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.

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 Scholarship Project

Rather than requiring a formal academically focused dissertation thesis, our program culminates in an applied scholarship 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

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.

Flexibility

Flexible Learning 

Course scheduling and online course options allow you to make time for part-time work and other life priorities while completing your degree.  

Accelerated degrees 

Graduate faster with our year-round study option.

Year-Round Start Dates

Start your program as soon as you are ready with various start dates throughout the year.

Resources & Support

Student Assistance

Our program advisors assist you every step of the way, from finding the right program to graduation, and beyond.  

Student Success Centre  

Get 24/7 online supportaccess to writing and math labs, and links to tutoring and one-on-one support.  

Career services  

We assist you in creating impactful resumes, cover letters and portfolios, prepare you for interviews, and help find work opportunities that match your ambition.   

Enhanced Learning

Small Class Sizes

Get personalized attention in an average class size of 16 students and learn through active participation.

Networking

Build lifelong relationships with students and professors as part of teamwork, discussions and assignments.

Experienced Faculty

Benefit from the knowledge of experienced faculty who use their expertise to help you achieve your own career goals. 

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:

  • Leadership Roles within the Counselling and Psychotherapy Profession
  • Counsellor/Psychotherapist Educator
  • Counsellor/Psychotherapist Supervisor

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

  • Dr. Yvonne Hindes

    Associate Dean, DCP, Behavioural Sciences

  • Jo Chang, MBA, Ed.D.

Course Description

The rigorous curriculum of the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy includes the following courses:

 

* Please note courses marked with the asterisk* have mandatory synchronous components offered through an online video platform that are scheduled by the instructors at the start of the course. While we strive to accommodate students’ schedules whenever possible, these particular courses may not offer flexibility in choosing or changing synchronous session times. We appreciate your understanding and adaptability with scheduling, as these synchronous components are designed to optimize the overall learning experience by facilitating real-time interaction with instructors and peers.

  • 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)

    • 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)

      • DCP 8806-Applied Scholarship 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)

        • 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)

          • 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)

            • 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)

              • 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)

                • 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)

                  • 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)

                    • 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)

                      • 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)

                        • 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)

                          • 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)

                            • 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)

                              • 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)

                                • 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)

                                  • 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)

                                    • 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)

                                      • 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)

                                        • 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, click here to download form.
  • Completed online application
  • Application fee of $150 (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, applied psychology, education, nursing, occupational therapy, and social work, 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.

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.

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 95;
  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) overall score of 9;
  • 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 2023 is $49,500.*

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.

Tuition effective September 2023

Tuition effective September 2023
TRIMESTER CREDITS COST PER CREDIT FEES
One 6 $825 $4,950
Two 6 $825 $4,950
Three 6 $825 $4,950
Four 6 $825 $4,950
Five 6 $825 $4,950
Six 6 $825 $4,950
Seven 6 $825 $4,950
Eight 6 $825 $4,950
Nine 6 $825 $4,950
Ten 6 $825 $4,950

*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.

Financial Aid Types

Scholarships & Bursaries

Yorkville University provides a limited number of scholarships and bursaries to qualified students.

Learn More

Financial Aid

Yorkville University is committed to helping students find affordable solutions to finance their education investment.

Learn More

Yorkville Referral Program

Yorkville Referral Program (YRP) for graduates of our Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program.

Learn More

FAQ

  • 1. What will my title be? Can I use Dr.?

    The title ‘Doctor’ is a protected title by the various provincial health acts, meaning that the governments decide who can use the title doctor. In clinical practice, this is typically restricted to physicians, optometrists, clinical psychologists, chiropractors, etc. For the time being, this means that graduates of the doctorate will not be able to refer to themselves as Doctors in clinical settings but will be able to do so in non-clinical settings, such as educational settings. These laws apply to other professional doctorates in Canada, including doctorates in social work, occupational therapy, etc. This does not, however, prevent you from accurately stating the name of your degree upon completion of the program, which is Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

    • 2. Is this program "accredited" and recognized by regulatory colleges, professional associations, insurance companies, or provincial government ministries?

      The term “accredited” is not a term post-secondary institutions use in Canada. Canadian Universities are granted designation status by the province where they operate – in this case from the Government of New Brunswick, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. As such, the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy is recognized as an approved program here in Canada and throughout North America. We cannot speak on behalf of external bodies, such as regulatory colleges, professional associations, insurance companies, or provincial government ministries, so questions need to be directly addressed to them.

      • 3. I am a current MACP student and would like to apply immediately after graduation. Is there any flexibility in the two-years post-master's experience requirement?

        No. Applicants to the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy program must possess two-years post-master’s experience with a minimum 1,600 clinical experience hours.

        • 4. Do I need to be working full-time while I'm going through this program?

          Yorkville University’s Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree is completed part-time over ten terms, taking just over three years to complete. You can be working full-time, part-time, or even seeing clients as a volunteer during the program. The essential time that you need to have clients is during terms 2 through 5 while you are receiving mentoring (terms 2 and 3) and then providing mentoring (terms 4 and 5) to masters’-level students.