Program Overview
This five year degree program provides training for the professional practice of psychology as a counseling psychologist and awards the Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.). The program’s philosophy and model of training are grounded in its identity both as a practitioner-oriented program which offers the Psy.D. degree and as a program which trains professionals to function in the role of a counseling psychologist. The program is student-centered, and is attentive to the needs of the adult learner. Once foundation courses are completed, the curriculum allows students to focus on areas of counseling psychology consistent with their interests and professional goals. The program emphasizes and integrates professional ethics, diversity and multiculturalism, and evidence-based practices throughout the curriculum.
Program Philosophy and Training Model
The Psy.D. is a professional degree which prepares individuals for careers as licensed psychologists. At the Vail Conference in 1973, the APA endorsed the Psy.D. for the training of individuals who offer direct psychological services. Consistent with the Vail Model, the program adheres to a practitioner-scholar model of training. The Psy.D. prepares graduates for the independent practice of psychology with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. Psychological services include assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis; intervention with individuals, couples, families, and groups; professional consultation and program development with individuals and organizations; supervision of individuals providing psychological services; and assessment of outcomes of counseling psychological services.
Counseling psychology is a specialty within the broad framework of the professional practice of psychology. Counseling psychologists facilitate personal and interpersonal functioning across the life span with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and organizational concerns. Through the integration of theory, research, and practice, and with sensitivity to multicultural issues, this specialty encompasses a broad range of practices that help people improve their well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and increase their ability to live more highly functioning lives. Counseling psychology is unique in its attention both to normal developmental issues and to problems associated with physical, emotional, and mental disorders.
Accreditation
The Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a program in health service psychology which is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Accreditation information can be obtained from the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE; Washington, D.C. 20002-4242. Phone: 202-336-5979; TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123.
Program Mission
The mission of the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota PsyD in Counseling Psychology program is the development of counseling psychologists who engage in ethical practice with cultural humility and self-reflection. The program strives to produce professionally competent graduates who demonstrate commitment to the pursuit of social justice and promote wellbeing across the lifespan.
Program Goals and Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course of study for the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes requisite to practice competently in the domains described by each of the following goals and associated objectives:
I. Ground the practice of psychology in the science of psychology
A. Critically evaluate research and theory in psychology
B. Conduct applied clinical research
C. Apply knowledge of the scientific foundations of psychology to professional practice
II. Assess and evaluate psychological functioning
A. Administer, score, and interpret standardized psychological tests
B. Conduct psychological assessments
C. Construct, select, and utilize measures of psychological functioning
D. Write psychological reports
III. Implement psychological interventions
A. Select interventions based on the best available evidence
B. Conceptualize problems according to multiple theoretical perspectives
C. Deliver interventions effectively, ethically, and professionally
D. Monitor the outcome of interventions
IV. Practice with diverse populations
A. Appreciate and integrate the multiple perspectives from which people and systems operate
B. Demonstrate awareness of the impact of bias in psychological practice
C. Provide psychological services competently and ethically with clientele from diverse backgrounds
V. Function in multiple professional roles and settings
A. Collaborate with stakeholders and other professionals
B. Supervise the work of other professionals
C. Consult with individuals, agencies, and institutions
D. Educate students, other professionals, and the general public
E. Provide psychological services in varied settings
VI. Achieve an identity as a professional psychologist
A. Adhere to state and national standards of ethical behavior for psychologists
B. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
C. Think critically and creatively about problems in professional practice
D. Engage in lifelong learning and professional development
Program Structure and Delivery
Courses in the program are delivered face-to-face on the Twin Cities Campus.