Counseling Psychology (MA) Program

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Q: What do Mental Health Counselors do?

A: As a Mental Health Counselor, you will provide services to individuals, systems, groups, and/or families. You will apply theories, principles, and methods of counseling and psychotherapy to define goals and develop plans of action aimed at the prevention or resolution of mental and emotional dysfunction. The practice of mental health counseling includes, but is not limited to, the assessment and treatment of mental disorders, the application of psychoeducational and other techniques and measures aimed at prevention, and consultation to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

---

Q: Where do Mental Health Counselors Work?

A: Mental Health Counselors work in a wide range of settings. You could work in community mental health centers, hospitals, residential treatment centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, college and university counseling centers, government agencies, elder care facilities, and faith communities. Once you have earned licensure, you can also pursue independent practice. In Massachusetts, licensed mental health counselors are known as LMHCs.

---

Q: Who Takes the M.A. Program in Counseling Psychology at MSPP?

A: The professional mental health field draws people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. Because the range of human needs is so diverse, the field employs people at different levels of education and training, from the bachelor’s degree to the doctorate, with the master’s in between.

Accordingly, master’s level training appeals to a variety of individuals for many reasons. Some people who pursue a master’s degree are recent college graduates with an undergraduate major in psychology. They are interested in graduate school but are not quite sure if they want to pursue a doctorate. Others are interested in doctoral study in psychology and are hoping to make themselves stronger candidates for that eventual career path by earning a master’s along the way. Still others pursue a master’s degree later in life as part of a career change. Finally, some seek a master’s degree because they either already know that they wish to practice independently and want the shortest but most thorough path to that goal, or because they already work in a mental health or related field and believe that master’s level preparation and licensure will better equip them to function in their roles as helpers.

---

Q: When Can I Apply to the Program?

A: The program operates on a rolling admissions basis. Applications are accepted until all available spaces are filled.

---

Q: How Long Does the Program Take to Complete?

A: The program is currently designed to be completed in two years of full-time study, including a summer semester at the end of the first year. Each of the two years integrates classroom study with two consecutive semesters of fieldwork. As the program develops, part-time options will become possible.

---

Q: After I earn my master’s degree, I might want to pursue a doctorate. If I complete the MSPP Counseling Psychology Master’s Program and then gain admission to the MSPP Psy.D. Program, will any of my work transfer over?

A: If you complete the Counseling Psychology M.A. Program and are subsequently admitted into the MSPP Psy.D. Program, you will enter that program with Advanced Standing.

---

If you have further questions about applying to the M.A. in Counseling Program, please contact Admissions at: admissions@mspp.edu or 617-327-6777 x 210.

You are also welcome to contact the Program Director:
Modesto Jesus Hevia, PsyD
Modesto_Hevia@mspp.edu
617-327-6777 x292.

Updated 10/1/07