Chapter 6: Department of Counseling Psychology
From our foundation in 1964, the Department of Counseling Psychology has sought to balance theory and practice that informs and educates future clinicians and leaders. Our curriculum is based on solid theoretical traditions balanced by cutting edge theory, research, and skills development. Our proven history of shaping excellent mental health professionals – as a direct result of our innovative curriculum, degrees, tracks, and concentrations, taught by a dedicated and professional faculty – has earned our Department a prominent place in Northern California as the pre-eminent master level institution for the formation of licensed therapists. The architecture of our curriculum is built upon Core and Required courses with an extraordinary array of advanced elective courses.
The faculty represents a breadth of theoretical orientations and clinical experience. Our focus in classes is on depth of theoretical understanding, on the concordance between a wide range of viewpoints and on the very pragmatic, evidence-based clinical skill development essential for practitioners. We are dedicated to interpersonal, intrapsychic and systemic methods with a broad sensitivity to individual and cultural differences (gender, SES, religious/spiritual, ethnic, and sexual orientation).
In our programs, students must master theoretical knowledge and counseling/clinical skills related to performing therapy in individual, group, couples, child, and family sessions. Students may choose to focus their elective classes in advanced courses in one of five concentrations: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Community Mental Health, Health Psychology, Latine Counseling, or LGBTQ+ Counseling.
Alternatively, they may pursue a variety of elective options in order to cultivate particular theoretical/applied areas in greater depth, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health, or approaches to psychotherapy like psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, process-experiential, existential, mindfulness training, or others.
Our curriculum is scheduled on the quarter system, with courses offered in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and two Summer sessions.
Degree Programs
The Department of Counseling Psychology offers the following degree programs:
- 90-Unit Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology [This program is fully compliant with California State requirements for MFT or LPCC licensure. As of September 2012, all such programs in California are mandated as 90-quarter units (or 60 semester units).
- 45-Unit Master of Arts in Counseling or Applied Psychology
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (90 Units)
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program provides an intensive 90-unit Master of Arts program for students.
Tracks
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology has four tracks:
- MFT
- LPCC
- MFT/LPCC Combination
- Self-Designed (no license)
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) bases the MFT Track on California State regulations, guidelines suggested by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and requires curriculum approval. Those choosing this track are qualified to sit for a MFT license exam after completing course work, practicum, and clinical hours in the State of California. Portability: Historically, those who have completed the MFT program (and MFT California License) have been able to sit for licensure in many other states. Some states have reciprocity with California; others have required one or more courses for license eligibility – all require knowledge of that state’s laws and ethics. Students who wish to take the license in any other State but California, are strongly advised to consult with the home (or intended) State governing board to understand local regulations, restrictions, and requirements.
The California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) bases the LPCC Track on California State regulations, guidelines from the California Coalition for Counselor Licensure, and curriculum approval. Those choosing this track are qualified to sit for a LPCC license exam after completing course work, practicum, and clinical hours. The LPCC is a more “portable” ** degree, meaning that coursework and clinical training in California will allow a student to sit for licensure in any other State, based on any residency requirements of that State. LPCC licensing requirements include a national, rather than state-centric exam.
The LPCC program is primarily focused on individual adult clients. Students pursuing this program who wish to work with couples, families and children will need to take classes in these specialties to work legally and ethically with these populations.
**Portable means the requirements for a license, or its equivalent, are the same from state to state. However, portability does not mean reciprocity. Reciprocity is when one can carry a license from State to State. Currently, it is not clear whether California will accept LPCC reciprocity from another State, or whether other States will accept an LPCC license granted in California.
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved Santa Clara University programs for both MFT and LPCC training.
An important difference between the MFT and LPCC training requirements in the State of California is the following: As the law currently stands, MFT students can complete a significant number of their required 3000 training hours prior to their Master’s Degree. The required 3000 LPCC hours must all be accrued after graduation with a Master’s Degree.
The MFT/LPCC Combined Track is available for students who wish to apply for both licenses. The combined track program and concentrations can be completed within 90-units. Because there are significant disadvantages associated with the Combined Track in addition to certain advantages, students who wish to explore the Combined Track option are encouraged to meet with a Faculty Advisor.
The Self-Designed Track option is available for individuals who desire more extensive training and experience than the 45-unit Master of Arts in Counseling program affords. This track does not lead to licensure.
The 90-unit program may include one of the department’s five concentration programs: Child and Adolescent Mental Health,Community Mental Health, Health Psychology, Latine Counseling, and LGBTQ+ Counseling.
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology or Counseling (45 Units)
The Master of Arts in Applied Psychology primarily serves two groups of students: Those who are already in a position in a field that rewards advanced training and those who are using the Master of Arts as a stepping-stone for doctoral studies.
The former group of students opt for this degree to work in nonprofit settings, career centers, community agencies, hospitals, religious settings, and in industry.
For the latter group, the 45-unit Master of Arts in Applied Psychology can serve as a post-baccalaureate, pre-doctoral training program. This is especially useful for students who were not undergraduate psychology majors, completed a baccalaureate degree many years ago or want additional background and training in the field. Usually, these students combine their classwork with research opportunities during the Master’s Program.
In recent years, we have placed the vast majority of the students who applied for doctoral work in doctoral programs. The 45-unit Master of Arts degree in Counseling is for students interested in pursuing job opportunities that require some counseling training but are not licensure-track. Students with this degree can work in community college and other settings (e.g. academic counseling, guidance counseling), where the job requirement is a degree in Counseling but not a mental health license.
The 45-unit Master of Arts degree in Counseling does NOT meet the requirements to sit for a license in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), in any state.
In accordance with California State regulations, students who complete and receive the 45-unit master’s degree cannot, post-graduation, transfer or apply those credits toward the completion of an MFT license program. The regulation states:
“In order to qualify for licensure pursuant to this section a doctor's or master's degree program shall be a single, integrated program primarily designed to train marriage and family therapists shall contain no less than 60 semester or 90 quarter units of instruction. This instruction shall include not less than 12 semester units or 18 quarter units of coursework in the areas of marriage, family, and child counseling, and marital and family systems approaches to treatment.” (Board of Behavioral Sciences, January 2015, page 19.)
The 45-unit program may include one of the department’s five concentration programs: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Community Mental Health, Health Psychology, Latine Counseling, and LGBTQ+ Counseling.
Concentration Programs
We offer five optional concentration programs, which function like minors within a counseling psychology major. Concentrations are optional. Students not electing a concentration may choose from a variety of electives to expand their knowledge in various areas.
Concentration in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Greg Hajcak (Coordinator)
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health counseling concentration provides training and skills to work with children, adolescents, and caregivers. This concentration responds to the growing needs of our community as well as the needs of our CPSY students. Coursework includes interventions with children, early childhood interventions and infant mental health, working with adolescent clients, and working with caregivers. A focus is on working with children and adolescents in a school-based setting. The concentration is available to students in both Master of Arts program options: Applied Psychology or Counseling with a concentration in CAMH (51 or 54 units) and Counseling Psychology with a concentration in CAMH (90 or 93 units). The required courses for this concentration are: CPSY 266, CPSY 315, CPSY 317, CPSY 326, CPSY 327, CPSY 328, CPSY 329.
Concentration in Community Mental Health
Jasmin Llamas (Coordinator)
The Community Mental Health Concentration is a professional training program for counselors working within community-based and institutional settings that serve individuals, youth, and families who have been impacted by social, structural, and systemic inequities — including involvement with juvenile justice, criminal justice, child welfare, mental health, and social service systems. The concentration prepares clinicians to work across a range of settings: community agencies, schools, residential programs, correctional institutions, and re-entry and diversion programs. Graduates are equipped to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based care to clients navigating complex systems. The concentration is available to students in both Master of Arts program options: Applied Psychology or Counseling with a Concentration in Community Mental Health (45 units) and Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Community Mental Health (90 units). Those enrolling in the Community Mental Health Concentration courses must be able to pass a law enforcement background check due to security clearance for required field trips. The required courses for this concentration are: CPSY 243, CPSY 244, CPSY 245, and CPSY 320.
Concentration in Health Psychology
Shauna Shapiro (Coordinator)
The concentration in Health Psychology offers a focus in health psychology coursework within each of the counseling degree programs. Health psychology, now a major field within psychology, continues to grow and evolve. Training in the theory and practice of health psychology is a valuable professional asset for all masters-level clinicians. The health concentration focuses on applications of psychology to issues of well-being, disease, stress, illness and prevention, and concentrates on the development of knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: disease prevention and the promotion and maintenance of personal health; motivational interviewing and behavior change; counseling for grief and loss; counseling healthy and ill individuals regarding health-related problems and issues; theory and practice of stress management at individual and program levels; and concepts and clinical applications from the emerging field of positive psychology.
The concentration in Health Psychology is designed for individuals with a combined interest in counseling and health psychology. Graduates of the program work as agency and private practice counselors with special expertise in a variety of mental health issues that are part of everyday clinical practice; health promotion specialists in industry, schools, and hospitals; counselors in employee assistance programs; and counseling and health specialists in other settings. The concentration is available to students in both Master of Arts program options: Applied Psychology or Counseling with a Concentration in Health Psychology (45 units) and Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Health Psychology (90 units). The required courses for this concentration are: CPSY 380, CPSY 381, CPSY 385.
Concentration in Latine Counseling
Lucila Ramos-Sánchez (Coordinator)
Latines are the fastest growing populace both in California and nationwide, yet specialized counseling programs for this burgeoning population are few and far between. The Latine Counseling Concentration provides this most needed training. Graduates, particularly those who are bilingual, are needed in most agencies and private settings.
The concentration focuses on the applications of clinical practices relevant to issues of culture, ethnicity, acculturation, and assimilation. Implications of counseling within a Latine family system and issues of language are explored.
Coursework concentrates on the development of knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: reaching clients from this normally underserved population, developing rapport with clients, intervening in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways, and counseling at various times throughout the life cycle. Some of the classes stress the importance of language and one class is instructed substantially in Spanish. The concentration is available to students in both Master of Arts program options: Applied Psychology or Counseling with a Concentration in Latine Counseling (45 units) and Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Latine Counseling (90 units). The required courses for this concentration are: CPSY 360, CPSY 362, CPSY 364. CPSY 365 is an optional addition; Fluency in Spanish required.
Concentration in LGBTQ+ Counseling
Chongzheng Wei (Coordinator)
The LGBTQ+ Counseling Concentration provides training to serve the LGBTQ+ population. It focuses on the application of clinical practice relevant to issues of gender, diversity in sexual identity and expression, oppression, discrimination, acculturation, and assimilation. The coursework for the concentration focuses on the development of knowledge and skills in the following areas: current theories regarding the etiology of same sex orientation; the evolving language of LGBTQ+; developmental challenges for LGBTQ+ persons; homophobia and its many faces; the coming out process; relationships with parents and families of LGBTQ+ people; issues of support and socialization; the dynamics of gay relationships; gay marriage; gay families and gay parenting; the impact of AIDS; social, cultural, political and religious considerations and their impact; the many and unique issues affecting the transgender and gender non-binary communities; available resources; research opportunities. The concentration is available to students in both Master of Arts program options: Applied Psychology or Counseling with a Concentration in LGBTQ+ Counseling (45 units) and Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in LGBTQ+ Counseling (90 units). The required courses are: CPSY 213, CPSY 230, CPSY 332.
Course Requirements
Department Of Counseling Psychology Degree Programs
Required courses for the CPSY degree programs are listed below. Elective courses should be taken in addition to required courses to fulfill the total number of quarter units in the student’s program. Electives should be selected according to student interest and in consultation with a faculty advisor.
Six core courses (18 units) are required for all Counseling Psychology degree programs: CPSY 200 Psychology of Interpersonal Communications
CPSY 216 Psychology of Human Development
CPSY 218 Foundations of Psychotherapy and Personality
CPSY 220 Research Methods
CPSY 231 Multicultural Counseling
CPSY 275 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT Track, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence-Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall): Counseling Practicum: Marriage and Family Therapy
Plus 19.5 elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT Track/Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence- Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing II
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Abuse Treatment
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall): Counseling Practicum: Marriage and Family Therapy
Plus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 266 Counseling the Adolescent
CPSY 326 Early Childhood/Infant Mental Health
CPSY 327 Working with Parents in Child & Adolescent Therapy
CPSY 329 School-Based Mental Health: Theory & Practice
Plus 7.5 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT Track/Community Mental Health Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence- Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing II
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Abuse Treatment
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall): Counseling Practicum: Marriage and Family Therapy
Plus Community Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 243 System-Impacted Youth
CPSY 244 Correctional Psychology
CPSY 245 Community Mental Health
Plus 10.5 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT Track/Health Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence- Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing II
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Abuse Treatment
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall): Counseling Practicum: Marriage and Family Therapy
Plus Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 380 Positive Psychology and Health
CPSY 381 Health Psychology: Theory and Practice
CPSY 385 Stress and Stress management
Plus 10.5 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT Track/Latine Counseling Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence- Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing II
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Abuse Treatment
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall): Counseling Practicum: Marriage and Family Therapy
Plus Latine Counseling Concentration courses:
CPSY 360 Latine Psychology
CPSY 362 Individual Counseling Skills with Latine Clients
CPSY 364 Interventions with Latine Families and Children
CPSY 366 Spanish-Based Interviewing and Assessment (optional: Fluency in Spanish required) Plus 7.5 Elective units, 10.5 units if no CPSY 366
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT Track/LGBTQ+ Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence- Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing II
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Abuse Treatment
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall): Counseling Practicum: Marriage and Family Therapy
Plus LGBTQ+ Concentration courses
CPSY 213 Foundations of LGBTQ+ Psychology
CPSY 230 Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Sexually Expansive Clients
CPSY 332 Psychotherapy with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Clients
Plus 10.5 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (LPCC Track, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units) CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus 15 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (LPCC Track/Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concentration, 93 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 266 Counseling the Adolescent
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 326 Early Childhood/Infant Mental Health
CPSY 327 Working with Parents in Child & Adolescent Therapy
CPSY 329 School-Based Mental Health: Theory & Practice
No Electives
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (LPCC Track/Community Mental Health Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Community Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 243 System-Impacted Youth
CPSY 244 Correctional Psychology
CPSY 245 Community Mental Health
Plus 6 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (LPCC Track/Health Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 380 Positive Psychology and Health
CPSY 381 Health Psychology: Theory and Practice
CPSY 385 Stress and Stress management
Plus 6 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (LPCC Track/Latine Counseling Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units) OR CPSY 366 (see Concentration courses)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Latine Concentration courses:
CPSY 360 Latine Psychology
CPSY 362 Individual Counseling Skills with Latine Clients
CPSY 364 Interventions with Latine Families and Children
Optional: CPSY 366 Spanish-Based Interviewing and Assessment (Fluency in Spanish required)
Plus 4.5 Elective units, 6 units if no CPSY 366
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (LPCC Track/LGBTQ+ Concentration, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus LGBTQ+ Concentration courses:
CPSY 213 Foundations of LGBTQ+ Psychology
CPSY 230 Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Sexually Expansive Clients
CPSY 332 Psychotherapy with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Clients
Plus 6 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Combined MFT/LPCC, 90 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus 6 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Combined MFT/LPCC/Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concentration, 96 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 266 Counseling the Adolescent
CPSY 326 Early Childhood/Infant Mental Health
CPSY 327 Working with Parents in Child & Adolescent Therapy
CPSY 329 School-Based Mental Health: Theory & Practice
No Electives
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Combined MFT/LPCC/Community Mental Health Concentration, 91.5 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Community Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 243 System-Impacted Youth
CPSY 244 Correctional Psychology
CPSY 245 Community Mental Health
No electives
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Combined MFT/LPCC/Health Concentration, 91.5 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 380 Positive Psychology and Health
CPSY 381 Health Psychology: Theory and Practice
CPSY 385 Stress and Stress management
No electives
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Combined MFT/LPCC/Latine Concentration, 91.5 or 93 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus Latine Concentration courses:
CPSY 360 Latine Psychology
CPSY 362 Individual Counseling Skills with Latine Clients
CPSY 364 Interventions with Latine Families and Children
Optional: CPSY 366 Spanish-Based Interviewing and Assessment (Fluency in Spanish required)
No electives
M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT/LPCC/LGBTQ+ Concentration, 91.5 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 276 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (1.5 units)
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief Loss and Trauma
CPSY 300 Career Development and Life Planning
CPSY 302 Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
CPSY 308 Multidisciplinary Responses to Crises, Emergencies, and Disasters (1.5 units)
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 319 Clinical Assessment: Testing
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 321 Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment (1.5 units)
CPSY 323 Psychopharmacology
CPSY 324 Biological Basis of Behavior (1.5 units)
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 361 Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy (1.5 units)
CPSY 333 (three consecutive quarters beginning in the fall) Counseling Practicum: LPCC
Plus LGBTQ+ Concentration courses:
CPSY 213 Foundations of LGBTQ+ Psychology
CPSY 230 Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Sexually Expansive Clients
CPSY 332 Psychotherapy with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Clients
No electives
Self Designed M.A. in Counseling Psychology 90 units – (This does not lead to licensing eligibility)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 211 Human Sexuality
CPSY 212 Psychology of Human Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
CPSY 221 Lab Group (1.5 units)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss and Trauma
CPSY 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
CPSY 331 Field Experience (two consecutive quarters beginning in the fall)
Plus 31.5 Elective units
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY and COUNSELING DEGREE PROGRAMS (45 UNITS)
M.A. in Applied Psychology (No Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 331 Field Experience Plus 24 Elective units
M.A. in Applied Psychology (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Concentration, 51 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus Child & Adolescent Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 227 Counseling Process & Problems
CPSY 266 Counseling the Adolescent
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 326 Early Childhood/Infant Mental Health
CPSY 327 Working with Parents in Child & Adolescent Therapy
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Diagnostic Issues with Children
CPSY 329 School-Based Mental Health: Theory & Practice
No Electives
M.A. in Applied Psychology (Community Mental Health Concentration, 48 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus Community Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 243 System-Impacted Youth
CPSY 244 Correctional Psychology
CPSY 245 Community Mental Health
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
Plus 15 Elective units
M.A. in Applied Psychology (Health Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 331 Field Experience Plus Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss and Trauma
CPSY 380 Positive Psychology and Health
CPSY 381 Health Psychology: Theory and Practice
CPSY 385 Stress and Stress Management
Plus 12 Elective units
M.A. in Applied Psychology (Latine Counseling Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus Latine Counseling Concentration courses:
CPSY 360 Latine Psychology
CPSY 362 Individual Counseling Skills with Latine Clients
CPSY 364 Interventions with Latine Families and Children
CPSY 366 (for Spanish speakers) Spanish-Based Interviewing and Assessment (optional)
Plus 15 Elective units (12 Elective units if CPSY 366 is taken)
M.A. in Applied Psychology (LGBTQ+ Counseling Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus LGBTQ+ Concentration courses:
CPSY 213 Foundations of LGBTQ+ Psychology
CPSY 230 Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Sexually Expansive Clients
CPSY 332 Psychotherapy with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Clients
Plus 15 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling (No Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss, and Trauma OR CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus 15 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Concentration, 54 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss, and Trauma OR CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus Child & Adolescent Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 266 Counseling the Adolescent
CPSY 315 Family Therapy
CPSY 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children
CPSY 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
CPSY 326 Early Childhood/Infant Mental Health
CPSY 327 Working with Parents in Child & Adolescent Therapy
CPSY 328 Clinical Assessment II: Diagnostic Issues with Children
CPSY 329 School-Based Mental Health: Theory & Practice
No Electives
M.A. in Counseling ( Community Mental Health Concentration, 48 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss, and Trauma OR CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus Community Mental Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 243 System-Impacted Youth
CPSY 244 Correctional Psychology
CPSY 245 Community Mental Health
CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment
Plus 6 Elective units
M.A. in Counseling (Health Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss, and Trauma OR CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions *
CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus Health Concentration courses:
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss and Trauma *
CPSY 380 Positive Psychology and Health
CPSY 381 Health Psychology: Theory and Practice
CPSY 385 Stress and Stress Management
Plus 6 Elective units (3 Elective units if CPSY 320 taken)
* Students in the Health Concentration may elect to take either 291 or 320. If 320, 291 is still required for completion of the Health Concentration. If 291 is taken, it counts both as a “Required” course and as an “Concentration” course, but it does not double count for units. The student must take an extra elective so that the unit total is 45.
M.A. in Counseling (Latine Counseling Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss, and Trauma OR CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus Latine Counseling Concentration courses:
CPSY 360 Latine Psychology
CPSY 362 Individual Counseling Skills with Latine Clients
CPSY 364 Interventions with Latine Families and Children
CPSY 366 (for Spanish speakers) Spanish-Based Interviewing and Assessment (optional)
Plus 6 Elective units (3 if CPSY 366 is taken)
M.A. in Counseling (LGBTQ+ Counseling Concentration, 45 units)
Core courses plus:
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 291 Counseling for Grief, Loss, and Trauma OR CPSY 320 Substance Use and Addictions CPSY 331 Field Experience
Plus LGBTQ+ Concentration courses:
CPSY 213 Foundations of LGBTQ+ Psychology
CPSY 230 Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Sexually Expansive Clients
CPSY 332 Psychotherapy with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Clients
Plus 6 Elective units
Sequencing of Classes
Students are recommended to take the following core courses in their first year of the program, completing as many as possible before moving on to advanced courses:
CPSY 200 Psychology of Interpersonal Communications
CPSY 216 Psychology of Human Development
CPSY 218 Foundations of Psychotherapy and Personality
CPSY 220 Research Methods
CPSY 212 Psychology of Relationships
CPSY 214 Evidence-Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
CPSY 219 Psychology of Group Counseling (CPSY 221must be taken concurrently)
CPSY 227 Counseling Process and Skills
CPSY 231 Multicultural Counseling
CPSY 275 Ethical and Legal Issues
Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor prior to registration periods to discuss course sequencing for their specific program, track, and concentration. Electives are not offered every quarter and should be taken when available if students meet prerequisites.
Advanced Specialty and Concentration Classes
Several classes are offered only once each year or every other year. If you are in a concentration program and the course is offered annually, you should take the concentration class when it is offered, because it may not re-occur for several terms. Normally, required and core classes are offered every quarter (not counting summer). Normally, classes with fewer than 10 students are canceled, except under special circumstances (e.g., necessary concentration classes).
Practicum experiences (CPSY 331 for 45-unit programs or CPSY 333 for 90-unit programs) should be taken during the student’s final year in the program. Students must complete all the prerequisites and demonstrate the key professional standards of the field in order to be approved by the department to enroll in practicum. Students who intend to qualify for the California State Licenses in Marriage and Family Therapy or Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling will need to complete three quarters of MFT/LPCC Practicum (333), beginning the sequence in the fall quarter of their last year. Students must keep the same date, time and instructor for all three quarters.
Pre-Practicum (CPSY 330)
Students wishing to gain experience in counseling prior to qualifying for a practicum are encouraged to enroll in “pre-practicum” field experience on a volunteer basis. In general, some field experience in counseling renders students more attractive to potential practicum sites. This is a 1-unit course. The hours accumulated asĚýpre-practicum cannot be applied to the required 550 hours of practicum. Guidelines for Pre-Practicum (CPSY 330):
- Students must complete 18 units of academic training before accumulating hours (except for personal therapy)
- All experience hours must be under the supervision of a supervisor. A Supervisor is one who: has been licensed minimally 2 years as MFT, LCSW, Psychologist, Psychiatrist; has not provided therapy services to the trainee
- Has a valid license; and complies with board regulations for supervisors
- The trainee may be volunteer or paid (restrictions apply for paid work); no hours count for an Independent Contractor
- The site must be approved by the Department of Counseling Psychology Practicum Coordinator, prior to beginning the experience. (see Licensing Requirements for more information).
*** LPCC students may not accumulate pre-practicum hours.
Practicum (CPSY 333)
Practicum is a required course that is taken in conjunction with a graduate level counseling experience in the MFT/LPCC field. Practicum is intended to be the culminating experience in Counseling Psychology and taken the last year of your academic studies. Students are given the opportunity, under professional supervision, to begin to develop and apply therapeutic skills in a clinical context. The MFT and LPCC or combined are 90 unit programs that require 9 total units and 3 consecutive quarters (3 units each) starting in the fall quarter.
MFT Practicum Prerequisites
To be eligible for practicum you must have all required classes completed, demonstrate consistency in meeting the Key Professional Standards of the field, and obtain department approval to enroll. The following classes are required before you can begin the 333 practicum course in addition to having completed at least 63 units by the start of the Fall practicum quarter.
- 200 Psychology of Interpersonal Communications
- 212 Psychology of Relationships
- 216 Psychology of Human Development
- 218 Foundations of Psychotherapy and Personality
- 219 Psychology of Group Counseling
- 220 Research Methods
- 221 Group Counseling Lab
- 227 Counseling Process and Skills
- 231 Multicultural Counseling
- 275 Ethical and Legal Issues
- 311 Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling (MFT)
- 315 Family Therapy (MFT only)
- 317 Therapeutic Interventions with Children (MFT)
- 318 Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
- 328 Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
MFT: Supervised fieldwork experience with a minimum of 225 hours of face-to-face experience counseling individuals, families, or groups. Up to 75 hours may be gained performing client centered advocacy. SCU-CPSY requires a total time at the site for the academic year to be at least 550 hours.
LPCC: Supervised fieldwork experience with a minimum of 280 hours of face-to-face clinical experience counseling individuals, families, or groups. SCU-CPSY requires a total time at the site for the academic year to be at least 550 hours.
Before beginning a practicum experience, the student must submit a certificate of malpractice insurance to the practicum coordinator.
Mandatory Lab Group (221)
The lab group experience (221) associated with Psychology of Group Counseling (CPSY 219) is a 1.5 unit course required of all counseling students as a part of CPSY 219. This small lab group experience must be taken simultaneously with the CPSY 219 class.
CPSY 200 and CPSY 218 are prerequisites for CPSY 219 and CPSY 221. CPSY 220 is strongly recommended.
Lab groups are conducted on campus by licensed professional leaders and advanced student assistants. The groups are interpersonally-oriented and are ungraded. They are designed to facilitate personal growth and exploration, as well as to provide the experience of the small-group process. The directed group experience is an opportunity to encounter individual issues that promote or inhibit counseling skills. The lab groups are not to be considered group therapy. Lab groups are offered each quarter.
Ethical Principles
The counseling psychology faculty and staff adhere to “Ethical Principles of Psychologists” as adopted by the American Psychological Association. Relevant “Ethical Principles” for the CPSY program include:
- Responsibility
- Competence
- Moral and legal standards
- Public statements
- Confidentiality
- Welfare of the consumer
- Professional relationships
- Assessment techniques
- Research with human participants
A copy of “Ethical Principles of Psychologists” is available from the Department of Counseling Psychology.
Self-Disclosure
The professional-training philosophy of the Counseling Psychology Department is predicated on the belief that the process of becoming an effective therapist must in part address the person of the therapist him/herself. Indeed, in the practice of counseling, the person of the counselor is a major component in the healing process. As a counselor-in-training, self-reflection is a necessary and required part of the training that helps students better understand and empathize with their future clients’ experience. Such reflection is a significant component of one’s personal and professional development as an effective and sensitive instrument of change. Thus, it is customary that in the Counseling Psychology Master’s Program’s classes at 91Ö±˛Ą, students are regularly assigned work that involves self-disclosure and personal study of the content of that self-disclosure. In courses and program related activities, in oral and/or written assignments, students are expected to reflect on their past and present personal experiences.
We respect students’ rights to confidentiality and do not require that any particular or specific information be disclosed. Moreover, we do not evaluate students’ progress in the program based on the disclosure of any specific information (except as mandated by ethical codes or law). It is our experience that this philosophy and related formats in our classes provide a rich educational experience, involving more aspects of student experience than do standard lectures or written material that do not include the person of the therapist-in-training. In addition, although the CPSY program does not require individual or group therapy of students, the faculty strongly recommends that students engage in psychotherapy as part of their training. To assist in this effort, the department maintains a list of qualified therapists who work with students at a reduced fee. The Santa Clara University Counseling Center also provides services to students seeking assistance for specific needs. The Counseling Center costs are included in student fees.
Comprehensive Examination
All Master of Arts candidates are required to pass the comprehensive examination. This written comprehensive examination is typically taken during the last or next to the last quarter of study in the program (summer session excluded), or after all required courses, with the exception of practicum experience, have been completed. The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to facilitate a meaningful synthesis of the various concepts and experiences provided in the program.
Thesis
A small number of students, particularly those who will pursue a doctoral degree may do a thesis. Students who complete a thesis do not have to take the comprehensive exam. See the University website for .
Exit Survey
All graduating students are asked to complete a brief exit survey to help us to continually upgrade the program.
Department of Counseling Psychology Course Descriptions
Courses offered specifically for education students are listed in the Department of Education section of the bulletin; however, some counseling psychology courses are cross-referenced with education.
200. Psychology of Interpersonal Communications
The foundation course for all CPSY programs, this course provides a laboratory setting in which students master basic skill sets that are fundamental for effective communication, advanced counseling and therapy. Among the basic skills essential to counseling psychology are the cultivation of attention, learning to ask questions, paraphrasing and encouraging, reflecting feeling and meaning, confrontation and empathy. The course allows students the opportunity to create, discover and/or examine and expand their personal counseling style through deep investigation of both self and the professional literature. A primary focus is on being more conscious and intentional in interpersonal communication and subsequently in the counseling process. Prerequisite: None (3 units)
205. Community Based Learning
This course is designed on a community-based learning model and is intended to expose students to a variety of social issues that affect individuals and families of low socio-economic status: poverty, deprivation, inadequate housing, access to health care, access to education, and other salient issues. A variety of sites, schools, community pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc. are available for the student to choose. The student is expected to assist in these sites as they are asked. This is not a therapy-based practicum and students do not provide any counseling services. Students are expected to participate in their site for 4 hours per week and attend a 90-minute weekly reflection period. Prerequisite: None (3 units)
211. Human Sexuality
This course provides information and perspective to future therapists regarding biological, developmental, behavioral, emotional, and cultural aspects of human sexuality. It is principally clinical in focus: reading materials, classroom experiences and discussions are used to augment students’ knowledge of human sexual functioning, both potential and problematic, and to expand students’ comfort with their future role as therapists to couples and individuals. Prerequisite: 212 or 216. (3 units)
212. Psychology of Relationships
The focus of this course is relationships: how human beings develop as relational beings; how they orient toward themselves and toward others in relationship; how they orient in the therapeutic relationship; how their relational templates may be the focus of therapeutic intervention. Study is focused on the formation and dynamics of interpersonal relationships in the individual, family, and couples. Study also includes traditional and nontraditional relationships. Prerequisite: 200 or 216. (3 units)
213. Foundations of LGBTQ+ Psychology
This course provides counseling psychology students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with issues likely to be encountered when working with LGBT clients. Students will confront their own beliefs and feelings about same sex relationships and how these might affect their clinical work. Teaching methodology will include lecture, readings and discussions, case studies, experiential exercises, testimonies of LGBTQ+ persons, and films. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
214. Evidence-Based Approaches to Psychotherapy
This course focuses on research and clinical techniques related to evidence-based practice in psychotherapy. It includes instruction on methodology, analysis, and synthesis of research on the efficacy and outcomes of psychotherapy interventions, as well as training in evidence-based counseling techniques from a variety of theoretical perspectives, including cognitive, behavioral, person-centered, and psychodynamic. Students gain an understanding of how those techniques should be implemented with a variety of disorders and psychosocial issues. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
216. Psychology of Human Development
This course offers a developmental approach to the entire human life cycle from childhood through old age, with focus on significant transitions and passages. Includes coping with change in the personal, social, and transpersonal domains and how it has an impact on human growth and development. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
218. Foundations of Psychotherapy and Personality
This course offers a comprehensive review of fundamental concepts in personality theories and their applications to counseling and psychopathology, with special focus on explicating the relationship between theory and practice. Key elements, concepts, and techniques associated with major theories of counseling are examined; identifying the strengths and limitations of each of the major theories, as well as commonalities and divergences among them. The course will help students formulate an initial personal theory of counseling from which to build as they evolve through the program. Exploration of Psychoanalytic, Humanistic, Cognitive, Behavioral, Systems and multi-cultural theory and technique are among the course foci. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
219. Psychology of Group Counseling
This course is an introduction to small-group dynamics. Techniques of small-group leadership and experiential involvement in group process. The phases of natural group development and ethical, professional leadership are examined. Primary focus is on process-oriented, especially closed-ended groups. Lab group required concurrently or prior. Prerequisites: 200 and 218; 221 is a co-requisite; 220 is strongly recommended as a prerequisite. (3 units)
220. Research Methods
Fundamentals of research and statistics in analyzing research in counseling and psychotherapy are addressed in this course. There is an emphasis on the review, evaluation and interpretation of research literature, particularly in the areas of child development and counseling, and marital and family therapy. Discussion of formulations of research proposals and theses are included. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
221. Group Counseling Lab
This lab is an experiential application of the theories and principles learned in 219. This lab is taken concurrently with 219. Prerequisites: 200 and 218; 220 strongly recommended. (1.5 units)
227. Counseling Process and Skills
Intensive focus on the development of individual counseling skills through readings, discussion, experiential exercises, and feedback on skill development. Reviews of videotaped interviews enhance self-observation skills and understanding of therapeutic processes. Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
228. Advanced Counseling Process and Skills
This course is an intensive skill-building class presenting an integrative model of individual therapy. Theory and interventions are based on process experiential (Emotion-Focused Therapy) and interpersonal (Time-Limited Dynamic, Control Mastery) approaches. The class offers students opportunities to (a) learn and practice strategies and techniques for working with process dimensions of therapy, (b) learn a wide range of therapy markers and the specific interventions recommended for each of them, (c) gain experience as counselors in supervised therapy mini-sessions, (d) practice advanced therapy skills during class, and (e) receive extensive feedback on their counseling skills. The class is particularly useful for students just before or during their practicum experience. Prerequisites: 200, 218 and 227. (3 units)
230. Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Sexually Expansive Clients
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of psychotherapy with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients. Students will be introduced to a variety of clinical issues when working with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients, including heterosexism and homophobia, minority stress, coming out, trauma, developmental and health concerns, sexuality, relationships and parenting issues. Students will also learn the relevant clinical skills in working with this population through experiential exercises, role plays, live demos, video sessions analysis, and skills practice. Students will be asked to explore how their own backgrounds, experience and biases may impact their therapeutic work with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients. (3 units)
231. Multicultural Counseling
This class addresses the evaluation of the various models of psychotherapy as they relate to diverse populations and the influence of the mores and values of various ethnically and culturally diverse populations upon the counseling process. Within-group differences associated with culture, acculturation, and identity development are explored in depth. Self-exploration of racial/ethnic perceptions, attitudes, and experiences, as well as perceptions of gender, privilege, SES, class, and other issues are included. Review and evaluation of contemporary examples of multicultural research are discussed. Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
243. System-Impacted Youth: Trauma and Effects
Topics include: Concepts and characteristics of child and adolescent delinquency, including the effects of trauma, violence and abuse; gangs; substance abuse; teenage parenthood; and dropout, anti-social, and nonconventional behavior; Introduction to the treatment of these issues, including correctional education, special education, juvenile justice, and social welfare systems as well as effective practices for counselors, including crisis, safety, and weapons management among others. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
244. Correctional Psychology
This course includes principles and procedures of correctional psychology and correctional education, including current research on best practices. Discussion of prosocial development and skills, functional assessment and curriculum, correctional psychology, criminal justice, vocational programs, aggression reduction, prejudice reduction, life skills training, comprehensive systems, and treatment planning. Examination of therapeutic approaches and model programs are addressed. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
245. Community Mental Health
This course introduces a systems-level framework for understanding and working with individuals, families, and communities affected by structural inequities and institutional barriers. Students will explore the intersecting roles of multiple social systems, including criminal justice, child welfare, foster care, educational systems, immigration, and healthcare, in shaping the mental health and life circumstances of the populations counselors serve. Drawing on social work frameworks and community-based practice, the course covers systems navigation, case management, conducting assessments and placements, coordination of care across systems, and the development of culturally responsive and structurally informed interventions. This course serves as the conceptual foundation for the Community Mental Health Concentration, establishing the systemic lens through which subsequent emphasis coursework is understood. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
264. Object-Relations Therapy
This course is an introduction to the central ideas and processes involved in the object-relations approach to psychotherapy. Critical concepts such as projective identification, transference/countertransference, the holding environment, internal objects, transitional phenomena, the therapeutic matrix, etc. are explored and practiced. Readings from the British school (Klein, Winnicott) and American (Ogden) are blended with clinical practice and discussion. Prerequisites: 212, 216, 218 and 227. (3 units)
265. Cognitive Behavior Therapy
This course provides a “hands-on” approach to understanding the basic tenets of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Beginning with a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts and research supporting CBT, students will learn about and practice cognitive behavioral therapy through didactic lectures, experiential learning, readings, group discussion, videos, and role plays. A primary focus in this class is practical applications of CBT, including relaxation training, activity scheduling, and development of treatment plans for diverse populations. Prerequisites: 200 and 218; 214 recommended. (3 units)
266. Counseling the Adolescent
The adolescent as studied from developmental, sociological, and psychological perspectives, with special emphasis on counseling strategies and action techniques appropriate to this critical transition age. Prerequisite: 200 and 216. (3 units)
275. Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
Study of professional, legal, and ethical issues that emerge in marriage and family counseling, psychotherapy, and private practice; understanding values as a method of critical thinking and behavioral analysis. Students confront such issues as confidentiality, clients’ rights, mediation, as well as child, spousal/partner, and elder abuse. Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
276. Professional Orientation, Ethics, and Law in Counseling
This course addresses the study of licensing law and process, regulatory laws that delineate the profession’s scope of practice, strategies for collaboration, and advocacy processes needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients. Prerequisites: 275. (1.5 units).
280. Psychology of Aging and the Family
This course is an overview of the research on adult development, with an emphasis on large-sample longitudinal studies. Concepts and definitions of adulthood are explored. Primary emphasis is on the clinical utility and integration of stages of adulthood and both their empirical parameters and those presented in the world’s great mythologies and contemplative traditions. Focus on identification and assistance with the transitional challenges of middle and late adulthood. Finally, theories of aging and issues that concern the elderly; dynamics and complexity of intergenerational families; social responses to aging and concerns of the extended family are integrated into practical counseling models for individual, family, and group therapy. Prerequisite: 200 and 216. (3 units)
282. Gestalt Therapy for Individuals and Couples
The theory and techniques of Fritz Perls and the Gestalt school are included with an emphasis on applications to family, individual, and couple counseling. Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
283. Theory and Practice of Jungian Psychotherapy
Jung’s classical model of the psyche is employed as the organizing focus for study of the basic theoretical concepts of complex theory, ego, Self, persona, shadow, anima/animus, archetype, collective unconscious, transcendent function, and the process of individuation. All classes are built around case material and illustrated with images from clients’ dreams and drawings. Exercises are used as an opportunity for students to become acquainted with Jungian emphasis on the proper symbolic attitude in the therapist, and the appropriate clinical use of the Jungian methods of amplification, active imagination, word association, and typology. Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
285. Person-Centered Therapy
Carl Rogers’ contribution to psychotherapy is explored, with emphasis on developing essential qualities of healing (e.g. empathy, congruence, unconditional positive regard) and exploring the research literature, from Rogers’ early contributions to more modern theoretical developments. Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
288. Existential Psychotherapy
Among the major theories of psychotherapy, Existential Psychotherapy holds a place that both blends with other approaches and stands distinctly apart. Focused on the personal experience of meaning, this form of psychotherapy explores the inner world as the client creates it. Beginning with the thinking of Viktor Frankl, the course focuses primarily on the American approaches to existential therapy. Constructs employed include the centrality of choice, the tension between the fear of the unknown (freedom) and the stagnation of the status quo (security), the salience of the here-and-now experience of self and the therapist's use of self. Although a theory class, significant portions of the class are clinical and pragmatic; exploring existential psychotherapy in film, demonstration and experimentation. Prerequisites: 15 units including CPSY 227. (3 units)
291. Counseling for Grief, Loss and Trauma
This course explores psychological issues and skills in counseling people coping with loss, grief, and life-threatening illness, and other traumatic circumstances. Topics include: current theory and research on coping with and resilience to grief, loss, and trauma; assessment and therapeutic interventions with individuals and families; cultural and spiritual dimensions; the evolving philosophy and practice of hospice and palliative care; stress management for the therapist. The applicability of these concepts and skills to everyday psychotherapy practice is emphasized. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
295. Psychotherapy Integration
The evolving field of psychotherapy recognizes the value of merging diverse therapeutic approaches. This course delves into the synthesis of theoretical and practical aspects of psychotherapy integration. Students will examine the historical context, research underpinnings, and foundational concepts of integrative approaches, including the Common Factors Approach, Technical Eclecticism, Theoretical Integration, and Assimilative Integration. The curriculum focuses on the integration of theories and empirical evidence with practical case studies, highlighting the application of integrative strategies in clinical settings. Prerequisites: CPSY218, CPSY227, and at least 15 completed units. (3 units)
296. Special Topics in Psychotherapy
This course examines special topics in psychotherapy (e.g. use of AI in psychotherapy; psychotherapy in specific community settings; advanced techniques and interventions). (3 Units)
298. Psychology and Spirituality
This course includes a comparative study of various Eastern and Western themes and schools of spirituality and an in-depth exploration of the implications and relationship of these views to counseling psychology. Topics include: the nature of the human person and criteria for assessing a person’s spiritual-psychological health and growth; stages of development; teachings on how to guide or work with another; and views on such themes as authentic love, humility, guilt, and discernment. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
300. Career Development and Life Planning
Topics include: Overview of the career development field, focusing on current career development and decision theory; Applications of theory across various settings (industry, clinics, schools, rehabilitation, etc.).; Exploration of changing concepts of work and career and Examination of the meaning and spirituality of work, and of “calling,” conscious life planning and lifestyle choices. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
302. Formal & Informal Assessment in Career Development
Topics in this course include: Familiarity with, and use of, current career assessment instrumentation; Evaluation of leading instruments; selection criteria governing use of instruments according to client needs; Interpretation of individual and group assessment data; and Practice in completing the career counseling interview, including appropriate assessment and interpretation. The course includes an approved, individualized, formal career assessment to be completed either prior to or concurrent with 302. Prerequisite: 300. Recommended: 319. (3 units)
306. Sex Therapy
This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of sex therapy, including sexual physiology, sexual response cycles, sexual disorders, sexual assessment and treatment, and diversity in sexual expression. Also covers the fundamentals of AASECT certification and professional code of conduct. Prerequisite: 211. (3 units)
308. Counseling for Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster
This course explores psychological issues and skills in counseling people facing crisis, emergency, and disaster. Topics include: theory and research on the effects of emergency and disaster; assessment strategies; multidisciplinary responses to crisis, emergency, and disaster; and principles of intervention for individuals in crisis or confronting emergency and disaster situations. Prerequisites: 200, 291. (1.5 units)
Treating Complex Trauma This course presents a skills-focused, evidence-based, and phase-oriented therapeutic framework to treat complex trauma. Specific areas of emphasis include working with trauma in couples and family therapy, cultural competence in trauma therapy, and practical skills to work with common symptoms and themes that arise out of complex trauma. Prerequisites: 291, 308. (3 units)
309. Independent Study
Supervised course of study initiated by the student. A written proposal and course syllabus must be submitted to the Dean’s Office by the end of the first week of the term in which the course will be conducted. The proposal must be approved with signatures from the faculty member of record and the Department Chair. (1-6 units)
310. Psychology of Marriage and Couples Counseling
This course is an introduction to methods, theories, and techniques of premarital, marital, sexual, and divorce counseling. Initial focus is on normal relational development, followed by characteristic methods of intervention with relationship difficulties in a primary dyadic relationship. Couple relationships within the cultures most common in California are explored and integrated with the more generic foci. This class includes considerable media and experiential components. Prerequisites: 212 and 227. (3 units)
315. Family Therapy
This course is an introduction to systems theory (e.g., Structural, Bowenian, Strategic) and procedures appropriate to working with families. Opportunity to practice counseling with simulated families is included. Prerequisites: 212 and 227. (3 units)
317. Therapeutic Interventions with Children
A broad range of therapeutic interventions with children and families are presented, with a particular focus on play therapy. Case conceptualization, diagnostic formulation, and issues related to treatment planning are addressed. The influence of class, culture and ethnicity on the assessment/treatment process is explored. Prerequisite: 200 and 216. (3 units)
318. Clinical Assessment I: Diagnosis
This course is a study of the therapeutic decision-making process in the context of psychopathology and the clinical setting with emphasis on the recognition, classification, understanding, and diagnosis of mental health conditions. Psychodiagnostic assessment using the DSM classification system includes psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, sleep disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and personality disorders. Prerequisites: 218 and 220. (3 units)
319. Clinical Assessment: Testing
Emphasis on diagnosis and clinical judgment, including such issues as type of impairment, degree of impairment, predictability, and treatment plan, as well as sources of error judgment and how these errors are minimized. The use of individual, couple, and family assessment techniques, projective tests, personality inventories, and other instruments in a professional setting. Prerequisites: 220 and 318. (3 units)
320. Substance Use and Addiction: Assessment and Treatment
This course focuses on substance use, the nature of addiction, and treatment strategies in both individual and group psychotherapy modalities. Included are various clinical approaches to treatment; coordination of treatment with 12-step programs; co-occurrence of substance use with other disorders; understanding the stages of recovery; and working with adolescents. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
321. Dual Diagnosis: Assessment and Treatment
This course covers the complexities and interactions in the diagnosis and treatment of DSM psychological disorders in the presence of co-occurring substance use disorders. Prerequisite: 320. (1.5 Units )
323. Psychopharmacology
This is an introductory course designed for those without biological or medical training to provide a firm basis in practical neurophysiology and psychopharmacology. Course foci include the structure and functions of the nervous system, interactions of other organ systems, principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The material is presented from a clinical orientation with illustrative case examples. Boundaries of practice and practical issues of assessment and referral are covered in depth. Prerequisites: 218, 318, 328. Can be taken concurrently with practicum. (3 units)
324. Biological Bases of Behavior
This course examines the biological basis for neonatal to early childhood development and behavior. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the positive and negative effects of environment on early brain development and their sequelae in later life, including development and behavior in adolescence, adulthood and old age. Prerequisites: 216 and 218. (1.5 units)
325. Child-Centered Play Therapy
This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge of the central components of Child-Centered Play Therapy. Much of the work of the Play Therapist is to help children make sense of difficult life experiences. Accordingly, this course will place special emphasis on the ways Child-Centered Play Therapy is uniquely suitable to meet the emotional and psychological needs of child clients. Students will be tasked with learning the core skills, competencies and methods of non-directive Play Therapy, as well as building greater awareness of skills of maintaining the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic space. By the end of this course, students will be able to evidence knowledge, understanding and competence in Child-Centered Play Therapy intervention skills and effective provision and analysis of a non-directive Play Therapy intervention. Prerequisites: 216, 218, and 317.
326. Early Childhood/Infant Mental Health
This course offers a relational, developmental, and cross-disciplinary perspective on the functioning of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers. Students will learn about the diagnostic system and cultural formulation for young children, the DC:0-5. The course will offer a survey of key thinkers and theoretical influences on this sub-specialty (attachment theory, affect regulation theory, parent-child relationship competencies), and the rationale behind some current approaches to observation, assessment and treatment. This class will also introduce conceptual and experiential components of reflective practice, a core tool for working with this population. Practical tools for developmental and diagnostic screening will be introduced as well as an orientation to cross-disciplinary systems and community resources for children birth to age 5. Prerequisites: 216 and 317.
327. Working with Parents in Child and Adolescent Therapy
This course will provide a general overview of parent and family dynamics, parent-child relations, the diversity of family structures, best practices in parenting, and psychosocial theories that address working with parents (and children) in a therapeutic setting. We will cover the complexities of being a parent and the evolving nature of this role throughout the child’s lifespan (e.g., toddlerhood, early childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood). Students will develop a working framework of parent-child relationships and gain experiential knowledge related to working with families in a variety of therapeutic settings. Prerequisites: 216 and 317.
328. Clinical Assessment II: Issues in Child Diagnosis
This course is a study of diagnostic issues in the context of psychopathology and the clinical setting with an emphasis on children and youth. Traditional DSM diagnostic categories are studied, including neurodevelopmental disorders, eating disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, substance use and addictive disorders, and disorders related to trauma. Prerequisites: 218, 220 and 318. (3 units)
329. School-Based Mental Health: Theory and Practice
This course is an introduction to school-based mental health, intended to increase knowledge of the ins-and-outs of school culture and how to work effectively as a mental health counselor in school settings. Content will include a review of ethical guidelines for working with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and other professionals, as well as plenty of practical tools for providing direct (e.g. mental health counseling) and indirect services (e.g. consultation). Special topics addressed will include crisis response, violence/bullying prevention, social and cultural diversity, and special education laws and practice. Prerequisites: 318 and 328. (3 units)
330. Introduction to Counseling Practicum (Pre-Practicum)
This course is for students who have completed 18 units and want to gain pre-practicum hours of experience. The focus of the class is the initial counseling experiences for MFT track students. The class involves both field placement and ten hours of seminar/consultation class meeting and meets California MFT licensing requirements for practicum hours. Students will coordinate site placements through the Practicum Director. Topics include assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, case management, cultural competency and counseling interventions. Prerequisites include CPSY 200, 216, 218, and 275 (others may be determined by placement). One unit per term. May be taken up to three times. (1 unit)
331. Field Experience
Supervised field experiences in community services such as juvenile probation, mental health, community colleges, etc. To be taken in the second half of the 45-unit degree program, after completion of the counseling core. Weekly seminars for consultation and discussion with a supervisor on such topics as case management and evaluation, referral procedures, ethical practices, professional and client interaction, confidential communication, and inter-professional ethical considerations. Arrangements with the site must be made before the beginning of course. Enrollment of 331 is typically very small. Meetings with professors are individual and ongoing. Prerequisites: Six core courses and permission of instructor. (3 units)
332. Psychotherapy with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Clients
In this course students will develop clinical skills to work effectively with Transgender and Nonbinary clients (i.e., Gender Nonconforming, Genderqueer, Intersex and others exploring alternative expressions of gender and sexuality). The course will address terminology, the damaging effects of misgendering, and will also support students in learning how to demonstrate respect and allyship with gender nonconforming clients. Readings, discussions, experiential exercises, case studies, and feedback on skills development will be components of this class. Prerequisite: 213 or permission of instructor (3 units)
333. Counseling Practicum
Supervised counseling experience designed specifically to meet California MFT and LPCC licensing requirements. Weekly seminars for consultation and discussion with a licensed supervisor on such topics as case management and evaluation, systems of care, community resources, advocacy issues, referral procedures, ethical practices, professional and client interaction, confidential communication, and documentation, among other issues. Prerequisites: Six core classes; 212, 219, 221, 227, 311, 315, 317, 318, 328, and permission of instructor. Must begin in the Fall quarter. (3 units per term; 9 units required)
351. Advanced Seminar in Family Therapy
For students who have completed CPSY 315, and 317 and wish to participate in advanced training in brief family therapy. Students will receive intensive training in conducting strength-based parent counseling (C.A.R.E. Parent Therapy). In addition, students will have the opportunity to conduct brief counseling with a parent(s) at a local community clinic. Recommended for students interested in family and child therapy, and short-term approaches to treatment. Prerequisites: 218, 315. Recommended: 317. (3 units)
352. Gender and Counseling Psychology
The major purpose of this course is for students to learn about gender issues within the field of counseling psychology from a multicultural and feminist perspective. Students will gain essential knowledge and techniques to work with developmental gender issues in diverse settings. In building on their extant multicultural competency, students will cultivate greater knowledge, awareness, and skills to provide culture-and gender-sensitive clinical practice. This course will help students recognize the ways in which gender issues and socialization affect men, women, and non-binary experiences and identities in an evolving and multicultural society. Prerequisites: CPSY 231. (3 units)
360. Latine Psychology
Designed to enhance the knowledge and skill components of their multicultural training (CSPY 231), with a specific focus on Latine cultures. An overview is offered of the Latine experience within a socio-political and psycho-social context, and implications for therapeutic interventions are explored. Topics covered include: culture and personality, acculturation and ethnic self-identification, gender role socialization, influence of family and other systems, educational achievement, religion and spirituality, traditional healing practices, immigration and diversity within the Latine population. Prerequisite: 231 or permission of instructor. (3 units)
361. Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy
Special Topics in Multicultural Psychotherapy This course examines special topics in multicultural psychotherapy (e.g. Latine access to health care services; related topics of health care access and advocacy, and health education programs). (1.5 Units)
362. Individual Counseling Skills with Latine Clients
Development of counseling skills within a cultural context. An examination is provided of how the counseling process is affected by cultural dynamics and counselor/client variables. Students will learn how to use cultural variables to help develop empathy and a strong working alliance with Latine clients. Discussion, demonstration and application of various therapeutic and treatment approaches. Feedback and supervision provided for specific skill development. Prerequisite: 200. Recommended: 231. (3 units)
364. Interventions with Latine Families and Children
This course offers specific information on “therapy techniques” with Latine family members. The importance of setting for the “therapy” is examined. An enhanced understanding is proffered from common experiences Latine families have with various systems of care including schools, hospitals, community mental health agencies, and social service agencies. Within this framework, applied therapy techniques for children and families are examined. A strength-based, systems approach will be used to guide our discussions. Prerequisite: 200. Recommended: 231 and 360. (3 units)
366. Spanish-Based Interviewing and Assessment
Course conducted completely in Spanish. Emphasis will be placed on conducting client interviews, assessments, making recommendations, and providing instructions in Spanish. Other topics include: use of advanced-level Spanish in job/field-related language contexts and discussion of field-related articles and theories. Prerequisite: 200 and fluency in Spanish. (3 units)
380. Positive Psychology and Health
Introduction to positive psychology, the empirical study of what leads humans to develop and flourish. Introduces theory, research and applications, exploring the implications of positive psychology for our understanding of health and illness. Topics include: What is health? Wholeness? Wellness? What makes people happy? How do you help people not merely survive, but thrive? How do we foster stress-related growth? What is the role of spirituality in health? What are positive psychological interventions? Students are encouraged to think critically about what it means to be healthy, and to reflect on personal experiences related to health and illness. Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
381. Health Psychology: Theory and Practice
This course is an introduction to health psychology theory, research, and practice, with a special focus on health promotion and health behavior change. Topics include: models of health and illness; biopsychosocial factors in illness; personality, health, and coping; social support and health; health assessment; models and strategies for health behavior change, including Prochaska’s stage model and motivational interviewing; issues and preventions with specific health behaviors; and health promotion in the workplace and other settings. Prerequisite: None (3 units)
385. Stress and Stress Management
This course is an introduction to conceptual models of chronic stress in home, work, and community environments. Particular attention is paid to methods and programs to assess, as well as alter, chronic stress. Emphasis is placed on the bio/psycho/ social factors in the etiology, maintenance, and modification of stress. Intervention methods are demonstrated and practiced. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
388. Mindfulness and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice
This course will focus on the construct of mindfulness and its applications to psychotherapy. An experiential and academic understanding of mindfulness will be emphasized. The experiential component will involve training in meditation and mindfulness practices. The academic component will involve rigorous examination of current research on the applications of mindfulness in health care, as well as exploration of current theories of mindfulness and its applications to clinical work. The intention of the course is to help students better understand the construct of mindfulness and how it can be applied in clinical practice as a technique for clients, a theoretical frame for therapists, and as a means of enhancing therapist skills, for example, empathy and attention. A final intention is for students to explore the potential benefits of mindfulness for their own self-care and self-inquiry. Prerequisite: None. (3 units)
389. Advanced Group Counseling
For students who have completed 219 and wish advanced training in group leadership procedures. This course focuses on practices of group therapy, and on the complexities of parallel processes and the transference/ countertransference issues in groups. Both practical and academic approaches are taken; each student applies classroom learning to an ongoing group process situation. Extensive use of videotape, role-playing, and hands-on practice. The class includes a required one-day “marathon” group session. Recommended for students who expect to do group counseling and therapy in their post-master’s employment. Prerequisites: 200, 218, 219. (3 units)
390. Advanced Seminar in Couples Therapy
This course is specifically designed to help students conceptualize and plan treatment for couples. The stress is on issues of structured and non-structured interviewing, transference and countertransference, and family of origin. Normally the class views and examines a “live case” or case scenarios through the term and/or class participation in problem-solving couples’ difficulties and extensive case examples and role playing. Examination of divorce issues and alternative lifestyles is included. Prerequisites: 212, 227 and 311. (3 units)
391. Hypnotic Techniques in Counseling and Therapy
This course is an introduction to hypnotherapeutic techniques in the therapy context. Students learn to induce trance states and the appropriate application of these for therapeutic purposes. The course emphasizes ethical utilization in both traditional and indirect hypnosis. The use of hypnosis as a part of psychotherapy is explored in depth. A clinically oriented course; research and literature are used to support the clinical application of hypnosis for such issues as pain control, memory retrieval, anesthesia, habit control, and direct therapy. Prerequisites: 227. Usually taken on a pass/ fail basis. (3 units)
395. Advanced Object Relations Seminar: Clinical Techniques
This is an advanced skill building course which addresses technique-related topics relevant to the growth and development of the skilled Object Relations therapist. The course focuses in depth on different topics during different terms. Topics range from developing a clinical stance, to uses of interpretation, working in the transference, working with countertransference and projective identification, working with frame issues, working with the schizoid patient, working with the narcissistic patient, the technical Winnicott, the technique papers of Freud, etc. The course will include relevant readings, presentations of case material, and experiential clinical practice. Prerequisite: 264 or permission of instructor. (3 units)
399. Thesis
Optional course; usually selected by candidates preparing for doctoral studies. The thesis should concern a recognized problem in the student’s field of specialization, should make a scholarly contribution to the extant body of knowledge in this area, and should review the principal sources of knowledge. Format should follow the guidelines established by the American Psychological Association. Supervision and review of the thesis provided by faculty member(s) designated by the chair of the Department of Counseling Psychology. Students may replace the Comprehensive Examination with completion of an approved thesis. Requirements for thesis submission are negotiated with the thesis faculty director. (1-6 units) See the university website for .