University of Western States (UWS)

What you'll study

This programme combines theory, research methods and supervised clinical practice to prepare students for applied work in community, healthcare and private settings. Coursework balances foundational psychological science with applied counselling and clinical skills.

• Foundations of Clinical Psychology: developmental and adult psychopathology, models of psychopathology and diagnostic conceptualisation.
• Counselling and Psychotherapy Methods: cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, family-systems and integrative approaches to individual and group therapy.
• Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis: clinical interviewing, use and interpretation of standard assessment tools, diagnostic formulation and report writing.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods, programme evaluation and applied research design relevant to clinical and counselling contexts.
• Ethics, Law and Professional Issues: ethical decision-making, confidentiality, boundaries, cultural competence and legal responsibilities in clinical practice.
• Multicultural and Diversity Issues: competence in working with diverse populations, trauma-informed care and culturally responsive interventions.
• Practicum and Internship: sequential supervised clinical placements in community mental health, hospitals, schools or private practice settings that build direct-service hours and professional skills.
• Applied Capstone or Thesis: an integrative project or research thesis that demonstrates competency in applied clinical or counselling work.

Programme structure typically includes core seminars, elective options to tailor specialisms (for example, trauma, substance use, child and adolescent services), and a supervised clinical practicum sequence. Supervision is provided by faculty and licensed practitioners, emphasising case formulation, evidence-based interventions and professional development.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology or a related human services field. Typical application components include:

• Official undergraduate transcripts demonstrating academic preparation; prerequisite coursework may be required if your degree is in a different field (common prerequisites include introductory psychology, statistics and developmental or abnormal psychology).
• A personal statement outlining professional goals, clinical interests and readiness for graduate-level training.
• Letters of recommendation, usually from academic instructors or supervisors who can speak to your potential for graduate clinical work.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé detailing relevant work, volunteer and practicum experience.
• Some programmes require an interview as part of the selection process and may request background checks or documentation for practicum placement clearance.

Admissions decisions consider academic record, relevant experience, fit with programme goals and capacity for clinical training. Applicants whose undergraduate preparation is limited may be admitted conditionally and asked to complete prerequisite coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates from this master’s programme pursue a variety of roles in mental health and human services. Common career paths include:

• Counselling clinician in community mental health agencies, outpatient clinics or private practice (licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction and may require additional supervised hours or certification).
• Behavioural health specialist integrated within primary care, hospitals or veteran services teams.
• School-based counsellor, youth worker or case manager supporting children, adolescents and families.
• Substance use treatment counsellor, trauma-informed care provider or crisis intervention specialist.
• Programme coordinator, clinical supervisor or applied researcher in non-profit, governmental or healthcare organisations.

For those who intend to become licensed psychologists, this master’s provides strong preparation for clinical experience and research, but a doctoral degree may be required for independent licensure as a clinical psychologist in many jurisdictions. The programme’s practicum and internship experiences also support credentialing for counselling licensure where state or regional rules permit.

Why study at University of Western States (UWS)

University of Western States is known for interdisciplinary health-sciences education and a clinical focus that emphasises evidence-based practice. The institution places strong emphasis on hands-on training and interprofessional collaboration, offering students access to supervised practicum sites and faculty with active clinical practices.

• Small cohort sizes and practicum-centred instruction that support close mentorship and personalised feedback.
• Faculty with clinical and research experience across mental health settings, bringing applied perspectives to teaching and supervision.
• Strong connections with local healthcare providers and community agencies in the Portland region that facilitate practicum and internship placements.
• An institutional mission oriented to health, wellness and professional preparation that integrates scientific knowledge with practical clinical skills.

Together, these features make UWS a suitable environment for students seeking intensive clinical training and applied experience in counselling and clinical psychology.