This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making,  in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.

The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:

• integration of theory, research, and practice of health service psychology
• ethical decision making and commitment to professional standards of practice
• multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills with particular emphasis on working with peoples in the rural, Southwestern United States (e.g. American Indians, Latinas/os)
• application of  health service psychology theory, research, and practice concepts in training, supervision, and consultation