The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) may be awarded en route to the Psy.D. program. As such, it is not an independent program and instead is embedded into the Psy.D. program. Students interested in completing training to be licensed mental health counselor and not being a psychologist should pursue the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling available through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Even though the MACP is embedded as part of the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program and satisfy the requirements to be licensed Mental Health Counselors in the State of Washington.

Program Outcomes

In addition to achieving the general goals of the university and of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, completing the MA in Counseling Psychology results in the following learning outcomes:

• Students will understand people biologically, psychologically, spiritually, and culturally;
• Students will think critically concerning issues relating to social justice;
• Students will be equipped as a therapist to work with diverse populations and develop a corresponding professional identity;
• Students will acquire, refine, and demonstrate appropriate master-level skills as a clinician or a researcher.

First Year Psychotherapy

Psy.D. students who wish to earn an MACP en route to the Psy.D. degree are required to participate in 10 hours of individual psychotherapy within the first year of the program and to provide written verification of the completion of these hours from their psychotherapist (see Psy.D. Student Handbook for specific requirements and appropriate forms).

Masters Level Counseling State Licensure

Students must complete clinical training (e.g. practicum) during the program to be eligible for Washington State licensure. Since licensure requirements differ slightly from state to state, the required course sequence may not fulfill all educational licensure requirements for every state. Given this, it is the student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements for the state through which he or she desires to become licensed and to determine whether or not the required course sequence meets those requirements. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences may be able to offer electives to students in order to meet licensure requirements not met by the required course sequence; however, students must work in conjunction with the Psy.D. Program Director have their expressed permission in order to enroll in electives for the purpose of meeting licensure requirements.

Transfer Credits

Refer to the Psy.D. program details for information regarding transfer credits into the Psy.D. program.