MA Psychology, Counseling Specialization
Washington: The MA Psychology Counseling Specialization program is aligned with the degree and coursework requirements for eligibility to become a licensed marital and family therapist (LMFT) in the State of Washington. The MA Psychology Counseling Specialization program is aligned with the degree and coursework requirements for eligibility to become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the State of Washington. Applicants for licensure as an LMHC or an LMFT may also be required to complete a minimum number of hours of post-master’s supervised counseling experience, as well as other state-specific requirements such as examination, application, and background check. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements required beyond completion of their degree program.
Oregon: Students intending to practice in the State of Oregon must complete the Oregon licensure track which includes additional coursework to meet the requirements for eligibility to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Applicants for licensure as an LPC may also be required to complete a minimum number of hours of post-master’s supervised experience, as well as other state-specific requirements such as examination, application, and background check. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements beyond completion of their degree program.
Other States: It is the student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements for any state not listed above. The Counseling specialization may meet some or all of the requirements for states not listed, but additional state-specific approvals or coursework and/or practicum hours may be required beyond the Counseling specialization’s graduation requirements. If additional coursework outside the Counseling specialization’s requirements is required for licensure it may not be eligible for financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the Registrar and Financial Aid office to determine a plan for registering and paying for courses that may not be financial aid eligible. Licensing requirements include the following for most states: completion of a master’s degree, post-graduate supervised experience, examination, background check, and application for license.
MA Counseling
The MA in Counseling program complies with the requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (sections 4980.37 and 4980.41 for Marriage and Family Therapy and sections 4999.32 and 4999.40(a) for Professional Clinical Counseling). As different states have different licensing requirements, faculty and work with students from the very beginning of their degree to help them understand the license requirements in the state where they want to practice. Any course a student wishes to take to satisfy a licensing requirement in their state should be discussed with the Financial Aid Office prior to registering for the course. Saybrook does not have an on-site practicum/internship program. Students locate appropriate practicum and internships and supervision in their geographic area, working in conjunction with Saybrook’s faculty and the Director of Clinical Training.
