Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Our Ph.D. program is intended for those preparing to become counseling psychologists. Through coursework and hands-on experience, you will learn to evaluate theories and research critically, while gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and individuals you will serve.
The program offers areas of focus, where you can further your skills and become better equipped to provide solutions for the societal and interpersonal challenges facing clients. Students will be able to integrate research into practice and engage in practice that is informed by research. Some faculty research areas include:
- Multicultural counseling
- HIV counseling
- Psychotherapy research
- Romantic relationships
- Health psychology and health disparities
- Group dynamics
- Supervision and training
- Vocational psychology and career development
- Cancer survivorship
Upon completion of our Ph.D. program, and with the additional post-doctoral required hours, you’ll be able to apply for licensure as a psychologist in Colorado. The University of Denver has not yet determined whether the program meets licensure requirements in a state other than Colorado or in any U.S. protectorates. For students seeking licensure in a state other than Colorado, students should contact the state’s Board of Education to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements.
The following faculty are accepting Ph.D. Students for the 2024-25 admissions cycle:
Dr. Lisa Brownstone - View Profile
Dr. Jesse Owen - View Profile
Dr. Ruth Chao - View Profile
Dr. Julia Roncoroni - View Profile
Dr. Trisha Raque - View Profile
Dr. Pat Garriott - View Profile
Dr. Keiko McCullough - View Profile
Our students spend an average of 5.5 years in this program.
For more than a decade, 100% of our students who've applied for APA/CPA-accredited internships have gotten them.
More than 90% of our graduates successfully earn their Colorado psychology licensure.
Program Requirements
You will need to complete a minimum of 90 quarter credit hours. Other requirements include:
- Two supervised practica
- A supervised, 12-month, full-time predoctoral psychology internship
- Comprehensive exams
- A pre-dissertation research project
- A dissertation
Accreditation
The Counseling Psychology (CP) PhD program at the University of Denver has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1986 when we received full accreditation. Our program has been continuously accredited since that time. Our last APA site visit occurred in 2018 when we received re-accreditation for 10 years until 2028.
For data related to the program as part of APA accreditation, please see: Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data.