Clinical Counseling Psychology
The premier graduate-level clinical counseling psychology program in the nation specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Clinical Counseling Psychology Program
Graduate Virtual Information Sessions
Shining their light
Clinical Counseling Psychology Psychology BA ‘19, Clinical Counseling Psychology MA ‘22
Residential Counselor, Open Sky Community Services
Assumption’s CBT training helped me feel prepared to enter the field of Mental Health Counseling.
The Clinical Counseling Psychology graduate program was highly recommended and offered a lot of benefits that interested me, like the Aaron T. Beck Institute and research fellowships that provided the chance to work with faculty on their projects.
Clinical Counseling Psychology 2018
Clinician at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
The graduate fellowship experience has been a highlight of my time at Assumption.
The fellowship allows one to experience aspects of psychological research, development, proposal, and implementation that cannot be found elsewhere. It provides students with an avenue to explore pathways of professional development previously never considered.
Clinical Counseling Psychology 2017
Special Education Instructional Assistant at Central Massachusetts Collaborative
I completed my Graduate Fellowship with Dr. Paula Fitzpatrick working on three different projects.
Each of these projects has allowed me to practice different skills associated with the field, including everything from data collection and entry to writing a paper and presenting it to colleagues across the country.
Clinical Counseling Psychology 2018
Program Therapist, Butler Hospital
I love the work that I do, and I wouldn't trade my experience at Assumption for anything.
Dr. Leonard Doerfler influenced my therapeutic style. He taught me not only how to implement the CBT interventions I use daily, but how to explain them to patients in a way that helps them to understand the reasoning behind these interventions.
Clinical Counseling Psychology 2018
Program Therapist, Butler Hospital, Rhode Island
Assumption gave me the tools and support necessary to be successful in my field of study.
The program's emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy familiarized me with the theory that has been adopted by the partial hospital program I currently work in. My familiarity with CBT principles has allowed me to teach these concepts and skills to patients effectively.
Clinical Counseling Psychology 2018
Clinician, Open Sky Community Services
I participated in research with Dr. Volungis where we studied the effects of smartphone addiction.
This article has recently been published and serves as an example of the high quality of work that occurs during the fellowship process. I was able to present our research in three separate states as well as publish our findings on smartphone addiction.
Clinical Counseling Psychology GR 2020
Counselor, Childrens Friend Inc.
Assumption’s professors will help you discover "what you want to be when you grow up."
The professors prepare you to be an informed and well-prepared member of the mental health field. They have helped me to find my own therapeutic style and grow as a Clinician. I'm so grateful for all that I have learned here. Assumption truly does light the way.
Regina Kuersten-Hogan, Ph.D
An Ideal Place to Learn
Program Curriculum
Faculty
Career Paths
Students and graduates of the Clinical Counseling Psychology program are known for their high-caliber skills and work ethic. Employers seek out our students for both practicum-internship opportunities and full-time employment after graduation.
UmassMemorial Community Healthlink
Spectrum Health Systems
Open Sky Community Services
Family Continuity
North Suffolk Mental Health Association
Arbour Counseling Services
Children’s Friend
Child and Family Services
Graduate Admission Events and Ways to Connect With Us
We invite you to learn more about our graduate programs - either through a visit to campus, attending an information session or by scheduling a phone or virtual conversation with an admissions team member or one of our program directors.
Learn MoreAdmissions Requirements
Clinical Counseling Psychology-specific Requirements
Application Requirments:
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A baccalaureate degree and at least (6) psychology courses including statistics completed at an undergraduate level. You must complete the required courses before consideration of your application for admission to the graduate program
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2 courses are required: Introduction to Psychology (General Psychology) and statistics. The admissions committee also wants applicants to have 2 courses that emphasize the research foundations of psychology (courses like developmental psychology, social psychology, psychology of learning, etc.)
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A minimum grade point average of 3.0, both overall and in psychology courses
You do not need to have majored in psychology as an undergraduate student to enter the program. However, if your undergraduate program did not include at least 6 face-to-face psychology courses (must be taken at a four-year institution, not a community institution), you must complete additional courses before you can apply into the program. If you started your undergraduate education at a 2-year college and then moved up to a 4-year university, the admissions committee may accept usually one Psychology course from the 2-year college towards the required number of psychology courses. Typically online Psychology courses are not accepted as fulfilling the requirement for applying to the program.
The Admissions Committee will consider several factors when evaluating your application. One important consideration is the strength of your background and preparation in psychology. The Admissions Committee may recommend admission if your overall GPA is below 3.0 but your GPA for the last 2 years is strong and your performance in your psychology courses is strong. If you believe that you have evidence of extenuating circumstances that explains a weak overall GPA, you may contact the Program Director regarding your application.
The Admissions Committee also requires that you submit three strong positive recommendations from your professors or other professionals for whom you have worked. Only letters that are academic or professional in nature will be considered. At least one recommendation must be from a professor you had for at least one course. If you have been out of school for several years and are unable to obtain an academic reference, you must contact the Program Director for guidance in identifying individuals who can provide suitable recommendations. It is important to choose individuals who know your academic ability, research skills, or clinical work well.
Finally, the Admissions Committee will consider the match between your professional interest and Assumption's program offerings. We recommend that you give considerable thought to the content of your essay as it is an important part of the evaluation process. Success in the counseling program and in the field requires high levels of responsibility, integrity, interpersonal skills, as well as mastery of theory and research methodology. We are seeking candidates who have thought deeply about their place within the field of counseling and who possess strong academic credentials. We encourage you to reflect this thought and to describe your preparation thoroughly in the essay you submit.
Your personal statement should be approximately 600 words that answer each of the following questions:
- Describe the academic preparation and skills that you have that you believe qualify you for the rigorous training involved in our master's program in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Discuss experiential and field-based experiences that you believe prepare you for our counseling program.
- Describe what you hope to accomplish academically during your graduate program and the career goals you have for yourself. Focusing on the actual job you would like to have five years after completing your graduate study will bring specificity to your essay.
- Describe the qualities that you see as essential for an effective counselor and then assess yourself in terms of these characteristics.
General Graduate Studies Admissions Requirements
- Graduate Application
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Official Transcript(s)
- Personal Statement
- Current Resume
- TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose native language is not English
Graduate Fellowships
Graduate Fellows are a highly select group of students who receive advanced training and mentoring in psychological research. The Fellowships include tuition waivers for 30 credits. Graduate Fellows work closely with a faculty mentor for two semesters on advanced psychological research.
Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies
The Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies at Assumption University is the only one of its kind in the Northeast. The Institute regularly hosts events featuring world-renowned CBT practitioners. Students in the Clinical Counseling Psychology program can attend these events at no charge.
Psy.D. Articulation Agreement
Our articulation agreement with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) provides a seamless transition for students who complete the Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology at Assumption University from our program to the doctoral program in clinical psychology at PCOM which is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Clinical Counseling Psychology Program Receives National Accreditation
Assumption University’s Clinical Counseling Psychology graduate program has received accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Theory into Practice
Dr. Adam Volungis, a distinguished member of our Clinical Counseling Psychology faculty and a counseling psychologist, recently published a new book entitled Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Theory Into Practice. The book addresses how to apply core competencies for therapists/psychologists serving mental health clients, is designed for graduate students in training and mental health professionals who want to learn the basic foundations of applied CBT, and can be used as a resource for experienced practitioners looking to improve their skills.
CCP Dual Degree Program
Apply as a high school senior into the Clinical Counseling Psychology Dual Degree Program with one application and, if admitted, you will be enrolled in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. You'll also benefit from being considered for a $2,500 Dual Degree Scholarship (per year for your 4 undergraduate years) and a $1,000 Dual Degree Scholarship for every term you are enrolled at least part time in your graduate program at Assumption. Learn more about all of the University's dual degree offerings.
Graduate Research Symposium
Assumption University Graduate School Annual Symposium showcases research, innovative projects, successful case study, and creative work of graduate students and recent alums from every graduate program. We offer all graduate students in every program an opportunity to present their excellent work on diverse topics.
Veterans at Assumption
Assumption University recognizes that servicemen and women have demonstrated great courage and made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation and its people. The University has introduced a number of programs and services to assist veterans during the application process and while veterans are attending Assumption. We also have a lounge designated only for our veteran students. Assumption University is committed to maintaining recognition as a Military Friendly institution. We strive to eliminate barriers to success for our Service Members, Veterans, and their qualified dependents.
Assumption Professors Serve in NEPA Leadership Roles
The New England Psychological Association (NEPA) announced a transition in leadership at its annual conference on November 6, naming Assumption University Associate Professor of Psychology Adam Volungis, Ph.D., as its next president. Prof. Volungis assumes the role from fellow Assumption Professor Leonard A. Doerfler, Ph.D., who has served as NEPA president since 2018.
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