Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology offered by VCU is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The program seeks to advance the field of counseling psychology through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to science and service provision. 

We offer generalist training and exposure to multiple theoretical models; however we also have a distinctive slant toward counseling health psychology. Specifically, students will be well-prepared to engage in:

  • Applied research
  • Evidence-based clinical practice
  • The integration of research and practice

Students are trained for a variety of career paths, including working as faculty in academia or medical schools, and implementing and evaluating interventions in hospital, community, university or other clinical settings. 

Upon graduation, students are both competent scientists, and ready for licensure as doctoral-level psychologists with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in evidence-based practice consistent with the highest ethical and professional standards.

Please see the VCU Bulletin for additional degree information.

Practicum and Internship

All students complete practicum positions at VCU in their second and third year. Second-year students work at VCU's University Counseling Services. Third-year students work at the Center for Psychological Development's Multicultural Clinic.

In their fourth year, students complete an external practicum in the greater Richmond community.

Counseling Psychology doctoral students are also required to complete an APA-accredited internship that must be one calendar year of full-time supervised counseling experience.

APA Accreditation

Our program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1984. Our last APA site visit was in fall 2018. Our next APA site visit is scheduled for 2028. 

Our program upholds the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity put forth by the Council of Counseling Psychology Programs

Commission on Accreditation
750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979