Master of Arts

MA in Clinical Psychology, Latinx Mental Health

Develop expertise in working within Latinx community

Meet the unprecedented demand for bilingual Spanish speaking culturally competent practitioners qualified to work with Latinx individuals, families, and groups within Latinx communities. Your unique bilingual multicultural holistic training in counseling and psychotherapy provides a deepened understanding of this diverse population in all of its complexity to best form your practice in serving clients and advocating for positive change on an individual and community level. This degree is offered by AU Santa Barbara.

Program Overview

Bilingual Spanish-speaking students who graduate with the Latinx Mental Health concentration are in high employment demand by local agencies and community organizations serving diverse populations. The curriculum supports multicultural competencies, philosophies, and a vast range of approaches to clinical practice. This program builds on foundational perspectives in psychology and applied psychotherapeutic practice along with in-depth multicultural on perspectives individual, family, and community dynamics can inform a clinician’s practice and support them in better serving their clients. The concentration includes:

  • All of the courses required for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the 90-unit program
  • Courses focusing on Latinx mental health
  • Clinical skills within the Latinx context
  • Bilingual group therapy
  • On site clinical training – work with Latinx individuals, couples and families of all ages and backgrounds within their communities

Mariela Marin, Affiliate faculty in the MA in Clinical Psychology program, and Mentor for the Latinx Mental Health concentration describes it this way,

El programa de Maestra de Psicologia con un Enfoque en la Salud Mental de Latinos le provee estudiantes con una educacion comprensiva y los prepara para servir su comunidad efectivamente. Es un programa que prepara a uno para tener exito en su carrera y contribuir en el mundo de una manera positiva y profunda.

Degree Requirements

Requirements
  • Total Units 90 for LMH MFT (or 99 units with Optional 9th quarter MFT/LPCC track)
  • This concentration meets the requirements for California licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist and focuses on Latinx clients.
  • Students are required to be bilingual in English and Spanish to enroll in this program concentration
Course Sequence

Fall Quarter:

  • Theories of Psychotherapy in Context
  • Human Development and Diversity
  • Multicultural Awareness
  • Crisis, Disaster and Emergency Response *

Winter Quarter:

  • Research Methods
  • Psychopathology *
  • Clinical Skills I: The Psychotherapeutic Relationship in the Latinx Context
  • Contemporary Theories of Psychotherapy

Spring Quarter:

  • Lifespan Human Development: The Older Adult *
  • Theories of Family Systems
  • Clinical Skills II: The Psychotherapeutic Process with Latinx Clients
  • Professional Ethics and the Law

Summer Quarter:

  • Psychological Assessment: Evaluating Individuals and Systems in Context *
  • Clinical Skills with Latinx Families and Couples
  • Group Theories
  • Practicum: Professional Orientation -w-
  • Domestic Violence: Spousal, Elder and Child Abuse

Fall Quarter:

  • Practicum I: Clinical Evaluation and Crisis Intervention
  • The Process of Bilingual Group Psychotherapy
  • Intimate Relationships
  • Psychopharmacology for Therapists *

Winter Quarter:

  • Practicum II: Treatment Planning and Clinical Interventions with Latinx Clients
  • Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents
  • Substance Related Disorders and Other Addictive Behaviors *
  • Loss and Bereavement -w-

Spring Quarter:

  • Practicum III: Case Conceptualization with Latinx Clients
  • Clinical Skills in the Multicultural Context
  • Advanced Family Therapy: Special Populations -w-
  • Community Mental Health
  • Dual Diagnosis: Substance Related and Co-Occurring Disorders *

Summer Quarter:

  • Practicum IV: Integrating Clinical Skills
  • Advanced Family Therapy: Evidence-Based Practice *
  • Trauma Counseling
  • Human Sexuality and Counseling *

Optional LPCC coursework:

  • Evaluation Outcome and Research *
  • Social and Cultural Factors of Assessment and Evaluation *
  • Career Theories and Practice in the System *
  • Psychopharmacology for Therapists *

* = online/hybrid or weekend w = weekend only

Admissions

Application Deadlines

TermPriority DeadlineFinal Deadline
FallFebruary 1July 15
SpringAugust 1January 15
Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details.
  AUSB practices rolling admission. Completed applications are reviewed on an on-going basis and admission decisions are provided promptly. The Priority Deadline guarantees priority consideration for specific financial aid programs and scholarships, as well as the earliest decision notification. International applicants are encouraged to apply by the Priority Deadline.

Application Requirements
How to Apply

For the Latinx Mental Health concentration, see admissions information for the MA in Clinical Psychology.

Cost

Tuition and Fees – MA in Clinical Psychology
ItemCost
Tuition Per Quarter Unit$760
Quarterly International Student Fee$200
All Students-­General Fee, (technology, electronic library, student activity)$100
Program Materials fee (first quarter only)$30
Tevera® Clinical Training Software Signup Fee$220
MACP Program: Quarterly Liability Insurance Fee$15
Late Registration Fee$100
Transcript/Transcript & Assessments Fee$10/$15
Late Payment Fee$50
Return Check Fee$50
View the Cost of Attendance Components

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