Program Description
Students enrolled in the Counseling Psychology master's program will gain the knowledge and develop the skills they need to become outstanding mental health counselors. Graduates will be prepared for work in a variety of settings including hospitals, substance abuse programs, private practices, and other fields. D.C. Campus students may choose from two concentrations to fit their unique career goals: Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Treatment of Addiction Disorders.
The Chicago School's M.A. in Counseling Psychology program is unique in that students receive a solid foundation in principles of clinical psychology, in addition to gaining the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills they need to be outstanding counseling psychology professionals working with a range of clinical populations and a variety of emotional and psychological conditions. Students learn the theoretical frameworks and scientific bases of clinical psychology, the ethical and professional guidelines of clinical psychology and counseling profession, and the impact of diversity and cultural issues in the mental health field. Graduates are prepared to help individuals and families overcome mental health challenges and emotional issues that prevent them from living life to the fullest.
The M.A. in Counseling Psychology is designed in accordance with licensure requirements in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, and can be adjusted to conform with the requirements for licensure in other nearby states in the region.
Department
Counseling Psychology
Concentrations
Child and Adolescent Treatment, Treatment of Addiction Disorders
Licensure
• Washington, D.C., program is designed in accordance with licensure requirements in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware and can be adjusted to conform with the requirements for licensure in other nearby states in the region.
Total Credits
60
Fieldwork Requirements
Year 2: 700-hour (minimum) placement experience
Sample Courses
Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy
Introduces students to the theoretical concepts and clinical applications of the humanistic and existential approach to psychotherapy and counseling including person-centered, Gestalt, and transpersonal approaches to psychotherapy. In addition, group modalities within this theoretical umbrella are addressed.
Introduction to Addictions
Surveys the biological, psychological, social, political, and spiritual aspects of addictions. Addiction is broadly defined and includes substance abuse, gambling, internet, sex, food, and other modern day addictions. The course considers a strength-based holistic model for assessment, conceptualization, and treatment care planning. Included are basic pharmacological, physiological, and medical aspects of chemical dependence along with current evidenced-based research and treatment care models and treatment delivery systems. There is a special focus on the dually -diagnosed (MISA population), addiction across the life span, and diversity.
Foundations of Family Therapy
Introduces students to family systems theory and its application. Basic assumptions, major issues, primary theorists, and techniques of major theoretical models of family therapy are covered. Students learn preventative and treatment approaches to treating specific problems that impede family functioning. Specific attention is paid to issues of diversity and multicultural competence in family therapy.
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