International Disaster Psychology
The MA in international disaster psychology builds upon core training in master’s level clinical psychology with coursework and practice experiences to develop expertise to work with individuals and communities affected by trauma and disaster in the US and globally. Preparation in this emerging field allows graduates to provide mental health services to those affected by traumatic events, acute and chronic civil conflict, natural disasters, social disparities and health-related pandemics. All coursework integrates trauma, diversity and cross-cultural perspectives, and includes specific classes in crisis intervention, disaster mental health, gender-based violence, applied program evaluation, global and public mental health and trauma interventions.
A community clinic for the Denver area, our program’s Trauma and Disaster Recovery Clinic, is a local resource for trauma services, refugee mental health, professional vicarious trauma and burnout, program evaluation and community consultation. Providing opportunities to integrate knowledge and practice, students train in our Clinic, Denver-based field-placements and complete an 8-week international internship. Current international partner sites include Bosnia, Nepal, Liberia, Cambodia, Philippines, India, Peru, Malawi, Serbia and South Africa. Graduates work in a variety of professional settings providing direct services, training and consultation to promote psychosocial wellness, developing emergency preparedness plans, and monitoring and evaluation.
The master of arts in international disaster psychology program trains highly competent and committed mental health professionals who go on to work—domestically and worldwide—with individuals and communities who are affected by traumatic events, acute and chronic civil conflict, natural disasters, and health-related pandemics. Students work directly with populations affected by trauma, train and consult with agencies, develop emergency preparedness and response plans, and monitor and evaluate psychosocial interventions.
Our program is recognized for Innovative Graduate Training by both the American Psychological Association and the National Council of Schools in Professional Psychology and is the first master’s degree program of its kind in the nation.
Program Highlights
Crucial Connections
We maintain connections with a large array of fieldwork opportunities, within Denver and internationally. Many of these connections work directly with underserved and marginalized populations
Multiple Clinics
We host an in-house training clinic, the Trauma and Disaster Recovery Clinic, as well as the Colorado Resilience Collaborative (CRC)—an interdisciplinary initiative addressing identity-based violence due to radicalization and discrimination based on race/ethnicity, nationality, faith and ideology.
Featured Courses
CPSY 4500
International Disaster Psychology: Foundations
About this Course
This is the first course in a three course sequence designed to provide the entering M.A. student with a fluent understanding of the area of International Disaster Psychology. The course will cover the evolution of IDP from its beginnings to its present status. It will review the different innovations in the area. Potential subject areas include the treatment of refugees, torture victims, child soldiers, internally displaced persons and complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
CPSY 5815
Trauma and its Aftermath
About this Course
Conceptual model for treating trauma; incidence and specific treatment techniques for various types of trauma (e.g. combat vets, survivors of natural disaster and victims of childhood abuse); professional issues relating to trauma (e.g. secondary PTSD and ethical issues). Students exposed to a variety of reading and expected to integrate current research into clinical application. For advanced students who have both a clinical and conceptual background.
CPSY 4595
International Disaster Psychology Internship
About this Course
Students will spend one quarter in various international locations working in full time internships with international nonprofit organizations applying the principles and knowledge obtained during their study in the IDP program. Students will work under faculty and professional supervision.
