Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology
The Doctor in Psychology (Psy.D.) degree enables students to qualify for professional licensure as a psychologist in Washington State. Graduates are equipped to be culturally competent therapists, diagnosticians, and evaluators. In addition, the Psy.D. Program prepares emerging psychologists for research or teaching at the college or university level.
APA Accredited
Northwest University’s doctoral program in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA)*, effective 10/28/18.
Questions related to the Psy.D. program may be directed to the Psy.D. Director of Student Services, Yulia Shtareva, by emailing yulia.shtareva@northwestu.edu or by calling 425-889-5226.
*Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979
E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Program Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program is to prepare students as counseling psychologists equipped to serve others’ needs in a globally relevant and socially conscious manner. Using the practitioner-scholar model, this applied program trains students to be skilled practitioners who engage in evidence-based and theory-informed practice. With a unique focus on service to the global community, a commitment to social justice, and a Christian worldview, we strive to equip our graduates to serve others with compassion and excellence.
Program Aims
The three aims of the Psy.D. program are as follows:
- To produce graduates who have obtained the necessary skills and abilities needed for providing professional psychological and counseling services.
- To develop scholars with the ability to critically analyze scientific research and to conduct psychological research.
- To develop graduates with knowledge of the fundamental theories and scientific foundations of psychology.
Hear From a Professor
Dr. Nikki Johnson, an Assistant Professor at Northwest University explains the pillars of our Psy.D. and M.A. degrees in counseling, and why they are different and unique from other programs.
Why Choose Our Doctoral Program?
Licensable Degrees for the State of Washington
Graduate knowing that you can become a fully licensed psychologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage for psychologists was $95,710 in 2016, (source).
Integrate Faith with Learning
Our programs are taught within the framework of a Christian worldview. Students are challenged to incorporate their understanding of faith with academic theory and applied skills.
Distinguished Faculty
Our professors draw from their academic studies and real-world professional experiences to provide students with the tools and skills they'll need to be successful in counseling and psychology.
Learn to Treat the Whole Person
We teach you how to engage your clientele from a holistic approach: biologically, psychologically, spiritually, and culturally. The result is even greater effectiveness as a counselor or psychologist.
Regionally Accredited
Our regionally accredited university status meets Washington state licensing requirements for psychologists and represents the highest level accreditation offered by the Department of Education.
Local and Global Immersion Experiences
You will deepen your skills and understanding by participating in local and international immersion experiences. These experiences will not only equip you for your career, they have also proven to be life-changing.
Learn Within a Diverse Cohort
Learn with other students who share your interests and your goals. It's a supportive environment of peers who will encourage you, challenge you, and become a fundamental part of your professional network once you graduate.
This Doctor Will Heal Hearts
At sixteen years old, Renee St. Jacques wrote in her journal, “I want to be a heart doctor.” Her life would take a different direction—to Corporate America. One day, she asked herself a simple question: What brings me the greatest joy in life? It was then that Renee realized she was created to help the brokenhearted. She enrolled in our Psy.D. program to pursue her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. “I want a career that has an impact on people—one that brings healing and restoration. NU has prepared me to live out God’s call on my life.”
Degree Requirements
- 119 semester hours of coursework
- 10 hours of individual psychotherapy (out-of-pocket expense)—Year One
- Cultural Immersion Experience—Year Two
A hallmark of the Psy.D program is its required international cultural immersion experience in the second year. Psychologists care for people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Psy.D curriculum prepares students through study, clinical experience, and interaction with culture specialists to work in diverse global contexts. In addition, students are required to participate in a 10-14 day cultural immersion experience. Sites may vary from year to year, and include such places as India, Turkey, China, El Salvador, or Uganda. - Qualifying Examination—Year Three
- Doctoral Dissertation: There are options for a focused dissertation that is comprised primarily of one of the following:
- Quantitative research;
- Qualitative research;
- Doctoral Practicum experience which satisfies all program and state requirements.
- Advanced Practicum or Preinternship experience which satisfies all program and state requirements.
- Internship experience which satisfies all program and state requirements.
- All requirements as noted in the Clinical Training Sequence section of the Psy.D. Student Handbook.
Put Our 80+ Years of Experience To Work For You.