M.A. Counseling Psychology
Graduates of the M.A. in Counseling Psychology provide services for people of all ages and with diverse backgrounds. The scientifically grounded and empirically supported interventions students learn in the program make them very competitive for desirable positions in settings such as community mental health centers, adolescent and adult residential treatment centers, hospitals, county mental health treatment centers, outpatient treatment, employee assistance programs, private practice, and as consultants to organizations. Working in the model of local clinical scientists, graduates are effective in helping clients make meaningful change and increase the quality of their lives.
The counseling psychology program is designed so that full time students will complete the required 62 credits (73 for OB students) in two years. Part time students generally finish in three years. Courses are offered both in the afternoon and evening, so that students may work and still attend class. Students are advised to keep work schedules flexible to be sure that work does not interfere with education. The program is approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists as meeting the educational requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
All students receive intensive training in using Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) in mental health that have proven effectiveness across a variety of populations. Near the end of the first year students select to pursue an Adult or Child EBP focus. Both prepare the student to work with clients at all levels of functionality. A required 600 hour practicum in the second year may be served in a variety of settings. The practical experience fulfills the 600 hour state requirements for pre-degree experience. Students with experience in delivering EBP have proven to be in high demand by employers.
The counseling psychology program is comprised of four components:
- Core counseling psychology courses (first year)
- Adult- or child-based EBP course (second year)
- Required supervised experience (second year)
- Empirically practice sample, a project demonstrating the application of the local clinical scientist model (second year)
Optional Organizational Behavior (OB) Sequence
In the second year students may also elect to enroll in our Organizational Behavior (OB) sequence. The OB sequence builds on the EBP foundation to create skills needed to work with adults in organizations with issues such as performance management, job stress, and organizational exchange and development. Students who elect to complete the yearlong sequence of OB courses in the second year also complete a 100-hour OB practicum (in addition to the 600 hour counseling practicum). The OB sequence fits those students whose career goals include consulting, employee assistance, and working with adults in general.
With the consolidation of the School of Professional Psychology to one location, the M.A. in Counseling Psychology program is expected to move from downtown Portland to the Campus of the College of Health Professions in Hillsboro by Summer 2010.