FAQs
About Counseling Psychology
The Counseling Psychology degree prepares students to enter the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) constitute a significant proportion of the mental health providers in California, e.g. LCSWs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The majority of MFTs work in non-profit organizations (community mental health services) as well as in schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies, and private practice. In addition to their general practice in marriage, family, and child counseling, many MFTs have also acquired additional areas of specialized training in, but not limited to, substance abuse, child abuse, hypnotherapy, and working with school-community organizations.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) constitute a significant proportion of the mental health providers in California, e.g. LCSWs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The majority of MFTs work in non-profit organizations (community mental health services) as well as in schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies, and private practice. In addition to their general practice in marriage, family, and child counseling, many MFTs have also acquired additional areas of specialized training in, but not limited to, substance abuse, child abuse, hypnotherapy, and working with school-community organizations.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) constitute a significant proportion of the mental health providers in California, e.g. LCSWs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The majority of MFTs work in non-profit organizations (community mental health services) as well as in schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies, and private practice. In addition to their general practice in marriage, family, and child counseling, many MFTs have also acquired additional areas of specialized training in, but not limited to, substance abuse, child abuse, hypnotherapy, and working with school-community organizations.
Social Work programs often emphasize an ecological perspective which focuses on the fit and interactions of a person or system in relation to the various environments. In this respect, many social work graduates work with agencies to provide environmental support and external resources as well as counseling individuals and families. However, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is specifically trained to perform clinical psychotherapy and many are involved in private practice as well as working with various agencies.
MFTs, like psychologists and LCSWs, provide psychotherapy with individuals and families/couples and generally do not assist clients with external resources. School counselors and school psychologists can only work with children and school personnel in school settings and require a school credential. MFTs, LCSWs, and psychologists require passing written examinations to earn their licenses and can practice in the community outside of a school setting.
The program prepares students to apply for licensing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences for Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) constitute a significant proportion of the mental health providers in California, e.g. LCSWs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The majority of MFTs work in non-profit organizations (community mental health services) as well as in schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies, and private practice.
A survey in the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapist journal, the California Therapist, indicates there is a severe shortage of mental health personnel in California, particularly in certain counties. Most MFTs work in agencies or independent practice. The average fee ranges from $75 per hour, and they see approximately 20-25 clients per week. Managed care and HMOs have not seriously impacted MFT fees and work as California laws do not generally permit discrimination by insurance companies against MFTs. Contrary to popular belief, MFTs can and do bill and collect insurance reimbursement from insurance companies that cover various mental health services without a physician's approval. The majority of our MFT graduates often work for an organization (Department of Public Social Services, Children's Protective Services, colleges, schools, hospitals, clinics, etc.) while developing their independent practice. Many colleges and other agencies are hiring MFTs to provide counseling, advisement, and teaching service as it is more cost effective than hiring PhDs.
Applying
Applicants may have a degree in any major/field. A degree in psychology is not required and will not augment one's eligibility for admission.
Visit the GSO Tips & Tutorials for Applying page for an application flow chart, advice on how to be a competitive applicant, and free resources and tips on the statement of purpose, letters of recommendations, and resume.
Please visit the Online Application Submission website.
When you are ready to apply on Cal State Apply, please select "MS in Counseling Psychology"
No, the GRE is not required for admission consideration to the Counseling Psychology program.
Minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. For more information please see Eligibility Requirements.
Two. The program admissions committee has instructed you to input the names and email addresses for only two recommenders. Therefore, please do not input more than two recommenders. For additional information on recommendations, please visit the Online Application Submission website..
The application deadline is also the deadline for the letters of recommendation. Please note there is a short buffer period in which recommender(s) may submit evaluations after the application deadline. Please make sure your recommender submits the recommendation by the deadline for full consideration. For additional information on recommendations, please visit the Online Application Submission website..
No. This program does not have rolling admissions, and all applications are reviewed after the application deadline.
Graduate school fees are set by the CSU Board of Trustees each academic year. The current fee structure may be found on the Enrollment Services website. The approximate cost as of Fall 2023 is $19,644 - $24,954 for the entire Counseling Psychology program for California residents (fees vary based on the 2, 2.5 or 3 year tracks).
The CSULB Counseling Psychology program is committed to diversity. There is no single prototypical student. Rather, faculty seek a diverse group of students whose unique experiences add to the curriculum and instruction of the program. Counseling experience (volunteer or paid) and bilingualism are a definite asset to an applicant. A strong academic record such as good grades and good letters of recommendation will also increase your chances of being admitted to the program.
Admission to the Counseling Psychology program is highly competitive (acceptance rate is approximately 5% of the total number of applicants). It is essential for applicants to adhere to application guidelines. Please visit the Online Application Submission website for additional information.
Degree Requirements
The program has 2-year, 2.5-year, and 3-year tracks available. Once admitted to the program, students select their track.
Please visit the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) website for additional information about license requirements. Please note students may use 150 Practicum hours and 350 Fieldwork hours are applicable toward the 3,000 hours for the LMFT.
Yes, the program prepares students to apply for licensing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences for both the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT).
No. Please note CSULB has three programs that offer a PPS credential:
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to review transcripts in advance of being offered admission to the program.
To obtain a general idea of courses that may be equivalent to our prerequisite and/or core courses, please review the official catalog description of the course you took at another university and compare it to the CSULB official catalog description of the course you wish to waive. If the descriptions are similar, it may be equivalent. Please note, however, that there is no guarantee that a course taken at another university will meet our course requirement.
Students offered admission to the program will meet with an advisor who will advise regarding potential course equivalencies and how to start the course equivalency process.
Some applicants question whether they should apply to a master’s degree such as our Counseling Psychology program or apply to a doctoral program. Approximately one out of five of our graduates go on for a Ph.D. The majority of doctoral programs do not require a master’s degree. The majority of our students want to become a therapist as soon as possible, and the difference in remuneration between MFTs, LCSWs and psychologists is no longer that great due to the effects of managed care and HMOs.
Other Inquiries
