Golden Gate University
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Campus-Based and Online Options
Golden Gate University
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Program details below are quoted from program websites, supplied here for informational purposes only, and subject to change at any time. Refer to the program website for current information, deadlines, complete admission requirements, etc. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to verify with program administrators program details and that the program still meets BBS requirements for licensure in the state of California.
Program Snapshot
Accreditation
WASC
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
None
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT/LPCC Dual track
Length of Program
60 units
Schedule/Format
Unknown
Program Start
Unknown
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$65,400
Religious Orientation
None
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
Average class size: 17
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
Students complete an in-depth traineeship that promotes the integration of theoretical knowledge with clinical practice. This entails completing 300 face-to-face clinical contact hours.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
As part of your degree program, you must complete 50 hours of psychotherapy with a licensed clinician or therapist under supervision by a licensed clinician (Psychiatrist, Psychologist, MFT, LPCC, or LCSW). You may select individual, couple, family, or group psychotherapy, or some combination of these.
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
Unknown
Application Process
Application Deadline
Unknown
Undergraduate GPA Required
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 2.50 should submit a statement of purpose and a resume. The statement of purpose should address the circumstances that may have led the applicants to poor academic performance, what had changed and why they think they'll be successful now.
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
None
Application Highlights
Personal Statement (Optional): In cases where the academic history of an applicant does not meet the minimum admission requirements, it is recommended that a written personal evaluation be submitted with the application materials. The statement should give a realistic appraisal of any academic work since graduation from high school. Note any inconsistencies in the academic record and the reasons for them. In addition, include a plan to affirm a commitment to academic success while attending Golden Gate University. Applicants are encouraged to be as forthright and open as possible, and should feel free to discuss unusual circumstances or situations of adversity that may have influenced their current values. Be aware that both the quality of the writing and the thoughtfulness of the statement will be evaluated. Additional documents such as statement of purpose and resume may be required by program.
Interview Requirement
None
Program Summary
Golden Gate University offers a license-eligible Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. The program maintains a strategic partnership with the Psychotherapy Action Network, an organization that aims to organize, formulate initiatives, and collectively advocate for mental health policy that is based on the complexity of the individual and not simply on the identification of discrete symptoms. This is consistent with our program philosophy, which envisions psychotherapy as a complex process of individual growth and change and the therapeutic relationship as a key element in successful treatment.
Traineeship is an integral part of our program, providing an opportunity for students to apply the skills learned in class to the clinical encounter. Students are required to complete 300 face-to-face clinical hours under clinical supervision and to concurrently attend our practicum seminar over the course of at least three trimesters. Students who intend to pursue licensure outside the state of California are responsible for determining the traineeship requirements for the relevant states, such as additional face-to-face hours or supervisor qualifications, and for working with faculty and staff to make sure that any additional requirements are met. If you intend to pursue licensure outside the state of California or to complete your traineeship in another state, please speak with a faculty member in the Department of Psychology prior to beginning the program. We are happy to help you navigate this process.
Although faculty and staff are available to assist, students who intend to pursue licensure outside the state of California are responsible for determining the traineeship requirements for the relevant states, such as additional face-to-face hours or particular supervisor qualifications, and for working with faculty and staff to make sure that any additional requirements are met.
Our curriculum meets the MFT licensure requirements as set forth by section 4980.36 of the California Business and Professions (Cal. B&P) code. The program satisfies all the educational requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Science Sciences, and provides some hours of supervised experience fulfilling part of the practical experience requirements. Our curriculum also meets the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical counselor (LPCC) licensure as required by section 4999.33 of the California Business and Professions (Cal. B&P) code. The curriculum also meets the educational requirements for MFT and/or LPCC licensure in some other states. If you intend to pursue licensure outside the state of California or are completing the program, including the traineeship, outside the state of California, speak with a faculty member in the Department of Psychology to discuss the licensure requirements in your state of interest prior to beginning the program.