Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Get started on your Journey
The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree with a concentration in Counseling Psychology trains graduates for the independent practice of assessment and intervention with individuals, groups, families and couples.
The PsyD program emphasizes skills and competencies for the professional practice of psychology. There is greater emphasis in the PsyD program on the application of psychology and the delivery of services and less emphasis on traditional research activities. The university operates the Community Counseling Service (CCS), a counseling center where students in the graduate programs work with clients from the community. The program is designed to meet state academic requirements for licensure as a psychologist. The program is designed to prepare graduates for:
- The competent practice of psychology
- Contributing to the development of the profession
- Seeking licensure as a professional psychologist
Counseling Psychology (PsyD) Program Overview
OLLU was the first in the nation to offer a doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree program in counseling psychology (practitioner-scholar model) accredited through the American Psychological Association (APA). The program first received accreditation in 1995.
The program is full-time, residency based and requires completion of 107 credit hours. Students in the program complete a dissertation and a pre-doctoral internship (one year for full-time or two years of part-time commitment). Students start their internship in the university's Community Counseling Service (CCS) on treatment teams under the supervision of a doctoral faculty member. Students work with individuals and families to resolve a wide range of problems. Treatment teams at the CCS use video recording and live supervision to enhance feedback between clients, therapists, and team members. A Spanish language team offers students the opportunity to complete the Psychological Services for Spanish Speaker Populations (PSSSP) certificate. OLLU's PsyD program has been recognized for its emphasis on cultural competency and Spanish-language certificate option.
After completing internship hours at the CCS, students are placed in off-campus practicum sites and are supervised both by OLLU faculty and on-site licensed psychologists.
Accreditation
The Counseling Psychology PsyD program is accredited by the American Psychological
Association (APA) and meets the specialty guidelines for the delivery of services.
For information about the APA accreditation status, contact the APA Commission on
Accreditation, c/o Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street
NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, phone: 202-336-5979.
Program Length
The PsyD program is a full-time program. Students typically finish their coursework in four years followed by one year of internship. All students begin their practica at the University’s Community Counseling Service (CCS) and later complete hours at off-campus sites such as schools, universities, hospitals or community agencies. Students placed in off-campus practicum sites are supervised both by OLLU faculty and on-site licensed psychologists.
Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations (PSSSP) Certificate
Psychology graduate students who are conversationally proficient in Spanish may obtain a certificate in Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations (PSSSP). The PSSSP certificate was developed to prepare students to provide high quality services to the growing number of clients who prefer to receive services in Spanish. The goal of the PSSSP program is to prepare practitioners to be equally competent in the delivery of psychological services in Spanish and English. The PSSSP certificate requirements may be fulfilled as an elective concentration in the PsyD program. Download PSSSP application (application is in Spanish).
Program Benefits
APA accredited
since 1995
University-based
clinic
Spanish-language
certificate
Why Earn a PsyD in Counseling Psychology?
Earning a PsyD in Counseling Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is a significant step toward a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Here’s why pursuing this degree is a wise choice:
Comprehensive Education:
OLLU’s Counseling Psychology PsyD program offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips
you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. You’ll gain a deep
understanding of psychological theory, assessment techniques, and evidence-based therapeutic
approaches.
Clinical Training:
OLLU places a strong emphasis on practical experience. Through supervised internships
and hands-on training, you’ll develop the clinical competence necessary to work effectively
with diverse populations and a wide range of mental health issues.
Professional Networking:
OLLU provides excellent opportunities to connect with fellow students and professionals
in the counseling psychology field. Building these networks can open doors to research
collaborations and job opportunities.
What Will You Learn in Our Counseling Psychology (PSYD) Program?
As part of our program, students must complete a series of courses, each carrying three semester hours of credit (with exceptions), covering essential topics in counseling psychology. Additionally, we understand the importance of recognizing prior academic achievements, as graduate transcripts can be evaluated for possible transfer credit, aligning with the APA Standards of Accreditation.
In the following section, we will delve into the broad topics and specific courses that make up our program, providing you with a clear understanding of the valuable knowledge and experience you will gain during your time with us:
PsyD
Counseling Theories and Methods
- Life Planning and Career Development
- Selected Topics in Counseling Theory and Practice
- Theories in Multicultural Counseling
- Positive Psychology
- Intro to Health Psychology
- Strengths-Based Approaches Psychotherapy
- History and Systems of Psychology and Psychotherapy
- Clinical Supervision
- Seminar in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
- Special Topics
Ethics and Professional Identity
- Professional Practice: Skills and Issues
- Doctoral Psychology Colloquium I
- Doctoral Psychology Colloquium II
Psychological Assessment
- Psycho-educational Assessment: Cognitive Testing
- Personality Assessment
- Advanced Psychological Measurement Evaluation
Clinical Practice
- Internship I
- Internship II
- Internship III
- Doctoral Practicum
(must take seven semesters and repeat until practicum requirements are met)
Cultural Bases of Behavior
- Family Processes Across Cultures
- Latina/o Psychology
Individual Differences
- Life Span Developmental Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
Social Bases of Behavior
- Social Psychology
Biological Bases of Behavior
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
- Cognition and Emotion
Research Design and Methodology
- Research Design and Procedures
- Professional Writing I
- Professional Writing II
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Design I
- Qualitative Research Design II
Dissertation
- Dissertation I
- Dissertation II
Elective Hours: Complete 12 additional hours
Behavioral Health
Must Take:
- Assessment in Health Psychology
- Integrated Health Care
Take One of the Following:
- Psychological Hypnosis
Miscellaneous Electives:
- Directed Study
- Selected Topics in Counseling Theory and Practice
(beyond the required three semester hours) - Special Topics
- Couples and Sex Therapy
- Cultural, Spiritual and Religious Healing Practices
PSSSP Certificate
Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations (PSSSP) Certificate
- Bilingual Assessment
- Introduction to Dialogues in Bilingual Therapy
- Latina/o Psychology
Choose One of the Following:
- Psychosocial Support at the Borderlands
- Counseling Spanish Speaking Immigrants and Refugees
- Socialcultural Foundations of Counseling Latinxs
- Cultural, Spiritual and Religious Healing Practices
Required Practica:
- Doctoral Practicum (Bilingual Section).
- Clinical Supervision (Bilingual Section)
Is a PsyD in Counseling Psychology Degree Worth It?
Pursuing a PsyD in Counseling Psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University offers a well-rounded education, extensive career opportunities, and the chance to make a significant impact in psychology.
Graduates of OLLU’s Counseling Psychology PsyD program are well-prepared for a wide range of fulfilling and impactful careers in psychology. Such careers will help our graduates earn up to $141,910 with strong potential for higher earnings, making this degree a wise investment. Moreover, the projected 6% growth in employment for psychologists from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, reflects a favorable job outlook.
Admission and Academic Requirements
Faculty
Full-time faculty members in the Doctorate of Psychology Program have extensive professional and academic experience. They hold doctoral degrees and/or professional certifications, and extensive experience with the professional practice of psychology. View All Psychology Faculty
Deborah Healy
Professor and Chair
Bernadette Solorzano
Professor/Clinic Director
Codina Fayed
Assistant Professor
What Can You Do With a Counseling Psychology (PsyD)
A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree in Counseling Psychology opens up various career opportunities in mental health and psychology. Here are some of the career paths and roles you can pursue with a PsyD in Counseling Psychology:
-
-
- Counseling Psychologist
- Therapist
- College or University Counselor
- Clinical Supervisor
- Health Psychologist
- Human Resources Specialist
- Teaching and Academic Roles
-
Tuition & Financial Aid
The Doctorate in Counseling Psychology program was the first program of its kind in the nation to receive accreditation from the American Psychological Association and has been accredited since 1995. It is a highly recognized program with a strong emphasis on cultural and linguistic competency. The university sponsored clinic, Community Counseling Service, gives students a strong start to their internship experience through treatment teams supervised by program faculty. This unique and highly regarded program provides a strong launching pad for your career as a doctoral-level psychologist. It is an investment in your career and your strength as a professional psychologist.
| Tuition | Costs |
|---|---|
| Our Tuition (2024–2025 rate) | $3,195 per course |
| Average Tuition of Peer Online Institutions | $4,330 per course |
You should begin the Financial Aid application process at the same time that you apply to the graduate program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov . Please list Our Lady of the Lake University, federal school code #003598, as one of the schools to receive your application information. OLLU will receive your results electronically and use them to award your financial aid.
Please note: You must be officially accepted for admission to the university before a financial aid award can be processed.
FAQs
A PsyD in Counseling Psychology is a Doctor of Psychology degree specializing in counseling and therapy, focusing on clinical practice and applied psychology. It prepares individuals for careers as licensed clinical psychologists who provide counseling and psychotherapy.
Yes, a PsyD in Counseling Psychology is worth it for individuals passionate about providing therapy and clinical services to help individuals and communities improve their mental health and well-being. It offers the necessary training and credentials to pursue a rewarding career as a licensed counseling psychologist, making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Choosing between a PhD and a PsyD depends on your career goals. PhD programs emphasize research and may be better suited for those interested in academia or research-focused roles. PsyD programs focus more on clinical practice and may be preferable for those aiming to become licensed counseling psychologists.
The practicum training offered at the department’s training clinic, Community Counseling Service (CCS), provides intensive, yet supportive training in psychotherapy. At CCS, students have the opportunity to observe faculty and peers conduct psychotherapy and receive immediate feedback on their work through live supervision. The CCS practicum emphasizes the application of brief, systemic, strengths-based approaches to psychotherapy, which are the theories emphasized in coursework. The program emphasizes multicultural competence including specialized training for students who are conversationally proficient in Spanish. Elective concentrations are available in Health Psychology, Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations, and Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy. Coursework in consultation and program evaluation provide students with marketable skills.
Yes, the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. For information about APA accreditation status, contact the APA Commission on Accreditation, c/o Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 2002-4242, phone: 202-336-5979.
Our Lady of the Lake University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Our Lady of the Lake University.
Yes, the program meets the academic requirements for licensure as a Psychologist in Texas and most other states.
Yes. Students are admitted to the PsyD program after obtaining a master's degree in psychology or a closely related discipline. Current master's students who apply for the doctoral program must have their master's degree conferred by the time they begin the program.
The program emphasizes brief, systemic, strengths-based approaches to psychotherapy.
Students admitted with a master’s degree generally take four years to complete the coursework followed by one year of internship. Students must successfully defend their dissertation proposal prior to applying for internship and are strongly encouraged to finish their dissertation before leaving for internship.
No, the doctoral program in psychology is a full-time program. Students who need to work while in the program need to be sure that their employer will allow flexibility in scheduling.
Both written and oral qualifying exams are required for the PsyD program.
Yes. Students are required to complete a dissertation on a topic related to the practice of counseling psychology.
Students admitted with a master's degree are required to complete at least 1,000 direct service hours (up to 500 direct service practicum hours may be transferred with prior approval). They begin practicum in the spring semester of the first year at the Psychology Department's training clinic, the Community Counseling Service. Students may be placed in off-campus practica in the spring of their second year. Students are expected to engage in 12-20 hours of practica each semester for their second, third, and fourth years.
One year (1,900-2,000 hours) of pre-doctoral internship experience is required. The internship may be completed by working half time over two years. Students must complete their internships in programs that are either APA accredited or that meet the minimum requirements set forth by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Placement in predoctoral internships is a highly competitive process. Information about the internship application process can be found at the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers website.
PsyD Program Aims and Objectives
The PsyD program is committed to the following aims and objectives in preparing our students to become competent in the practice of psychology
Aim #1: Graduates will be prepared for the competent practice of psychology
- Objective 1.1 Students demonstrate mastery of the theory and practice of psychotherapy.
- Objective 1.2 Students demonstrate proficiency in providing psychological assessment and interpreting assessment procedures.
- Objective 1.3 Students demonstrate understanding of and the ability to apply ethical and legal principles.
- Objective 1.4 Students demonstrate multicultural competence.
- Objective 1.5 Students are able to implement appropriate methodologies to evaluate clinical practice, efficacy, and outcomes.
Aim #2: Graduates are prepared to contribute to the development of the profession
- Objective 2.1 Students demonstrate proficiency in providing supervision of psychotherapy.
- Objective 2.2 Students demonstrate skills necessary to contribute to the profession through scholarship.
Aim #3: The PsyD program produces licensed professional psychologists (program outcomes)
- Objective 3.1 Students that apply for internships are matched at an APA-accredited or APPIC-member site.
- Objective 3.2 Students complete program within 10 years.
- Objective 3.3 Graduates obtain licensure as professional psychologists.