Counselors, family therapists, and school psychologists play a vital role in society by helping individuals and groups to grow in healthy ways, to respond to difficult circumstances with resiliency, and to deepen their respect and acceptance of both themselves and others. These professionals are leaders who build caring relationships and strong communities defined by hope and concern for social justice.

Lewis & Clark's graduate degree and licensure programs provide future counselors, therapists, and school psychologists with the knowledge and innovative skills critical to the practice of community mental health, addictions counseling, marriage, couple and family therapy, and school psychology in today's diverse world. Academic study is augmented by experiential learning that further cultivates the attitudes and skills essential to culturally competent practice. Through a combination of classroom and practicum/internship experiences, students learn how to foster helping relationships and create a spectrum of interventions effective for individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. Our graduates use their skills in a wide range of public and private agencies and schools, as well as private practice.

Our programs are unique in their commitment to equity, social and economic justice, global citizenship, and culturally affirming ways of living. This includes ensuring that therapists, school psychologists, and counselors are well equipped to work with diverse local and global communities. Students have the opportunity to expand their global awareness through participation in international coursework.

Preparatory Courses

All students admitted to a counseling psychology program are expected to have a thorough grasp of the natural and social science aspects of psychology. Students without a background in psychology may satisfy this program requirement within their first year of study in one of the following ways:

• Pass the GRE psychology test with a score of 550 or better.
• Take Psychology for Everyone (noncredit option), a course offered through our Center for Community Engagement.
• Pass one undergraduate introductory psychology course, one undergraduate abnormal psychology course, and one undergraduate social psychology course. These courses may be taken through the institution of the student's choice, ideally prior to enrollment in a counseling psychology program. (Credit hours are not applicable to the degree.) Evidence of passing grades must be presented to an advisor during the first year of study.

Degree Programs

• Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy
• Professional Mental Health Counseling
  
• Professional Mental Health Counseling—Addictions
  
• Psychological and Cultural Studies
• School Psychology

 Certificate Programs

• Ecopsychology

Department Courses

• A full list of courses in the Counseling Psychology department is available in this catalog