Master’s (M.A.) in Counselling Psychology

Adler University’s Counselling Psychology program prepares community mental health counsellors to be socially responsible practitioners in Canada’s public and private sectors. Students gain a strong foundation in counselling theories and methods and are trained to be self-reflexive, ethically aware clinicians. The mission-driven program is designed to prepare counselling professionals to work with individuals, families, and groups to address specific mental and emotional health issues across a range of settings, including mental health centres, human service agencies, and private practice.

As part of the Counselling Psychology program, students will participate in the Social Justice Practicum (SJP), a non-clinical practicum that focuses on providing support to nonprofits who have put social justice work at the forefront of their mission. A unique and proven program designed to give students real-world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology or counselling-related discipline.
• Grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.
• The equivalent of at least 12 semester credit hours in baccalaureate-level psychology coursework with a grade of C or better. These courses must include introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, and a fourth foundational course in life span development.
• Coursework and volunteer or work experience that involves the use of counselling-related skills and demonstrates counselling capacity.