The Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology is based on the practitioner-scholar model of training and therefore has the preparation of training clinicians as its priority. The program requires approximately four years of full-time training beyond the master’s degree. The first three years are dedicated to coursework that is designed to be in compliance with the curricular standards established by the Council on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association and by the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs. The first three years of academic preparation includes a focus on building a solid knowledge and skill base and includes advanced practica and progress in the preliminary stages of the practice-oriented dissertation. The final year is reserved for defense of the dissertation and for the completion of a year long, full-time internship.

Students are admitted each fall in cohorts of approximately ten. In consideration of the working-student, classes are typically scheduled between the hours of 4:30 and 8:30pm.

Specific goals and competencies for students in the Counseling Psychology program are included in the following broad areas:

• Knowledge of Psychology as a scientifically grounded discipline
• Understanding of Counseling Psychology as a profession;
• Competence in the integration of research and practice;
• Professionalism.

More specifically, knowledge and skill base areas can be further delineated into the General Psychology Core and the Professional Core in Counseling Psychology, each of which is addressed through the Program’s curriculum.

I.  General Psychology Core:

A.  Biological Bases of Behavior                    
B.  Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behavior
C.  Social Bases of Behavior
D.  Life Span Development
E.  Individual Differences
F.  History and Systems of Psychology
G.  Research Methods and Design, Data Analytic Techniques, and Psychometrics

II. Professional Core in Counseling Psychology:

A. Professional Issues in Counseling Psychology
B. Theories and Techniques of Counseling Psychology
C. Legal and Ethical Issues
D. Individual and Cultural Diversity
E. Practicum and Internship Training
F. Psychological Assessment, Diagnosis, and Appraisal
G. Career Development and Counseling        
H. Consultation
I.  Program Evaluation
J. Supervision and Training

For information about applying to the program, please contact:

Mary C. Burke, Ph.D.
Director of Training Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology
Department of Psychology & Counseling
Phone: 412-578-6408
E-mail: burkemx@carlow.edu

Robert A. Reed, Psy.D.
Chairperson
Department of Psychology & Counseling
Phone: 412-578-6349
E-mail: reedra@carlow.edu