Partnerships
Special tuition bursaries and military training credit transfer options are offered to current and former Canadian Forces members and their families.
Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy
The Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree helps clinical practitioners master and advance the practice-based, nuanced approach to helping others through counselling and psychotherapy.
With an applied research approach to learning, the program equips you with the advanced competencies required to further your professional practice, model the best advanced practices in your field, and mentor and supervise other counselors.
By earning the highest degree credential in their field, graduates of the program acquire the professional autonomy and capacity, knowledge, and skills required for ongoing currency and leadership in their profession as counsellors and psychotherapists.
Delivery
100 percent Online*
Start Dates
September, May, January
Duration
In as few as 3.5 years*
*With full course load and year-round study. Each applicant is encouraged to contact an Admissions Advisor to determine the potential duration of their degree program according to their unique circumstances. For comprehensive, up-to-date information, please view the Academic Calendar.
Yorkville University offers a Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy that is designated in New Brunswick and delivered online.
Student Stories
Program Features
Flexible schedule
Earn your degree 100% online in as few as 3.5 years, or extend your program duration to accommodate your other life priorities.
Applied Scholarly Project
Rather than requiring a formal academically focused dissertation thesis, our program culminates in an applied scholarly project, where you apply the practical insights of advanced research needed to address real problems of practice in counselling and psychotherapy.
Highest degree credential
Yorkville University’s Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program is the highest degree credential available in Canada to practicing counsellors and psychotherapists.
Practical focus
Our rigorous curriculum is designed to be highly practical in its focus, thus equipping you with the professional autonomy and capacity, knowledge and skills required for ongoing currency and leadership in your profession as a practicing counsellor or psychotherapist.
YORKVILLE UNIVERSITY ADVANTAGE
For people who know what they want in life, both personally and professionally, Yorkville University offers programs aimed at achieving those goals. Yorkville University engages with people where they are in life and helps to get them where they want to be. Online or in class, across Canada, Yorkville programs are flexible, fast-paced and, above all else, lead to transformation through education.
Career Outcomes
The Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy is the highest degree credential offered in Canada, allowing graduates of the program to:
- Redefine the identity of the counselling and psychotherapy profession
- Educate, mentor, and supervise masters-level counsellors and psychotherapists
- Assume senior leadership positions in professional and self-regulatory bodies
A variety of exciting and fulfilling outcomes are available to graduates of this program, including careers such as:
- Advanced-Level Counsellor
- Advanced-Level Psychotherapist
- Counsellor/Psychotherapist Supervisor
- Leadership Roles within the Counselling and Psychotherapy Profession
Meet the Program Chair
“Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy is a new and exciting program focused on advanced skill development in practitioners who are already in the field and who want to advance their careers and become leaders in the counseling/psychotherapy field.”
Yvonne Hindes,
Program Chair DCP, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, Yorkville University
Meet Your Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy Faculty
Yvonne Hindes
Program Chair DCP, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences
Jo Chang, MBA, Ed.D.
Course Description
The rigorous curriculum of the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy includes the following courses:
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DCP 8803-Applied Scholarly Project and Integration Seminar
This course serves several functions. It includes (a) ongoing development and integration of personal theory into practice, (b) regular development and discussion of each student’s Personal Practice Portfolio, (c) regular contact with and advisement from the students’ core faculty member, (d) preparatory steps for the Applied Scholarship Project (ASP), (e) preliminary drafts of all components of the ASP, and (f) final defence of the ASP (Final discussion of the Personal Practice Portfolio occurs in DCP 8813, Program Integration.) The course spans the duration of the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program and meets during the break between teaching sessions each term.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8413-Professional Identity & Ethical Practice
This course examines some of the key components related to the professional identity of counselling within a Canadian context. It situates counselling within the broader mental health context and explores the similarities and differences that exist between the mental health specialties. It also examines the role that ethics plays in shaping professional identity.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8453-Advanced Methods in Applied Research
This course prepares students to apply scholarship to the practice and problems of counselling and psychotherapy. It familiarizes students with a variety of advanced methods in applied research. Students learn to read advanced scholarly work fluently, think about it critically, and understand how it can be applied to practical problems in the profession.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8513-Professional Growth & Well-Being: Self of the Therapist
This course provides students with an advanced appreciation of personal characteristics needed to be effective in a variety of practice settings. The course includes self-assessment and professional mental health evaluation of the professional therapist’s overall personal adjustment and capacity to maintain healthy counselling relationships. Counsellor contributions to the therapeutic alliance are emphasized.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8613-Doctoral Case Conference 1: Reflective Practice
In this course, learners engage in several learning activities that are designed to facilitate awareness of reflective practice in counselling and psychotherapy. During this course, students will spend one hour per week receiving mentorship from a faculty member.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8443-Theories & Models of Counselling & Psychotherapy
This course provides students with an advanced understanding of contemporary theories and models of counselling and psychotherapy. Students develop critical perspectives of the theories that guide psychotherapy practice and explore research evidence for each approach. Students are encouraged to develop case conceptualizations based on specific theories.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8623-Doctoral Case Conference 2: Advanced Competencies I
This course focuses on helping students develop advanced competencies in several areas of practice. This includes enhancing skills in case conceptualization and deepening understanding in two of the student’s preferred theories of intervention. During this course, students will spend one hour per week receiving mentorship from a faculty member.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8523-Evidence-Based Practice: Therapeutic Applications of Research
This course provides students with advanced understanding and implementation of evidence-based practices. Students work in consultation teams to identify best practices for particular client groups, localize or adapt interventions for multicultural effectiveness, and design empirically-supported treatment programs for implementation and evaluation.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8633-Doctoral Case Conference 3: Case Studies
During this course, students expand their ability to situate a client’s problem within the broader context of their personality, experiences, culture, and background. They deconstruct several case studies and analyze models used to guide case conceptualization across a variety of contexts. This course also includes an introduction to concepts, processes and styles of mentorship, and offers students the opportunity to gain experience in providing mentorship to other counsellors-in-training.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8493-Planning, Consultation, and Evaluation Models
The course will address contemporary approaches to program development and project management in counselling, educational, and psychological settings. This graduate seminar will be guided by a model for research, development, and utilization associated with innovation and planned change. The student will plan and organize a project, product, or service particular to a selected problem, population, and setting. Future trends and developmentally-oriented prevention projects will be highlighted.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8643-Doctoral Case Conference 4: Advanced Competencies II
This course further enhances students’ ability to organize and synthesize complex client-centred information. Students delve deeply into models and variations of case presentations and explore the discourse around “special” populations and the benefits and drawbacks of categorizing people based on shared characteristics. During the course, doctoral students guide counsellors-in-training at the masters’ level through weekly mentorship meetings and consider developmental stages of trainees, learner needs at each phase, and strategies for assessment, coaching, and role modelling.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8463- Assessment, Case Conceptualization, and Therapy Planning
This course provides students with an advanced understanding of assessment considerations, case conceptualization, and therapy planning within the counselling/psychotherapy profession. Students learn about the appropriate use of questionnaires, scales, and inventories in understanding their clients. The limitations of formalized assessment as used by psychiatrists and psychologists are examined. A nuanced and idiosyncratic approach is favoured that is strengths-based.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8713- Advanced Practices in Mental Health Counselling & Psychotherapy
This course provides students with opportunities to build upon their current competencies in counselling and psychotherapy. The topics explored include counsellor identity development, theoretical orientation in counselling and psychotherapy, the therapeutic relationship, and advanced case conceptualization.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8473-Systems Theory & Transformational Models
This course focuses on advanced applications of major systems theory and transformational models. The emphasis is couples and family therapy, although systemic perspectives may be applied to individual and community issues as well. Skills in systemic and transformational interventions within a multicultural context will be acquired.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8733-Doctoral Seminar 1: Integrative and Systemic Practice
The purpose of this course is to equip students with the advanced skills needed to contribute to the direct practice of integrated behavioural health in primary care. Students become knowledgeable about the roles of behavioural health providers working in primary care settings; theories and models of care; and cross-cultural issues. They develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioural health dimensions, students develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8653- Supervision
This course reviews the major theories of supervision for counsellors and psychotherapists. While the course is primarily designed to help prepare therapists to become supervisors across various work settings, it also reviews what supervisees should expect from the supervision process. Overcoming supervisor-supervisee working alliance ruptures is also covered. Recent research on therapy supervision is reviewed and discussed.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8743- Doctoral Seminar 2: Diversity and Underserved Communities
This course focuses on counselling diverse clients, particularly those typically associated with belonging to underserved communities. The approach follows the culture-infused counselling approach of notable Canadian scholars Drs. Sandra Collins and Nancy Arthur.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8533-Psychotherapy Integration: Common Factors & Assimilative Models
This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the psychotherapy integration movement. The course includes a review of the major models of psychotherapy integration and examples of each approach. Students continue elaboration of their personal practice theories and engage in dialogue and debate regarding the merits of selected constructs and integrative approaches.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8753- Doctoral Seminar 3: Advocacy & Social Justice
This course provides students with advanced understanding of the principles and practices of advocacy and social justice. This course includes applying principles of community psychology, liberation, and critical psychology in devising strategies to reduce suffering, pursue transformation, and achieve well-being in the communities of which the professional is a part.
(3 credits)
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DCP 8813-Program Integration
In this 15-week course, students review the work done during the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program and reflect upon their personal and professional growth as counsellors and psychotherapists. Students draw upon their personal practice theory and portfolio compiled continuously since their first term of study. Their reflections are structured to address the objectives of the program. The course culminates in the students’ Personal Practice Theory and Portfolio Presentation and Discussion.
(3 credits)
Admission Requirements
The Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy online degree is administered from our New Brunswick campus.
Applicants to the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program are required to provide the following:
- Official master’s transcript and proof of a master’s degree*
- Registry or certification in counselling or psychotherapy or a related field or status as a qualifying member
- Provide proof of two years of post-master’s counselling experience. Click here to download form.
- Resume and a 700- to 1000-word letter of intent
- Two letters of reference from professional or academic sources
- Completed online application
- Application fee of $75 (CAD)
*All official transcripts need to be sealed, stamped and sent directly from the issuing institution to our Admissions Services Department for evaluation.
In addition, applicants are required to have:
- A master’s program cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 or a 4.3 scale, or the equivalent on other grading scales. Some applicants may be admitted on a probationary basis if their cumulative GPA is between 3.0 and 3.3.
- The clinical training component of the program requires students to be professionally active and have clients. Normally, this requirement is met by the applicant being employed as a counsellor or psychotherapist, either full-time or part-time. Alternatively, the applicant might be professionally active as a full- or part-time volunteer counsellor or psychotherapist.
A master’s degree in counselling, psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, pastoral counselling or an equivalent credential from a recognized university.
Yorkville University reserves the right to refuse admission and ask admitted students to withdraw from the program in special circumstances.
For full details of admissions requirements, please see the Academic Calendar.
Admission to the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program is on a selective basis. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. In keeping with the program’s emphasis on diversity and social justice, preference may be given to admitting qualified applicants who are members of Indigenous, marginalized and underserved communities.
To fill out the details of your reference for admission to our Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree, click here.
English Language Requirements
English is the primary language of instruction at Yorkville University.
Applicants who have obtained their qualifying master’s in a language other than English are required to submit confirmation of an official test of ability to work and study in English.
To fill out the details of your reference for admission to our Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree, click here.
Such tests include:
- Canadian Academic English Language – Computer Edition (CAEL-CE) with a score of at least 70;
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 92;
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) overall score of 8;
- International English-Language Test System (IELTS) with an overall bandwidth of 7.0;
- Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTest) with a minimum overall bandwidth of 4.5;
- A score on any other test of English language proficiency that equates to level C1 or higher of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR);
- Or a score equivalent to these scores on another test of English language proficiency recognized by and acceptable to the University.
- Confirmation of Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score of 65
Canadian applicants who completed their qualifying master’s degree in French, but completed another post-secondary degree, certificate, or diploma or their secondary education in English, are exempted from the requirement to provide tested confirmation of English language proficiency.
The University reserves the right to refuse admission to any student whose proficiency of English is questionable and to ask any student whose written work is below acceptable standards to withdraw from the program.
Tuition & Fees
The current total cost for the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree program is $45000. The total cost for the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program effective September 2022 is $47,100.*
The Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program runs throughout the year, which is divided into 10 academic terms, starting in September, January and May. Students must complete 60 study credits. A typical course is three study credits.
DCP8803 spans the duration of the program and is charged at a prorated amount over the span of the program but the credits for the course are earned in the final term.
Current Tuition
| Trimester | Credits | COST PER CREDIT HOUR | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Two | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Three | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Four | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Five | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Six | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Seven | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Eight | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Nine | 6 | $750 | $4725 |
| Ten | 6 | $750 | $2475 |
Tuition effective September 2022
| TRIMESTER | CREDITS | COST PER CREDIT | FEES |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Two | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Three | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Four | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Five | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Six | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Seven | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Eight | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Nine | 6 | $785 | $4945.50 |
| Ten | 6 | $785 | $2590.50 |
*Tuition and fees subject to change.
Tuition Payment
Arrangements for payment of tuition must be made at least two weeks prior to the start of each term (please see the Academic Schedule for deadlines). Monthly payment arrangements can also be made. Please contact our Bursar’s Office for more details at 1-888-886-1882.
Please contact an Admissions Advisor to learn more about financial aid options.
Other Fees
Please note that costs do not include other fees such as textbooks, expendable supplies, equipment and resource fees. All fees and charges are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD). Yorkville University also accepts equivalent payment in other currencies.
For further information about tuition, fees and payment methods, please contact Yorkville University’s Bursar’s Office. Tuition rates are confirmed three months prior to the start of each term. Changes to tuition rates will be announced at least three months prior to the start of the term to which they apply. Current tuition rates are available on the Yorkville University website or from the Bursar’s Office at 1-888-886-1882.