Counseling psychology focuses on the typical adaptation of individuals to their environment and helping them cope with crises, problems of daily living, and mental challenges. Traditionally, counseling psychology has been concerned with both the remedial and preventative aspects of mental health with an emphasis on client strengths. Respect for diversity and for values different from one's own is a central value of Counseling Psychology and more recently there has been a call to actively work toward social justice. Counseling psychologists commonly provide services, teach, and/or engage in research with or pertaining to members of social groups that have often been devalued, viewed as deficient, or otherwise marginalized in the larger society. You can find out more about the counseling psychology specialty area on the Society for Counseling Psychology web page.
The Counseling Psychology Program at UNT endorses the scientist-practitioner model of training and affirms the value of integrating practice and science throughout a psychologist's training and career-long participation in the profession. The program is committed to the idea that human problems are the result of complex interactions of biological influences, environmental factors, and developmental changes in the person. We are also committed to the affirmation of diversity and social justice in the broadest sense, and specifically in psychology as it relates to the alleviation of stress and promotion of mental wellness. We highly value the dignity and worth of individuals inclusive of their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental abilities, political or spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic class, and other identities. As such, we recognize and incorporate these values and principles in the training and practice of counseling psychology.
The Counseling Psychology doctoral program at UNT is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association's Committee on Accreditation [750 First Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, telephone (202) 336-5979]. The program was first accredited in 1978 under the directorship of Ray W. Johnson, Ph.D. The current Program Director is Chiachih DC Wang, Ph.D.
The most recent APA reaccreditation process was completed in 2018 by APA Commission on Accreditation, which reaffirmed the full accreditation of the program with the next site visit scheduled to be held in 2028.
UNT Terrill Hall - home of the Counseling Psy Program
Faculty & Students of the Counceling Psy Program
TECB Marketable Skills
- Psychological research
- Comprehensive psychological assessment
- Mental disorder diagnosis
- Mental health treatment plans
- Psychological interventions
