Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Online)
Highest Degree Credential in the Field
The Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree is intended to bring clinical practitioners at the forefront of the emergence of counselling and psychotherapy as a distinct profession from other health and helping professions.
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 professional doctoral program have the scholarship and skills to apply to the improvement of their professional practice and extend their careers into leadership roles as counsellors and psychotherapists.
1st
Doctorate of its kind in Canada
New Term Starts Soon
Starts:
September, May, January
Campus:
100% Online
Duration:
In as few as 3.5 years*
*With full course load, year-round study and/or approved transfer credits. Contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.
Program Benefits
Along with being the only doctoral degree in Canada catering to practicing counsellors and psychotherapists, we’ve made our program accessible by accepting applicants from a variety of professional backgrounds in the field.
Being consistently featured as a top online Canadian university is a testament to our dedication towards online education. Over the years, we’ve built flexible programs that you can complete while working, accelerate or extend your program duration, and start the program as soon as you are ready with our multiple start dates.
Our standard-setting curriculum is taught by a faculty with doctorate credentials who’ve partnered with student council members and instructional design specialists to design courses that maximize the effectiveness and real-world applicability of our program.
Rather than requiring a formal, academically focused 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.
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:
Psychotherapist Supervisor
Psychotherapist Educator
Leadership Roles in Psychotherapy
Leadership Roles in Counselling
Faculty
Meet the Program Chair
Yvonne Hindes
Yvonne Hindes earned her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Calgary. She is an adjunct member of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and currently teaches for the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University.
She has extensive training and experience teaching both online and in traditional psychology programs, with course content ranging from ethics, theory, assessment, and other more practical courses to research and statistics. She was the recipient of SSHRC scholarships for her research in both her master’s and her Ph.D. Her research interests include mental health, resilience, childhood psychopathology, youth leadership, test construction, literacy development, and program evaluation. She has published work in peer-reviewed journals as well as she has presented at national and international conferences.
Dr. Hindes is also a registered psychologist and her specialty is working with children and adolescents. Through her clinical work she has worked with children with diverse and complex needs and within a public school board, a special education school, and private practice.
Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy Faculty
Dr. Yvonne Hindes
Associate Dean, DCP, Behavioural Sciences
Jo Chang, MBA, Ed.D.
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 the 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 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 and Fees
Total Cost (including Application and Seat Fees) is $49,650*
*Note: Total program cost may be reduced when applying applicable transfer credits. Costs below assumes full Program Cost without applicable transfer credits applied. The cost does not include textbooks, expendable supplies, equipment, and resource fees. To understand your specific Program Cost, please speak with an advisor.
- DCP Tuition: $49,500
- Cost per credit: $825
- Program cost includes $300 seat fee and $150 application fee
- $300 Seat Fee is deducted from Student’s first tuition payment
Assuming an average course load, tuition cost per term is $4,950
By selecting to take more or fewer courses per term, costs will be updated accordingly.
A typical course is 3 credits. Students must complete 60 study credits to graduate.
DCP8803 spans the duration of the program and is charged at a prorated amount throughout the program, but the course credits are earned in the final term.
Term
Credits
Cost Per Credit
Fees
01
6
$825
$4,950
02
6
$825
$4,950
03
6
$825
$4,950
04
6
$825
$4,950
05
6
$825
$4,950
06
6
$825
$4,950
07
6
$825
$4,950
08
6
$825
$4,950
09
6
$825
$4,950
10
6
$825
$4,950
TOTAL
60
$825
$49,500
*As of September 2023. Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.
Tuition Payment and Rate Information
Changes to tuition rates will be announced at least three months before the start of the term to which they apply.
Arrangements for payment of tuition must be made at least two weeks before the start of each term (please see the Academic Schedule for deadlines). Monthly payment arrangements can also be made.
For further information about tuition, fees and payment methods, please contact Yorkville University’s Bursar’s Office at 1-888-886-1882.
Please contact an Admissions Advisor to learn more about financial aid options.
Course Descriptions
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.
DCP8413 | Professional Identity & Ethical Practice
3 Credits
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.
DCP8453 | Advanced Methods in Applied Research
3 Credits
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.
DCP8806 | Applied Scholarship Project and Integration Seminar
3 Credits
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.
DCP8513 | Professional Growth & Well-Being: Self of the Therapist
3 Credits
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.
DCP8613 | Doctoral Case Conference 1: Reflective Practice*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8443 | Theories & Models of Counselling & Psychotherapy*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8623 | Doctoral Case Conference 2: Advanced Competencies I*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8653 | Supervision*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8633 | Doctoral Case Conference 3: Case Studies*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8523 | Evidence-Based Practice: Therapeutic Applications of Research
3 Credits
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.
DCP8643 | Doctoral Case Conference 4: Advanced Competencies II
3 Credits
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.
DCP8463 | Assessment, Case Conceptualization, and Therapy Planning
3 Credits
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.
DCP8713 | Advanced Practices in Mental Health Counselling & Psychotherapy
3 Credits
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.
DCP8473 | Systems Theory & Transformational Models*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8733 | Doctoral Seminar 1: Integrative and Systemic Practice*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8493 | Planning, Consultation, and Evaluation Models
3 Credits
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.
DCP8743 | Doctoral Seminar 2: Diversity and Underserved Communities*
3 Credits
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.
DCP8533 | Psychotherapy Integration: Common Factors & Assimilative Models
3 Credits
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.
DCP8753 | Doctoral Seminar 3: Advocacy & Social Justice
3 Credits
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.
DCP8813 | Program Integration
3 Credits
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.
Testimonials
Ryan Tompkins
“It’s been amazing having all these people who are in the profession and coming from different backgrounds challenging each other to think outside of our normal ways of thinking.”
Ryan Tompkins
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
