University of Western States (UWS)

What you'll study

This master's combines coursework in clinical assessment, evidence-based interventions, programme development and interprofessional collaboration with supervised practicum hours. Core themes include mental health assessment and diagnosis, counselling and psychotherapy approaches, trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practice, behavioural health integration, neurobiological foundations of mental health, and community systems and service delivery.

• Clinical skills and interventions: cognitive and behavioural therapies, brief interventions, motivational interviewing, group facilitation and crisis intervention.
• Assessment and diagnosis: diagnostic interviewing, psychometrics, case formulation and risk management.
• Systems and social context: community mental health, case management, programme development, policy and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
• Interprofessional practice: working effectively with allied health professionals, integrated care models and collaborative treatment planning.
• Research and evaluation: research methods, outcomes measurement and quality improvement to support evidence-based practice.
• Practicum/capstone: substantial supervised clinical placement(s) in community, primary care or specialised mental-health settings and a final integrative project or practicum portfolio.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, kinesiology, public health, or a related discipline. Admissions look for academic readiness for graduate study, relevant work or volunteer experience in health or social services, and clear professional motivation.

• Official undergraduate transcripts demonstrating satisfactory academic performance.
• A personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• Current curriculum vitae or résumé describing relevant experience.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview as part of the selection process.
• Prerequisite coursework may be required (for example introductory psychology, statistics or human biology); applicants without direct prerequisites may be asked to complete specified preparatory modules.
• Successful completion of background checks or health-screening requirements is typically required for placement in practicum settings.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across clinical, community and administrative settings within mental and social health. Common career paths include positions as mental health clinicians in community agencies, behavioural health specialists in integrated primary care, case managers, programme coordinators, rehabilitation and support specialists, and roles within non-profit organisations or public-sector services. The programme also provides a foundation for those pursuing further professional licensure or advanced clinical credentials, roles in training and supervision, or employment in policy, advocacy and service development. Graduates may work in hospitals, community health centres, schools, residential programmes and private practice settings, often as part of multidisciplinary teams.

Why study at University of Western States (UWS)

UWS emphasises applied, evidence-informed training and interprofessional education within a health-focused university environment. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, hands-on practicum placements with community and clinical partners in the region, and faculty who combine academic expertise with active clinical practice. The curriculum is designed to integrate mental health and allied-professions perspectives, preparing graduates to work collaboratively across disciplines and settings. Support services for career development and practicum placement help translate classroom learning into practical skills and professional opportunities.