Counseling Psychology
Get an in-depth look at ECPY's Counseling and Personnel Services specialization, Counseling Psychology (PHD)
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Application Deadline (Fall): December 1
Philosophy and Training Model
The Counseling Psychology Program at the University of Louisville is designed to train professionals in the science and practice of psychology, while emphasizing counseling psychology approaches to research, practice, consultation, supervision, and training. The program subscribes to a competencies-based model in which practice is grounded in the science of psychology and critical inquiry, and science is often driven by practice. The department has recently opened two clinics in historically underserved parts of Louisville, one at a high school and one as a free-standing clinic. We are very excited about these clinics, as they give students first-hand counseling, research, consultation, and outreach experiences in communities that have significant needs. These clinics are the result of many individuals in the department with strong social justice beliefs, and has the backing of the university as well as local government leaders. We also place students in a variety of counseling agencies, including many types of mental health centers, VA and other hospitals, and counseling centers.
The mission of the Counseling Psychology Program is to prepare students to:
- demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for the entry into the culturally informed professional practice of counseling psychology
- create and disseminate scholarly research.
- work effectively with diverse clientele common in a metropolitan community.
The program produces:
- psychologists who are capable of contributing to the empirical and theoretical literature in counseling and psychology;
- practitioners who are equipped to foster human development and to prevent the emergence of psychological problems as well as to remediate psychopathology; and
- professionals who are committed to working with diverse populations in metropolitan settings, in accordance with the metropolitan mission of the University of Louisville.
We offer opportunities for students to develop skills broadly while also offering opportunities to specialize within specific clinical and research areas. Many of our students complete clinical work with the Cardinal Success Program. The NIA Center location was featured on WDRB news for its work in West Louisville. See the video and read the full story...
Counseling Psychology Specialization In Depth
- Our APA-accredited program accepts students at both the post-bachelor's and post-master's level.
- Inquiries concerning the accreditation status of our APA-accredited PhD CPS with Counseling Psychology can be obtained from the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation (CoA). The CoA can be reached at: American Psychological Association Office of Program Consultation & Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, Phone: (202) 336-5979, E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org.
- Students can gain clinical experiences in a variety of applied settings in metropolitan Louisville (e.g., counseling centers, community mental health centers, private agencies, VA and other hospitals).
- Over the past 10 years our internship placement rate is 100% and all interns matched with one of their top two preferred placement sites.
- We have research-active faculty, with interests in areas such as health psychology, diversity, prevention of depression in adolescents, forgiveness, spirituality, ethics, international psychology, and Black college student mental health, just to name a few. Many students publish articles and present at national conferences prior to graduation.
- Our stipend is $22,000 per year. Tuition waiver and health insurance included.
- In light of this commitment, ECPY has opened two clinics in the West Louisville area that serve historically underserved communities. Graduate and doctoral students have the opportunity to take classes on site and complete practicums and internships.
- GRE is NOT a requirement
Click on a course name (ex. "ECPY 722") in the degree requirements or concentration requirements for further information about courses.
Information includes class description, prerequisites (if any), terms offered, among other information.
Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies.
Students may enter with a baccalaureate or a master's degree.
Official transcripts as verification of all previous coursework and degree(s).
GRE scores are not required this year and will not be viewed if sent.
Undergraduate grade point average greater than 3.0 or a graduate grade point average greater than 3.5.
Students for whom English is not their primary language must show English language proficiency by successfully completing one of the following:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination – minimum score: 6.5
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination – minimum scores: 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL
Duolingo English Test with Subscores – minimum score of 105 and exam must have been taken after January 1, 2020
Note: International students who have earned a degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. are not required to complete the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
Three letters of recommendation on institutional letterhead from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic and/or professional capabilities and potential, along with the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies recommendation form.
An updated Curriculum Vitae or resume.
Professional goals appropriate to pursuing a Ph.D. in CPS with a Counseling Psychology specialization from the University of Louisville. Applicants should submit a personal statement of approximately 500 - 1000 words outlining their professional goals and how their research and professional interests might align with those of faculty in the department.
An applicant who does not meet one of the above criteria and wishes to be considered for admission should include, in his/her application package, a written rationale for why the doctoral admissions committee should consider the application.
Applicants ranked highest by the doctoral admissions committee based on their application package will be interviewed on campus or by telephone.
If you have questions about the program, e-mail ecpyinfo@louisville.edu.
Dr. Mark Leach, Director of Training
Department of Counseling and Human Development
College of Education & Human Development
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-0588
Email: m.leach@louisville.edu
Program Faculty
Mark Leach
Amanda Mitchell
Patrick Pössel
Cate Petroski
Samuel Beasley
FAQ: Counseling Psychology
While this is an in-person program in Kentucky, all graduates of our doctoral counseling psychology program can become licensed across the country.