Counseling Psychology
Our PhD in counseling psychology provides students the opportunity to develop skills as culturally oriented psychologists. The program integrates science and practice with social justice and diversity. It prepares students to practice in the field, perform socially and globally relevant research, and teach in diverse settings.
Our training model encourages critical thinking, theoretical development, multicultural orientation and ethical awareness. Research labs cover multicultural competencies, HIV/AIDS, race/ethnicity, social class, health and vocational issues, health disparities, group dynamics, psychotherapy and romantic relationships. They also offer an opportunity to contribute to the field and make a difference locally, nationally and internationally.
The PhD in counseling psychology is accredited by the APA and is intended for those who wish to become licensed as a psychologist, work in healthcare settings (e.g., VA, community mental health, private practice) or work in academia.
- Over the past five years, all students have received graduate assistantships in their first two years.
- Students engage in more than 30 different practicum settings throughout the Denver metro area.
- 100 percent pre-doctoral internship match rate over the past three years.
Our Ph.D. program is intended for those preparing to become counseling psychologists. Through coursework and hands-on experience, you will learn to evaluate theories and research critically, while gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and individuals you will serve.
The program offers areas of focus, where you can further your skills and become better equipped to provide solutions for the societal and interpersonal challenges facing clients. Students will be able to integrate research to practice and engage in practice that is informed by research. Some faculty research areas include:
- Multicultural counseling
- HIV counseling
- Psychotherapy research
- Romantic relationships
- Health psychology and health disparities
- Group dynamics
- Supervision and training
- Vocational psychology and career development
- Cancer survivorship
Upon completion of our Ph.D. program, and with the additional post-doctoral required hours, you’ll be able to apply for licensure as a psychologist in Colorado. The University of Denver has not yet determined whether the program meets licensure requirements in a state other than Colorado or in any U.S. protectorates. Students seeking licensure in a state other than Colorado should contact the state’s Board of Education to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements.
View Counseling Psychology Admissions Requirements to get admissions details and start your application process.
Learning Outcomes
Students develop a knowledge base in the broad and general areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, affective, and social aspects of behavior, history and systems, psychological measurement, individual differences, human development and ethics.
Students demonstrate knowledge of basic and advanced methodological and research skills.
Students attain competence in the core areas of counseling psychology: To develop a knowledge base in the models, theories, and empirical support in substantive areas important to the research and practice of counseling psychology and to demonstrate competence in the clinical practice of counseling psychology
Students will attain competencies in the broad and general areas of psychology, also known as Discipline Specific Knowledge, (History and Systems of Psychology, Affective Aspects, Biological Aspects, Cognitive Aspects, and Development Aspect, as well as an Integration of some of these aspects, Research Methods, and Quantitative Methods, and Psychometric Theory) that serve as a foundation for further training in counseling psychology and the practice of health service psychology.
Students will attain competencies in the profession-wide areas including: ethical and legal standards; individual and cultural diversity; professional values, attitudes, and behaviors; communication and interpersonal skills; assessment; supervision; and consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills.
Students will attain competencies in the ability to conduct research and to provide interventions in the areas of health service psychology, and more importantly to be able to competently integrate research/science and practice.
Program Requirements
You will need to complete a minimum of 90-quarter credit hours. Other requirements include:
- Two supervised practica
- A supervised, 12-month, full-time predoctoral psychology internship
- Comprehensive exams
- A pre-dissertation research project
- A dissertation
Accreditation
The Counseling Psychology (CP) PhD program at the University of Denver has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1986 when we received full accreditation. Our program has been continuously accredited since that time. Our last APA site visit occurred in 2018 when we received re-accreditation for 10 years until 2028.