If it is possible to genuinely meet and discover each other as persons—actually to empathize with and understand both the cultural beliefs and political views of each other—then I think the obscured future may be penetrated with some clear rays of light that we may realistically hope for a better world.— Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
This program will engage in the study of applied mental health from an integrated perspective of clinical psychology and lifestyle medicine to meet the needs of individual, community and population mental health. The World Health Organization defines “health” as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Over the year, this program will involve the practice of paraprofessional clinical skills, applied cultural competency skills, and evolving students' overall skills as future clinicians. Students will participate in Centering/Presence Labs to support developing applied paraprofessional counseling skills. Learning goals include acquiring a theoretical and applied understanding of psychological theory and practice from biopsychosocial and cultural lenses. APA learning goals embedded in the program include developing content knowledge and application, critical thinking, values in psychological science, communication and psychological literacy skills, and personal and professional development. We will incorporate diverse pedagogical strategies including lectures, discussions, dialogues, seminars, films, counseling labs, integrative health practices, and expressive-arts therapy laboratories. Throughout the program, students will study applied micro-counseling and clinical skills, psychological ethics, cultural competency, interpersonal neurobiology, energy psychology and social science writing practices to prepare to serve in mental health and integrative health community internships. The program will explore paradigms of health based on interdisciplinary health practices and mental health systems.
This is an intellectually and emotionally challenging program that best serves students willing to make a nine-month-long commitment that will require 30 hours per week of class time, homework, and an internship experience during winter and spring quarters; these required 6-credit internships (15 hours/week) aim to integrate theory and practice. The winter quarter program will focus on mental health advocacy in partnership with the Washington State and American Psychological Association. This program work will help to prepare students for internships with mental health and health community partners.
To successfully participate in this program, students need access to internet capability to work with Canvas and online case studies that are video based. Students also need to be able to pass background checks required by human service agencies to work with minors and vulnerable populations. The winter and spring quarters will involve 15 hours/week in internship sites, 4 hours/week of program meetings, and 11 hours/week of asynchronous program work. This program provides an excellent opportunity to prepare students for human service careers and graduate level work in psychology, social work, and the integrative health field.
Fall Anticipated Credit Equivalencies
4 - Clinical/Counseling Skills: Theory and Practice
3 - Abnormal Psychology
3 - Multicultural Psychology Competencies
2 - Professional Writing
Winter Anticipated Credit Equivalencies
6 - Community Internship
2 - Abnormal Psychology
2 - Clinical/Counseling Skills: Theory and Practice
2 - Multicultural Psychology Competencies and Mental Health Advocacy
Spring Anticipated Credit Equivalencies
6 - Community Internship
2 - Social Science Writing
2 - Psychology Ethics and Law
2 - Clinical/Counseling Skills: Theory and Practice
Registration
12 credits in psychology , completed program application with 2 references
Signature Required
Students need to submit an application to be accepted into the program. Applications accepted by the Spring Academic Fair 2026 will have priority.
Academic Details
psychology and behavioral health
Art medicine kit available from Evergreen Bookstore for $45