Program Overview

Program Description

The 15 credit certificate in Behavioral Health and Counseling Psychology provides the core information and competencies for students interested in pursuing a position in behavioral health and clinical or counseling psychology. It is attractive to both psychology majors interested in pursuing clinical psychology and adult students taking courses part time for career advancement. This may also serve as the gateway to a minor or major in psychology.

What is Behavioral Health and Counseling Psychology?

Behavioral health and counseling psychology is an applied field of psychology and counseling that helps people to improve their functioning, both as individuals and in their relationships with others. Clinical and counseling psychologists help people with physical and mental health issues to improve their well-being, reduce stress, and resolve crises.

You Might Like This Program If...

• You are a Psychology major interested in a psychology, counseling, or social work career.
• You are in an applied health career and want to learn more about mental health and counseling.
• You want to work with people using cognitive, behavioral, or emotion regulation techniques.
• You would like to help people who struggle with a mental illness.

Program Requirements

To earn an undergraduate certificate in Behavioral Health and Counseling Psychology, a minimum of 15 credits is required.

• Prescribed Courses:
  • PSYCH 270: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 481: Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 495: Internship (3 credits)
• In addition to the 9 credits of coursework listed, students may choose any two (6 credits) of the following:
  • PSYCH 238: Introduction to Personality Psychology
  • PSYCH 243: Introduction to Well-being and Positive Psychology
  • PSYCH 404/EDPSY 450: Principles of Measurement
  • PSYCH 423: Social Psychology of Interpersonal/Intergroup Relationships
  • PSYCH 470: Abnormal Psychology
  • PSYCH 471: Psychology of Adjustment and Social Relationships
  • PSYCH 473: Behavior Modification
  • PSYCH 474: Psychological Intervention in Childhood
  • PSYCH 476: Child Psychopathology
  • PSYCH 477: Mental Health Practicum with Children
  • PSYCH 478: Clinical Neuropsychology

Certificate Learning Objectives

• Knowledge of Psychological Disorders: Describe the symptoms and causes (etiology) of psychological disorders.
• Approaches in Clinical and Counseling Psychology: Compare the major theoretical orientations and related treatment approaches in clinical and counseling psychology.
• Process of Clinical Practice: Explain the process of clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, and clinical treatment.
• Client Populations: Apply theoretical and research knowledge in observations of and interactions with client populations.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Career Paths

The certificate in Behavioral Health and Counseling Psychology can be pursued by Penn State Behrend undergraduate students and as a stand-alone credential for nondegree students. It is attractive to students interested in pursuing graduate education in clinically related areas and to adults taking courses part-time for career advancement. This certificate provides core competencies for students interested in pursuing a position in behavioral health and clinical or counseling psychology.

Careers

Behavioral and counseling psychologists frequently specialize in the types of clients they treat. Children, adolescents, couples, family, and group therapy are common specializations. Or, they may concentrate their practice in crisis intervention, disaster, or trauma management. Some practitioners are institution-based, working in hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, or prisons.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Clinical practice of behavioral health and counseling psychology requires education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Penn State Behrend offers a Master of Arts degree program in Applied Clinical Psychology that includes optional preparation for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. Penn State Behrend also offers a graduate certificate in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy that pairs with the M.A. in Applied Clinical Psychology.