M.A. in Counselling

In the tradition of the Wright Institute's founder, Nevitt Sanford, the Wright Institute educates "clinicians to society" - clinical practitioners who bring a deep awareness of cultural and social context to the practice of psychology. The master's program's mission is to prepare and inspire a diverse student body to provide culturally sensitive mental health services that support resiliency, recovery, and social justice.

The two-year master's program prepares students to function effectively in a wide range of mental health settings with individuals, families, and groups varying widely in age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The program supports students in thinking critically and self-reflectively and exploring the impact of culture and oppression on their clients' lives and the clinical relationship.

In addition to flexible class schedules that accommodate working adults and parents, students bond with a consistent group as they enter, move through, and graduate from the program together. This cohort model offers an intimate, supportive, and transformative learning experience.

The master's program at the Wright Institute integrates the Mental Health Services Act's values and philosophies, counselling psychology, and marriage and family therapy to provide students with the well-rounded skill set required of this "new kind" of mental health provider. In alignment with the MHSA, the program prioritizes a collaborative, holistic, resiliency-oriented treatment approach, emphasizing evidence-based practice. As a counselling psychology program, our focus is on maximizing psychological health in multiple community settings and promoting strengths and adaptations across the lifespan. In preparing our students to be marriage and family therapists, we also emphasize the importance of relationships and using relationships to accelerate change.

The Wright Institute was founded by the distinguished psychologist Nevitt Sanford, a pioneer in integrating social issues and clinical psychology. Sanford believed strongly in the capacity of adults to continue to learn and grow throughout their lives. His developmental approach and emphasis on lifelong learning possibilities form a key part of the foundation on which Wright's educational programs are built.

The mission of the Wright Institute is to educate students to be critical thinkers and ethical problem solvers, to address community and societal needs, and to function effectively as professionals in a diverse society.

The Wright Institue has the following institutional student learning objectives: Critical thinking and problem solving; Written and oral communication; Intercultural knowledge and competence; Ethical reasoning and action; and Foundation for lifelong learning.