Master of Arts Counseling Psychology

Bastyr University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is a regionally accredited, two-year graduate program leading to eligibility to become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC).

Emphasizing whole-person wellness and healing, the program embodies a fresh approach to mental health counseling that is grounded in health psychology. Beyond simply preparing students to become qualified licensed mental health practitioners, Bastyr’s counseling program fosters a deep understanding of an integrative approach to individual and societal mental health. This prepares graduates to effectively address mind, body and spirit wellness in clients.

The program’s course format accommodates traditional students and working professionals who desire nontraditional course scheduling, and facilitates intensive and meaningful learning opportunities to train exceptional clinicians. At the Kenmore campus, classes are typically held on Saturday and Sunday and, in San Diego, classes will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

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Program Strengths

• Condensed course format allows students to commute from outside of the area.
• Innovative curriculum covers topics in complementary and alternative medicine, behavioral medicine, spirituality, multiculturalism and social justice, human sexuality, and chronic and terminal illness.
• Honoring diverse educational backgrounds and perspectives, the program includes a 14-course psychology core to provide the necessary foundation for clinical practice.
• Hands-on clinical skills development, including a shift at Bastyr's clinics and internship opportunities.
• Small class sizes and committed faculty to ensure powerful learning experiences.

Entering students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate degree. In addition, an introductory course in general psychology must have been completed with a grade of B or better within the last seven years. Students must also submit a statement of intent and two letters of recommendation.

Our most competitive applicants have experience, either paid or volunteer, in applied (face-to-face) social services. It is strongly recommend that students gain experience in the social services field prior to applying for this program.

In addition, prospective students are highly encouraged to have experience with in-person psychology courses.  The on-site, cohort model of this program requires that students be familiar with and comfortable in an intense faceto-face classroom setting.

Meeting the minimum admissions requirements is not a guarantee of acceptance into the program. This Master's program has a competitive admissions process and only highly qualified applicants will be invited to campus for an interview.