BHP Overview with Dr. Jessica Lahner
Four Themes Guide our Behavioral Health Psychology Program
Evidence-based Treatment
You will learn to critically evaluate and apply evidence-based assessment and interventions with a variety of clients. While all training programs preparing professional counselors include a course on counseling theories and techniques, at Carroll, you will take an additional course taught by practicing clinical faculty on evidenced-based interventions that have strong scientific support. Here you will critically evaluate the research, practice the techniques, and be prepared to further develop your skills via practicals and internships.
You’ll also gain competence in critically evaluating science, and be prepared to use the latest research to inform your clinical practice. Each and every class emphasizes scientific competencies where you will gain comfort in seeking out research related to your work with clients. You’ll gain the skills to evaluate the research and its applicability to your own work. Psychological science is dynamic. As a graduate of our program, you’ll be equipped to ensure your clinical practice evolves with the science.
As an applied research graduate, you’ll be prepared to conduct psychological research. Through advanced coursework, contributions to research teams at Carroll and with external partners, and your thesis project, you’ll be well positioned to pursue a behavioral health research career or pursue your Ph.D.
Decreasing Behavioral Healthcare Disparities
Guided by the biopsychosocial-spiritual model, Carroll’s program views behavior through a wholistic lens, and is determined to ensure behavioral healthcare is inclusive and accessible. Our program of study will prepare you to be a compassionate, self-reflecting clinician, sensitive to the developmental, biological, psychosocial and spiritual contributions to the behavioral health outcomes of diverse populations. While you will formally take a “Multicultural Psychology” course, developing cultural compassion is emphasized in every course in our program. From your statistics course to your history of psychology course, you’ll be challenged to consider the disparate impact on behavioral health experienced by diverse populations. You will use this understanding to conceptualize clients, prepare treatment plans, evaluate psychological research, and advocate for social justice at all levels of society.
Experiential Learning
Apply your knowledge and skills in research laboratories, classroom labs and practical settings under the supervision of seasoned professionals. You will team with Carroll faculty and community partners to advance your skills in research, practical and internship settings, assessing and responding to unique clinical needs in varied populations.
Convenient
The Master of Science in Behavioral Health Psychology program is taught in a flexible, hybrid format, with a mix of in-person and online coursework. Course content is largely provided online, allowing you to absorb didactic materials on your schedule. Twice monthly, you'll spend Friday evening and Saturday on Carroll’s campus, honing your skills through the application of material with students and faculty.
For those seeking the terminal degree preparing you for licensing at the Master's level, the 63-credit program can be completed in as few as 22-24 months of full-time study. Students pursuing the 50-55 credit Applied Research track can complete the program in 20 months if committing to full-time study. We also welcome students who choose a slower-paced progression through part-time study.
Accreditation and Licensing
Carroll University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, Carroll’s Behavioral Health Psychology program is officially recognized as an approved training program for the preparation of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) by the state of Wisconsin. Thus, graduates are eligible for Wisconsin’s LPC designation.