Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (Hybrid)

Students may opt to complete the general degree, Counseling Psychology, or may choose from one of two tracks in Trauma or Addictions Counseling.

Course descriptions can be found in the MA in Psychology Programs Student Handbook and Catalog.

Counseling Psychology

Core Courses

PS501 Counseling Theory
PS502 Psychopathology
PS503 Counseling Techniques
PS504 Group Therapy
PS505 Advanced Human Development
PS506 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
PS508 Crisis Intervention and Disaster Mental Health
PS509 Career Counseling
PS510 Addictions
PS511 Research and Evaluation
PS515 Social and Cultural Foundations
PS525 Psychological Assessment and Techniques
PS612 Counseling for Chronic Illness
PS635 Brain, Behavior, and Psychopharmacology

Clinical Courses

PS507 Practicum
PS660 Internship I
PS661 Internship II

Electives

(choose 3)
PS633 Psychological Trauma Across the Lifespan
PS530 Ethical and Legal Issues in Addictions Counseling
PS535 Health and Wellness Practices for Recovery
PS540 Evidence based Practices for the Treatment of Addiction
PS625 Motivational Interviewing
PS630 Psychoactive Drugs, Abuse, and Addictions
PS637 Evidenced-based Practices for the Treatment of Trauma
PS639 Mindful Counseling

Trauma Track

In addition to all core and clinical courses, students complete the following electives.

Electives

PS633 Psychological Trauma Across the Lifespan
PS637 Evidenced-based Practices in the Treatment of Trauma
PS639 Mindful Counseling

Addictions Track**

In addition to all core and clinical courses, students complete the following electives.

Electives

PS535 Health and Wellness Practices for Recovery
PS540 Evidence based Practices for the Treatment of Addiction
PS625 Motivational Interviewing

^**Students in the Addictions Track will be eligible for the Theodore Everett Berlin Scholarship.

At the completion of this program students will be able to:

• Understand qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research studies.
• Critically analyze peer-reviewed literature.
• Examine the most appropriate methods and understand different types of research designs, including survey, experimental, and quasi-experimental.
• Students will design, conduct, write, and present new psychological research.
• Analyze several different aspects of human development, including, but not limited to: cognitive development, social development, and emotional development.
• Evaluate the impact of mental health issues on society at micro and macro levels.
• Explore various types of trauma (physical, sexual, emotional), and how they affect individuals, couples, families, and groups differently.
• Analyze literature on mental health diagnoses, psychopharmacology, trauma, and resiliency.
• Evaluate the psychological, sociological, and biological concerns related to aging.
• Analyze attitudes, reactions, values, and beliefs about death, dying and grief across cultures in the United States.
• Understand counseling theories and how they apply to clinical practice
• Apply core counseling techniques to a wide variety of clinical issues and presentations.
• Comprehend and abide by ethical codes of conduct for professional counseling practices.
• Demonstrate competency in crisis situations.

Per the Federal Regulation 84 FR 58834, Fisher College complies with the publication of Professional Licensure information.

As of the 2020-2021 Academic Year, the Fisher College Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree program meets the requirements for state licensure in the state of Massachusetts.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Requirements by State

Program Requirements

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program consists of 20 3-credit courses for a total of 60 credits.

Delivery Format

Courses will be offered in three 12-week terms. Students with continuous, full-time enrollment may complete the program in 2 years. Classes will be offered in a combination of online and face-to-face classes.

Licensure

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology aligns with the Massachusetts Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensure requirements. Students may be eligible to apply for licensure after:

• Completing the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program
• Accruing 3,360 hours of supervised work in the mental health counseling field (about 2 years)
• Passing the National Clinical Mental Health Examination

^*Requirements vary by state