Program Overview

Introduction to the Counseling Psychology Program

The Counseling Psychology program at California State University Long Beach is a 65-unit course of study that culminates in a Master's degree. This program prepares students to meet the competencies required for both the Marriage and Family Therapy License (LMFT) and License for Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC).

Program Overview

The program allows admission only in the Fall, with a typical application cycle closing in December of the preceding year. The program has two tracks: a 2-year track and a 2.5-year track. Once admitted, students are assigned a faculty advisor to determine the best track option for them.

Areas of Training

The program provides training in the following areas:

• Trauma and grief work
• Family systems treatment models
• Human sexuality
• Child and adolescent counseling
• Alcohol and chemical dependency
• Cross-cultural interventions
• Evidence-based treatment
• Couples and group therapy
• Clinical case formulation

Program Highlights

The program is fully accredited by WASC and approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences Examiner. It offers a 2-year or 2.5-year track, preparing students for California State licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist and/or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. The program boasts outstanding multicultural clinical faculty, and no GRE is required for admission.

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

The program focuses on providing training in traditional and managed-care approaches, noting DSM-5 and family systems assessment/diagnosis. This should result in effective treatment plans and service delivery. The program aims to integrate research, theory, and practice in a cohesive manner, addressing the social, emotional, and developmental aspects of diverse populations with sensitivity and skill.

Learning Outcomes

Candidates will be able to:

• Demonstrate diagnostic skills sufficient for entry-level in a clinical or counseling setting.
• Draw upon family systems, theoretical models, and demonstrate the ability to work in a systematic fashion with families.
• Use an actual case to develop an appropriate treatment plan that includes attention to development issues, legal and ethical issues, and evidence-based approaches for treatment of specific disorders.

Coursework and California BBS General Education Requirements

The program meets all the requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), including theories, principles, and methods of various psychotherapeutic orientations, face-to-face experience counseling individuals, couples, families, or groups, and training in the applied use of theory and psychotherapeutic techniques.

Detailed Coursework

The program requires taking all of the following courses (59 units) and choosing either Option A (Thesis) or Option B (Comprehensive Exam):

• COUN 508A - Family Systems Applied to Aging and Lifespan Development
• COUN 508B - Family Systems Methods
• COUN 510 - Law and Ethics for Counselors
• COUN 511 - Counseling the Alcohol/Chemically Dependent Person
• COUN 512 - Child and Spousal/Partner Abuse
• COUN 513 - Introduction to Clinical Interviewing
• COUN 514 - Psychopharmacology for Counselors
• COUN 515 - Counseling Theories
• COUN 522 - Counseling Methods and Techniques
• COUN 543 - Human Sexuality Counseling
• COUN 555 - Cross-Cultural Counseling
• COUN 556 - Counseling Children and Adolescents
• COUN 557 - Counseling Couples
• COUN 601 - Trauma and Grief Counseling
• COUN 608 - Psychological Assessment and Testing
• COUN 609 - Counseling Psychology Practicum
• COUN 638 - Group Counseling
• COUN 643D - Counseling Field Work (Counseling Psychology)
• COUN 644D - Advanced Counseling Field Work (Counseling Psychology)
• COUN 685 - Community Mental Health Counseling And either:
• EDP 520 - Quantitative Research Methods in Education (for Option A)
• EDP 595 - Qualitative Research Methods in Education (for Option B)

Eligibility to Apply

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in the last degree earned.
• International applicants have additional university application requirements, including meeting the English language proficiency requirement.

International Applicants

International applicants planning to attend on a F1 visa have additional requirements, including:

• English Language Requirement
• Transcripts (see CIE website for details)

Domestic Applicants with Foreign Coursework

Domestic applicants with foreign coursework and/or a degree from an institution outside of the United States have additional requirements, including:

• English Language Requirement
• Transcripts (see CIE website for details)

Conclusion

The Counseling Psychology program at California State University Long Beach offers a comprehensive education in counseling psychology, preparing students for licensure and a career in counseling and therapy. With its emphasis on multicultural competence, evidence-based practices, and personal growth, this program is an excellent choice for those seeking a career in this field.