M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Health Psychology Concentration
Program Description
Today people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. But unfortunately, negative habits, such as smoking, lack of exercise, or poor diet can sometimes drastically shorten an individual’s life span. Counseling professionals specializing in health psychology can offer assistance in preventing individuals from engaging in negative health decisions and behavior to increase their longevity.
The Health Psychology concentration within the M.A. in Counseling Psychology program is ideal for students seeking to understand how biological, psychological, and social factors affect illness as well as health. Students learn interventions and psycho-educative techniques aimed at helping people prevent illnesses, recover quickly, or live with chronic conditions in a way that maximizes their functional capacities. The M.A. in Counseling Psychology program at the Chicago Campus helps students acquire both the clinical foundation and counseling skills to become outstanding practitioners working with a wide range of clinical populations.
Department
Clinical Counseling
Concentrations
Licensure
Chicago program prepares graduates to sit for professional counselor licensure in Illinois (LPC and LCPC) and other states
Total Credits
60
Fieldwork Requirements
• Year 2: 700-hour (minimum) placement experience• Chicago: sites meet Licensed Supervisor standards
Degree
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Coursework
- A course in Psychology, with a grade earned of C or better
- A course in Statistics or Research Methods, with a grade earned of C or better
Additional
Admission Requirements
GRE Requirements
Sample Courses
Wellness, Health, and Prevention
Provides an overview of the professional roles, activities, and contexts for clinical counselors focusing on physical and medical conditions. The major concepts of traditional health and rehabilitation are presented. The course covers primary prevention activities through control of life style related habits involving substances, and dysfunctional habits in diet and exercise. It also covers the concept of stress and ways of coping with stress through applied stress management techniques. A holistic biopsychosocial approach is used as a unifying framework.
Biopsychosocial Aspects of Medical Conditions
Using a biopsychosocial paradigm, this course provides a general introduction to the etiology, assessment, and treatment of medical disorders seen by health psychology counselors. An overview of the primary physical systems and disorders is offered.
Psychology of Aging
This course explores biological, social, and psychological factors related to late life issues. Relevant research and theoretical models are presented. Attention is given to issues specific to psychological testing and psychotherapy with the elderly.
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Making a Difference Around the Globe