What is Counseling Psychology?
At The Chicago School, we define counseling psychology as the act of helping individuals of all ages overcome mental health challenges in order to assist them in attaining the best quality of life possible. Counseling psychology is a specialty type of psychology that is comprised of both clinical work as well as research.
Clinical settings and graduate counseling psychology programs can focus on career development and counseling, training and supervision, health and prevention, and counseling process and outcome. Counseling psychology graduate students and counseling psychologists can center on person and environment interactions, brief interactions, assets and strengths, career and educational development, and intact personalities.
History of Counseling Psychology Programs at The Chicago School
Counseling Psychology programs at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology train future clinicians to assist clients in identifying emotional issues and behavioral patterns that may obstruct meaningful relationships in their families, communities, at work, or at school and help them address those challenges in a safe and supportive space. Guided by faculty with expertise in clinical practice, teaching, and experience making valuable scholarly contributions to the field. Students learn progressive diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills necessary to become leaders in the field of counseling psychology.
Degrees in Counseling Psychology offered at The Chicago School
- Our Counseling Psychology is available at the master’s level. Completion of the Master’s in Counseling Psychology program allows students to be more competitive for acceptance into doctoral programs.
- The M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program at our Chicago campus offers 6 options for specific concentration areas. Students may choose from the following concentrations:
- Health Psychology Concentration – Chicago, IL
- Marital & Family Therapy Concentration – Chicago, IL
- Treatment of Addiction Disorders Concentration – Chicago, IL
- Child & Adolescent Treatment Concentration – Chicago, IL
- Trauma & Crisis Intervention Concentration – Chicago, IL
- Latino Mental Health Concentration – Chicago, IL
Careers in Counseling Psychology
The Chicago School’s Counseling Psychology programs equip graduates with the skills necessary to assist clients in identifying emotional issues and behavioral patterns that may obstruct meaningful relationships in their families, communities, at work, or at school and help them address those challenges in a safe and supportive space.
Counseling psychologists can be employed in a variety of settings, which can vary somewhat depending on the exact services they wish to provide, as well as the client demographic they work in. Some counselors are employed as educators at the university and college level, some are supervisors, some are researchers, and some provide general counseling services.
Other licensed counselors work in independent practices offering therapy, assessments, and consultations to groups, families, couples, individuals, and organizations. A counseling psychology degree truly offers a wide range of options for anyone interested in the field.
Individuals with a master’s degree may assume roles as mental health therapists and counselors in a wide variety of workplace settings.
Public and Private Sector Employers:
- Hospitals & Community-Based Clinics
- Mental Health Centers
- Social Service Agencies
- Substance Abuse Facilities
- Hospices
- Rehabilitation Centers
Counseling Psychology Job Titles:
- Therapist
- Counselor
- Clinician
- Mental Health Counselor
- Hospital Supervisor/Administrator
- Counseling Psychologist (only after completion of a full doctoral program in psychology)