Three people sit together in a modern, bright room; one person with a Ph.D. in Art Therapy holds a notebook, engaging the others in conversation while another smiles.

Master of Arts + Master of Counselling Psychology

Vancouver

The Adler University Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology blends academic rigor with real-world practice. A 700-hour practicum, faculty mentorship, and small classes prepare students to enter the field as responsible, effective, and self-reflexive clinicians.

Master of Arts: 59 credits
Master of: 55 credits
2-year program, full-time study
Part-time opportunities
90% employment rate
Ranked a top-10 program

Apply Now Request information All Programs

Admission Deadlines

Term	Priority	Final
Spring 2026	9/30/2025	11/1/2025
Fall 2026	2/15/2026	5/15/2026

Program overview

For more than 50 years, Adler University has set the standard for counselling education in Canada. With rigorous training and supervised practice, over 90% of graduates enter counselling or related roles within 12 months of program completion.

Direct training in theory, applied practice, and supervised experience enables students to address mental and emotional health needs for individuals, families, and groups across community, clinical, and private practice settings.

Why choose a master’s in counselling psychology at Adler?

Professional standards alignment: Meets requirements for the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC).
Nationally recognized for excellence: Ranked among the Top 10 Best Master’s in Counselling Psychology programs in Canada by CourseCompare (2025).
Clinical preparation: Gain 700 hours of supervised practicum experience through Adler’s extensive network of clinical sites, built on more than five decades of training counselling professionals in Canada.
Expert faculty mentorship: Learn from faculty who are practicing clinicians and researchers, bringing current expertise into the classroom.

Thesis + NON-THESIS options

Adler University offers both a Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology (MACP | MCP), giving students the choice between a thesis or non-thesis option. Both degrees are accepted by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Thesis | MACP

The MACP is designed for those interested in conducting primary research through an additional 4-credit thesis series. Under the guidance of a faculty committee, students engage in a rigorous and systematic investigation for the purpose of completing and defending a thesis, often required for doctoral work in counselling psychology.

STUDENT VOICES in research

Beyond symptoms: Adler graduate’s research explores the many paths to chronic pain recovery

‘You’re Just a Kid’: Parentification in siblings of children with developmental disabilities

Counselling Psychology Careers That support communities

Graduates of the master’s of counselling psychology programs at Adler are prepared to work in multiple environments, from community and health care organizations to schools and private practice.

Mental Health Clinician

Deliver therapeutic services in community agencies, hospitals, or outpatient clinics. Mental health clinicians assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide counselling interventions that improve mental and emotional health outcomes.

Two people sit indoors on a couch, smiling and having a conversation about art therapy. Shelves and framed pictures are visible in the background.

Family Counsellor

Support families in navigating relationship difficulties, communication issues, and life transitions. Family counsellors apply systemic approaches to build stronger connections and healthier family dynamics.

A woman in a maroon jacket sits across from a person in glasses, engaged in conversation—perhaps an Art Therapy session—in a well-lit room adorned with artwork on the wall.

Private Practice Counsellor

Work independently or within a group practice to serve clients with a wide range of mental health concerns. Private practice counsellors enjoy professional flexibility and autonomy while building an impactful career in counselling.

Two men are sitting indoors having a serious conversation; one, possibly a Ph.D. professional, faces the camera while the other is turned away and slightly blurred.

Addictions Counsellor

Provide individual and group counselling to those experiencing substance use challenges. Addictions counsellors harness evidence-based interventions to support recovery, strengthen coping strategies, and promote long-term well-being.

Admission requirements

Apply Now international applicants

Eligibility

Applicants to the MACP:SY or MCP:SY programs must meet the following requirements:

A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology or counselling-related discipline.
A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.
The equivalent of at least 12 semester credit hours in baccalaureate-level psychology coursework with a grade of B or better. These courses must include introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, and a fourth foundational course in life span/development.
Coursework or volunteer/work experience that involves the use of counselling-related skills and demonstrates counselling capacity is required.

International students:

92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22.
7.0 IELTS Academic overall with no bands below 6.5.
PTE must have a minimum score of 66.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

Application and application fee.
Statement of Intent.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada). International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service.
Three letters of recommendation. These should be from someone who can specifically speak to your academic and professional abilities.

Approved applicants will be invited to complete an interview with faculty.

Statement of Intent

Applicants are required to provide a statement of intent answering the following questions. They should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced.

Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
What are your career goals and interests?

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts

Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and references’ details.
Have official transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution or approved service to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline. Do not upload official copies to the portal.

Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.

Physical transcripts should be sent to:
Adler University – Office of Admissions
520 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5

Change Agent Nazanin Fasihi sits in a living room with yellow sofas, a wooden coffee table, and colorful artwork on the wall, wearing a crisp white blazer.

“I was taught from a young age to care for and respect others, put myself in the shoes of others, and to give back to my community.”

– Nazanin Fasihi, graduate
Master of Counselling Psychology

Read more about Nazanin'S ADLER EXPERIENCE

Curriculum | Internships | practicums

The Master of Counselling Psychology is a 55-credit-hour program and the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology is a 59-credit-hour program, which includes the 55 credit hours in addition to a 4-credit thesis series.

Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University Course Catalogue.

Academic Advisement Sheet (M.a.) Academic Advisement Sheet (Master of) Part-Time trajectory

CORE COURSES

Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University Course Catalogue.

Professional Development Seminar I + II

The course covers advisement and mentoring around Adler degree requirements and mission, orientation to the field of professional psychology, issues of diversity as it relates to the field and students’ personal and professional growth, and overview of the ethical codes and professional standards of psychology.

Group Psychotherapy

This course examines the history, theory, methods and application of group psychotherapy in professional psychology. The development of competence in group methods is enhanced through a combination of lectures, student presentations, class exercises, break-out practice groups, and participation in and experience leading an experiential in-class group.

Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychotherapy

Cover the major principles of Adlerian or Individual Psychology. Students learn the theoretical principles as a basis for understanding each individual’s creation of a “unique style of life” or personality.

Counselling Skills and Intervention

This course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level counselling practice. In the area of intervention, the course familiarizes students with the primary elements of the psychotherapeutic relationship, common factors in counselling and psychotherapy, and basic diversity competency in helping relationships.

Research in Counselling Psychology

This course discusses the assumptions and methods of a range of both qualitative and quantitative research designs used in counselling psychology research.

Masters Practicum Seminar I + II

Using a peer consultation model facilitated by a qualified clinical instructor, this seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to integrate learning about assessment, case conceptualization and treatment planning and intervention through application to their clinical practicum experiences.

Structural and Sociocultural Bases of Health and Dysfunction

Traditionally, psychologists and counsellors work within circumscribed clinical contexts within which mental health issues are deemed functions of individual pathology.

Child Development and Counselling

This course provides an overview of developmentally appropriate knowledge and approaches to counselling children (approximately 4-11 years of age). Theories, techniques, and strategies for working with children and adolescents are presented.

THESIS

SOCIAL JUSTICE PRACTICUM

Your opportunity to create lasting change on local and global systems, almost from day 1.

A unique and proven program designed to give students real-world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Assistant Professor

Counselling Psychology | Counselling Psychology: School + Youth

Learn More

Change Agent Nazanin Fasihi, in a white blazer, sits on the arm of a yellow sofa in a brightly lit living room with colorful cushions and framed art on the walls.

Financing your degree

Use our tuition calculator to help you start to plan your budget. Financial aid from the government, scholarships, or part-time employment can help you more easily afford your degree.

Financial Aid + Scholarships

$67,644

$2,400

$70,044

$2,400

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$6,606

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$56,574

$2,140

$58,714

Fall

$20,205

$1,060

$21,265

Spring

$18,858

$540

$19,398

Summer

$17,511

$540

$18,051

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$56,574

$6,340

$62,914

Fall

$20,205

$2,460

$22,665

Spring

$18,858

$1,940

$20,798

Summer

$17,511

$1,940

$19,451

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$32,328

$2,140

$34,468

Fall

$10,776

$1,060

$11,836

Spring

$10,776

$540

$11,316

Summer

$10,776

$540

$11,316

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$32,328

$6,340

$38,668

Fall

$10,776

$2,460

$13,236

Spring

$10,776

$1,940

$12,716

Summer

$10,776

$1,940

$12,716

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$26,940

$4,834

$31,774

Fall

$10,776

$1,060

$11,836

Spring

$12,123

$540

$12,663

Summer

$4,041

$3,234

$7,275

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$26,940

$9,034

$35,974

Fall

$10,776

$2,460

$13,236

Spring

$12,123

$1,940

$14,063

Summer

$4,041

$4,634

$8,675

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$24,246

$2,140

$26,386

Fall

$9,429

$1,060

$10,489

Spring

$5,388

$540

$5,928

Summer

$9,429

$540

$9,969

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$24,246

$6,340

$30,586

Fall

$9,429

$2,460

$11,889

Spring

$5,388

$1,940

$7,328

Summer

$9,429

$1,940

$11,369

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$4,041

$2,140

$6,181

Fall

$1,347

$1,060

$2,407

Spring

$1,347

$540

$1,887

Summer

$1,347

$540

$1,887

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$4,041

$6,340

$10,381

Fall

$1,347

$2,460

$3,807

Spring

$1,347

$1,940

$3,287

Summer

$1,347

$16,954

$1,175

$18,129

Spring

$13,321

$655

$13,976

Summer

$12,110

$1,755

$13,865

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$42,385

$7,785

$50,170

Fall

$16,954

$2,575

$19,529

Spring

$13,321

$2,055

$15,376

Summer

$12,110

$3,155

$15,265

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$29,064

$3,696

$32,760

Fall

$12,110

$1,175

$13,285

Spring

$8,477

$655

$9,132

Summer

$8,477

$1,866

$10,343

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$29,064

$7,896

$36,960

Fall

$12,110

$2,575

$14,685

Spring

$8,477

$2,055

$10,532

Summer

$8,477

$3,266

$11,743

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$41,174

$3,516

$44,690

Fall

$13,321

$1,152

$14,473

Spring

$16,954

$632

$17,586

Summer

$10,899

$1,732

$12,631

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$41,174

$7,716

$48,890

Fall

$13,321

$2,552

$15,873

Spring

$16,954

$2,032

$18,986

Summer

$10,899

$3,132

$14,031

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$31,486

$3,627

$35,113

Fall

$14,532

$1,152

$15,684

Spring

$14,532

$632

$15,164

Summer

$2,422

$1,843

$4,265

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$31,486

$7,827

$39,313

Fall

$14,532

$2,552

$17,084

Spring

$14,532

$2,032

$16,564

Summer

$2,422

$3,243

$5,665

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$49,651

$3,585

$53,236

Fall

$16,954

$1,175

$18,129

Spring

$16,954

$655

$17,609

Summer

$15,743

$1,755

$17,498

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$49,651

$7,785

$57,436

Fall

$16,954

$2,575

$19,529

Spring

$16,954

$2,055

$19,009

Summer

$15,743

$3,155

$18,898

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$21,798

$3,696

$25,494

Fall

$4,844

$1,175

$6,019

Spring

$4,844

$655

$5,499

Summer

$12,110

$1,866

$13,976

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$21,798

$7,896

$29,694

Fall

$4,844

$2,575

$7,419

Spring

$4,844

$58,212

$5,742

$63,954

Forensic Mental Health Leadership | M.A.

4.5

$7,277

$512

$7,789

Forensic Mental Health Leadership | M.A.

4.5

$7,277

$1,914

$9,191

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$3,222

$24,243

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$7,428

$28,449

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$3,222

$18,237

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$7,428

$22,443

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$32,697

$2,410

$35,107

Fall

$12,110

$1,150

$13,260

Spring

$12,110

$630

$12,740

Summer

$8,477

$630

$9,107

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$32,697

$6,610

$39,307

Fall

$12,110

$2,550

$14,660

Spring

$12,110

$2,030

$14,140

Summer

$8,477

$2,030

$10,507

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$13,321

$2,410

$15,731

Fall

$6,055

$1,150

$7,205

Spring

$6,055

$630

$6,685

Summer

$1,211

$630

$1,841

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$13,321

$6,610

$19,931

Fall

$6,055

$2,550

$8,605

Spring

$6,055

$2,030

$8,085

Summer

$1,211

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

19.5

$19,520

$7,428

$26,948

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

4.5

$4,505

$3,222

$7,727

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

4.5

$21,021

$3,222

$24,243

Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$7,428

$28,449

Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$3,222

$18,237

Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$7,428

$22,443

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$25,431

$1,867

$27,298

Fall

$8,477

$969

$9,446

Spring

$8,477

$449

$8,926

Summer

$8,477

$449

$8,926

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$25,431

$6,067

$31,498

Fall

$8,477

$2,369

$10,846

Spring

$8,477

$1,849

$10,326

Summer

$8,477

$1,849

$10,326

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$18,165

$1,867

$20,032

Fall

$6,055

$969

$7,024

Spring

$4,844

$449

$5,293

Summer

$7,266

$449

$7,715

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$18,165

$6,067

$24,232

Fall

$6,055

$2,369

$8,424

Spring

$4,844

$1,849

$6,693

Summer

$7,266

$1,849

$9,115

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Sex Therapy | CERT

$10,300

$666

$10,966

Sex Therapy | CERT

$10,300

$4,872

$15,172

Sport + Human Performance | M.S.

$16,170

$208

$16,378

Sport + Human Performance | M.S.

$16,170

$1,610

$17,780

The latest from our
students, faculty, and alumni

ADLER NEWS

Beyond symptoms: Adler graduate’s research explores the many paths to chronic pain recovery

“Through my work, I have seen incredible diversity in what doing better means to different people, and for my thesis, I wanted to explore the broad range of recovery experiences. My hope is that the research would expand our understanding of what recovery can look like.”

Three people sit on green chairs by large windows, working on laptops and facing away from the camera in a modern office space at Adler University, home to one of the best in Canada counselling psychology programs.

Adler University’s counselling psychology program ranked among the best in Canada by CourseCompare

The University’s counselling psychology program was ranked No. 6 on the Best Master’s in Counselling Psychology in Canada of 2025 list.

From coffee to counselling: A day in the life of an international student

Born and raised in India, I find the learning experience here in Vancouver, Canada, vastly different, and the unique structure of the master’s in Counseling Psychology program stands out.

Still wondering?

Do you want to know more about Adler University before applying? Learn more about the University, explore programs, view admissions requirements, and review available scholarships.

Academic Programs

How to Apply

Financial Aid + Scholarships

Student Life at Adler

Adler University History

Master of Arts + Master of Counselling Psychology

Admission Deadlines

Program overview

Thesis + NON-THESIS options

Thesis | MACP

STUDENT VOICES in research

Beyond symptoms: Adler graduate’s research explores the many paths to chronic pain recovery

‘You’re Just a Kid’: Parentification in siblings of children with developmental disabilities

Counselling Psychology Careers That support communities

Mental Health Clinician

Family Counsellor

Private Practice Counsellor

Addictions Counsellor

Admission requirements

Eligibility

Application Requirements

Statement of Intent

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts

Curriculum | Internships | practicums

CORE COURSES

Professional Development Seminar I + II

Group Psychotherapy

Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychotherapy

Counselling Skills and Intervention

Research in Counselling Psychology

Masters Practicum Seminar I + II

Structural and Sociocultural Bases of Health and Dysfunction

Child Development and Counselling

THESIS

SOCIAL JUSTICE PRACTICUM

Faculty

Asa-Sophia Maglio, Ph.D.

Benjamin Aiken, Ph.D.

Jenna Hepp, Ph.D.

Somayyeh Mohammadi, Ph.D.

Kelsey Sarasqueta-Allen, Ph.D.

Financing your degree

Art Therapy | Ph.D.

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Art Therapy | Ph.D.

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Art Therapy | Ph.D.