"Inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected," said Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, in a press release in 2004.
Twenty years later, embracing and understanding diverse perspectives and inclusivity is more critical than ever, especially in the field of counseling psychology.
For emerging licensed counselors in California, the best way to enhance competent care is by choosing psychology graduate programs that embrace various perspectives and clinical experiences.
Why is Inclusion of all Perspectives is Important in Psychology Education?
As a field dedicated to understanding the human mind and behavior across all cultures and backgrounds, appreciating various perspectives is crucial in psychology education. Licensed counselors will need a more comprehensive understanding of the human experience.
Exposing students to varied perspectives and backgrounds has the effect of:
- Enhancing psychological practice and education
- Promoting cultural competence
- Improving counselors' service delivery to various populations
Cultural Competence Training Broadens Perspectives
The truth about psychology education is simple:
Exposing counseling students to multiple worldviews, challenging them to consider different perspectives and expand their understanding of human behavior lead to more competent counselors.
Learning from faculty and peers with varied backgrounds allows students to gain insights into various contexts, beliefs and experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for individual differences.
Impact on Professional Practice in Psychology
Psychology students exposed to a wide range of faculty, peers and clinical experiences before licensing are better equipped to treat patients from a wide range of backgrounds in various ways.
Counselors Can Meet Various Psychological Needs
"Therapists without shared heritage must remain aware of cultural differences and develop the humility necessary to bring those up in conversation when appropriate."
– American Psychological Association
While research has shown that a therapist-client cultural match can positively impact therapy outcomes, other factors matter, too. For all therapists, being able to connect competently, comprehensively and cognitively despite their background introduces stronger therapeutic alliances, better engagement in treatment and higher patient retention.
Patients Experience Greater Comprehensive Care and Accessibility
A counseling workforce that understand and appreciates various views helps ensure that comprehensive care is available to all individuals.
Practitioners with various experiences and perspectives can better understand and address the unique needs of their clients.
Finding psychology graduate degree programs as researchers and practicing counselors that…
- Embrace institutional inclusion
- Aim to increase access to comprehensive care for patients in their community
- Teach curricula through a lens of inclusion excellence
...is how counselors become equipped to help as many people as possible.
Explore Psychology Graduate Programs Focused on Inclusion and Ethics
For counselors looking to embrace a career in psychology research or counseling psychology, Mount Saint Mary's University (MSMU) offers several graduate programs in psychology that are closely aligned with the institution's mission of serving neighbors without distinction — right in the heart of LA.
PsyD
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program trains the next generation of ethical health service psychologists who strive for humility while integrating the practice and science of psychological services.
It offers two cutting-edge emphases:
- Latinx Mental Health
- Diverse Populations
Both are designed to meet the needs of a multicultural environment.
Counseling Psychology and the ¡Enlaces! Program
The Counseling Psychology programs at MSMU are highly collaborative and inclusive programs designed to train students who wish to make a positive impact working with individuals, families, schools, nonprofit organizations and community agencies.
Specifically, our counseling psychology programs prepare students to serve individuals who need services the most:
- M.S. in Counseling Psychology (General)
- M.S. in Counseling Psychology - Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- M.S. in Counseling Psychology -MFT with ¡Enlaces! Certificate
At MSMU, we aim to increase access to comprehensive care for patients in their community. Coursework designated as ¡Enlaces! offers an opportunity for students to apply and practice professional psychological terminology and learn about specific factors involved in counseling Spanish-speaking clients.
¡Enlaces! students can also receive a clinical placement working with a Spanish-speaking client.
The Mount's Commitment to Inclusion Excellence
As the world becomes more interconnected, the ability to understand and appreciate differences is becoming increasingly important in various fields, including psychology.
MSMU is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that prepares students for the diverse workplaces they will encounter in our increasingly globalized world. By exposing students to a range of perspectives and experiences, MSMU aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and thrive in various settings.
If working in such inclusive settings excites you and aligns with your values, consider exploring MSMU's psychology programs and learn more about the field of counseling psychology:
Our resource, A Field Guide to Careers with a Psychology Degree, can help you learn more about how can prepare yourself for a career in this dynamic field.
Your Patients Will Need 1:1 Support – What About You?
To map a career path that works best for your needs and goals, book a meeting with the MSMU team to discuss your goals and how the programs can help you achieve them — or request more information to receive updates about graduate psychology programs and opportunities in Los Angeles.