Program Overview
The PhD in Mental Health Counseling program provides you
with the foundation for research in areas such as evidence-based
treatment, new treatment modalities, program evaluation, counselor
training, professional identity, and related topics in counseling
preparation. As a doctoral student, you will help to advance the field
of mental health counseling by building research-based knowledge.
The program builds on our strong, widely respected master's-level
program to prepare students to become high-caliber researchers
and professionals. With the assistance of faculty mentors, graduates
of the program will develop specialization in an area of mutual
interest, including:
■ ■ Evidence-based treatment and interventions
■ ■ Grief and trauma counseling
■ ■ Positive psychotherapy
■ ■ Multicultural counseling
■ ■ Best practices in counselor supervision
The program is small and selective—accepting approximately
10 students per academic year. Small class settings enable
meaningful interaction with faculty and fellow students. This doctoral
program is open only to applicants with master's degrees in mental
health counseling or a closely-related field.
Data from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics shows that job
growth in the mental health
counseling sector is expected
to grow significantly—
by 20 percent—from 2016
to 2026 as health insurance
companies increasingly cover
counseling services and as
the population grows overall.
