The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School is the nation's oldest and largest graduate school focused exclusively on psychology and related behavioral sciences. As a professional school, our focus is not strictly on research and theory, but on preparing students to become outstanding practitioners, providing direct service to help individuals and organizations thrive.

We prepare our students with superior theoretical and classroom preparation—coupled with an unrivaled range of real-world training experiences; opportunities to build their multicultural and global sophistication; and ongoing personal and professional mentorship from faculty who are active leaders in their fields. Chicago School students graduate with the knowledge and practical skills they need to make an impact in the world and achieve their goals.

The Chicago School is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized The Chicago School for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. In addition, The Chicago School recently became the only professional psychology school named to President Obama's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service.

Our Westwood campus is located in the center of Westwood Village, a lively neighborhood next to the UCLA campus and a short drive to Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and several public beaches. This "urban yet suburban" neighborhood (with high-end restaurants, eclectic cafes and sandwich shops, retail shopping, and more) provides students access to UCLA's libraries and other amenities, ample convenient parking, and easy access to the 405, 101, and 10 freeways.

The Westwood campus is also home to one of the Chicago School Counseling Centers which provide students the extraordinary opportunity to gain real-world training while also learning marketing and operations related to running a private practice or mental health clinic.

MA in Clinical Psychology - Marital and Family Therapy

Marital and family therapy is one of the fastest growing disciplines in the mental health field and MFTs apply their skills in many different work settings, including private practice, social service agencies, inpatient psychiatric facilities, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, and even courts and prisons. MFTs view their clients in the context of relationships—assuming that every individual influences and is influenced by people in his/her life in a systemic fashion. Marital and family therapists may work with individuals, couples, or families who are coping with a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, marital and relationship problems, child-parent conflict, and more. They assist their clients in better understanding how their personal behavior patterns may be influencing the behaviors of those around them. MFTs help their clients find new ways of thinking about and interacting with others—and ultimately lead more harmonious, fulfilling lives.

PsyD in Marital & Family Therapy (Post-Master's)

Like many mental health practitioners, marital and family therapists (MFTs) provide therapeutic services to help their clients overcome a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. MFTs view their clients in the context of relationships—assuming that every individual influences and is influenced by people in his/her life in a systemic fashion. Marital and family therapists may work with individuals, couples, or families who are coping with a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, marital and relationship problems, child-parent conflict, and more. They assist their clients in better understanding how their personal behavior patterns may be influencing the behaviors of those around them. MFTs help their clients find new ways of thinking about and interacting with others—and ultimately lead more harmonious, fulfilling lives.

The following concentrations are offered:

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Management Practice

PsyD in Psychology - Generalist (Post-Master's)

The hallmark of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program is the Generalist Concentration. This concentration offers students the opportunity to develop a broader base of knowledge regarding alternative theories and interventions, clinical work with diverse populations, and professional responsibilities. Through the Generalist Concentration, students can gain additional expertise in teaching, supervision, and administration; learn applied behavior analysis; take a series of courses in trauma, loss, or expressive therapies; develop an additional theoretical area of specialty; or design a unique area of independent study.

PsyD in Psychology - Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (Post-Master's)

Psychologists trained in psychodynamic approaches assist their clients in understanding the rich interplay that occurs between themselves and others, thus helping improve interpersonal skills and relational satisfaction. Like other doctoral-level psychologists, those who are trained in psychodynamic psychology may work with a range of clinical populations, providing individual as well as family and group therapy. Each practitioner may take a slightly different approach to treatment and employ different techniques—from traditional psychoanalysis to talk therapy to dream analysis to expressive arts or even hypnosis—to help clients uncover unconscious feelings or beliefs that may be impacting their decisions, behaviors, and overall quality of life. They may work in private practice, community mental health centers, psychiatric settings, nonprofit agencies, and more.

Information

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