Doctoral Program in Mental Health Counseling

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Doctoral Program in Mental Health Counseling

WESTCHESTER CAMPUS
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Doctoral Program in Mental Health Counseling

WESTCHESTER CAMPUS
Apply Now
Visit Department

Mental Health Counseling, PhD

Mission Statement

The PhD in Mental Health Counseling program at Pace University is a unique program designed to train mental health counselors in advanced clinical and supervisory skills, prepare them to conduct research that will further the profession’s knowledge base, and foster the next generation of leaders who will be teachers and advocates for the mental health profession across the country.

Our PhD program places equal emphasis on counseling and research skills. In small classes, students are exposed to evidence-based counseling approaches for demographically and clinically diverse populations. Throughout our curriculum, students are trained to think scientifically, to develop advanced research skills, and to apply those skills to their area of interest. Students work closely with faculty to develop and carry out independent research projects culminating in a doctoral dissertation. These activities are designed to integrate counseling intervention and research skills training, preparing students for a variety of counseling, policy-based, advocacy, teaching, and research careers.

Student Eligibility

The PhD program is open to applicants with master degrees in Mental Health Counseling or a closely-related field. Bachelor degree holders may apply to the department’s 60-credit Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program.

Network

The Department of Psychology’s strong community of faculty, professionals and alumni in the field of mental health equip doctoral students with an established network of support to draw upon. Both faculty and alumni hold key leadership positions in the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA). Each semester the department offers a speaker series inviting leading researchers and professionals to talk about current and pertinent issues in the field.

Meet the program faculty

CACREP Accreditation


CACREP Annual Evaluation of the PhD Program ⬇

2018-19 Academic Year

Part I: Narrative

During the 2018-2019 academic year, the faculty and staff of the Doctor of Philosophy programs in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University conducted an annual review of the program. The program’s core objectives remain focused on fostering student development in advanced clinical and supervisory skills, training them to become proficient researchers that will advance knowledge on issues pertaining to mental health and counseling, and to promote future leaders of the profession who will serve as both educators and advocates. Past and current students’ dissertations have examined key issues in clinical mental health counseling and counselor education. To assist them in their studies, graduate assistantships and adjunct teaching assignments continue to be offered to doctoral students in the department. Based on the feedback that we received during the CACREP Site Visit in May 2018, the changes outlined below were implemented:

MHC 707: Qualitative Methods in Counseling Research (4 credits)
MHC 710: Doctoral Practicum in Mental Health Counseling (4 credits)
MHC 726: Doctoral Internship II in Mental Health Counseling (0 credits)
MHC 734: Advanced Theory & Practice of Counseling (4 credits)

Additionally, the department modified the following course curriculum to include Leadership and Advocacy (CACREP Section 6 Standard B 5.d.-Accreditation)
MHC 733: Leadership & Advocacy in Mental Health Counseling

Further, the MHC 710: Doctoral Practicum in Mental Health Counseling course at the master’s level is now a significant preparation for our program. Michael Tursi, Ph.D. (from the counselor education doctoral program at the University of Rochester) continues to advance our practicum and internship courses, including MHC 725: Doctoral Internship I in Mental Health Counseling and MHC 726: Doctoral Internship II in Mental Health Counseling. Both courses are significantly structured and students’ progress is documented throughout.

Part II: Graduates, Completion Rate, and Job Placement Rates

1. Number of Graduates: 6

2. Program Completion Rate: 100% for the 2018-2019 academic year

3. Estimate of Job Placement Rates: Many of our students enter our program either as licensed and/or certified counselors, limited permit holders, and/or apply for permits in mental health counseling while enrolled. The graduates who complete their doctorate in May 2019, are employed either full time or part in mental health counseling settings, school setting, and/or teach as adjuncts in counseling or related areas.

 

Contact

Read more about the M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program (60 credits).

For program information, please contact the program director, Dr. Paul Griffin, at pgriffin@pace.edu or (914)773-3647.

For more information on admissions, please contact Graduate Admissions at GradWP@pace.edu or (914) 422-4283

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Curriculum
Mental Health Counseling, PhD
Areas of faculty research expertise include:
  • Addiction
  • Bereavement
  • Trauma
  • Psychological resilience
  • Subjective well-being
  • Social relationships
  • Multicultural counseling
  • Mindfulness
  • Emotion regulation
  • Dyadic communication
The PhD program prepares candidates for a multitude of growing careers, including:
  • Community mental health
  • Forensic mental health
  • University teaching
  • Private practice
  • Research
  • Advocacy
  • Mental health policymaking