produce independent scholarly research relevant to counseling psychology
• Prepare and present material for course lectures and discussions and deliver professional presentations in oral and written form
• Apply a comprehensive framework for conceptualizing a therapeutic strategy

Graduates of the program enter employment in a wide range of contexts, such as counseling in organizational or agency settings (mental health agencies/hospital units and education); counseling service management; counseling training; and, following further experience, private counseling practice.

Deree graduate students receive support from the Office of Career Services, which helps them connect with the 50,000 ACG alumni around the globe, expand their professional network, and gain access to various job positions. Our graduate students and alumni may also benefit from the Alba Graduate Business School Services, including career coaching, participation in career events and workshops, participation in the Alba annual career forum, one-to-one career advice sessions, and a direct mail list for job posts and career advice.