Psychology, Counseling, & Behavioral Health

Defining Interest Communities: Pathways for Discovery, Purpose, and Vocation

Interest Communities serve as starting points for exploration, not boundaries. Every student’s path is unique, and the skills you develop through Assumption’s liberal arts education open doors to countless possibilities.

Each Interest Community highlights common academic pathways at Assumption University. For simplicity in web navigation, we’ve organized related areas of study that connect to this passion area. These groupings are meant to help you connect your coursework, experiences, and goals, but they are not intended to define or limit your options.

Rooted in the liberal arts and guided by our mission to awaken a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, Assumption challenges you to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with thoughtful citizenship. Whether you study biology, philosophy, business, or the arts, your education here prepares you to thrive in diverse fields and serve the common good.

Your journey of meaning, purpose, and vocation extends far beyond your major. Explore freely. Your path may include electives, double majors, minors, or concentrations across disciplines. Your career direction will reflect your curiosity, values, and the connections you build along the way, not just your academic label.

Explore Psychology, Counseling, & Behavioral Health Programs at Assumption University

Accelerated BA/Rehabilitation Counseling MA Dual Degree Program – Prepare to empower individuals with disabilities by earning both your BA and MA in five years, combining counseling skills, field experience, and strong career demand.

Applied Behavior Analysis – Study how learning and behavior work to create meaningful, real-world change, with a flexible minor that complements psychology, human services, education, and other majors.

Applied Behavior Analysis Dual Degree Program – Earn your bachelor’s and master’s in ABA in an integrated program with mentoring, cohort support, and preparation for clinical and research-based roles in behavior science.

Clinical Counseling Psychology Dual Degree Program – Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in an integrated pathway that blends coursework, research, and clinical internships to prepare for mental health counseling licensure.

Psychology – Explore how the mind and behavior work, building strong research, communication, and problem-solving skills that prepare you for careers in helping professions, business, education, and graduate study.

Discover Common Pathways to Purpose & Vocation in Psychology, Counseling, & Behavioral Health

Note: These example occupations are provided to spark inspiration and exploration of interest. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a starting point.

Note: Occupations followed by an asterisk* typically require graduate or professional school.

Applied Behavior Analyst (BCBA)* – Assess behavior and design evidence-based interventions in settings such as autism services, schools, clinics, and organizations to support meaningful behavior change.

Behavior Technician / Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – Provide one-on-one ABA therapy under BCBA supervision, collecting data and helping implement behavior plans in homes, schools, or clinics

Clinical Mental Health Counselor* – Provide individual, group, or family counseling to address mental health, relationships, and life challenges in community, school, or healthcare settings.

Clinical Psychologist* – Conduct psychological assessments, provide therapy, and contribute to treatment planning and research in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.

College or University Counselor* – Support students’ mental health and well-being on campus through counseling, crisis intervention, outreach programming, and consultation.

Human Services Case Manager – Coordinate services, advocate for clients, and help individuals and families navigate community resources, benefits, and treatment plans.

Neuropsychology or Neuroscience Research Assistant – Assist with studies of brain and behavior, including data collection, testing, and analysis in labs, clinics, or research centers.

Occupational Therapist* – Help individuals build skills for daily living, work, and school through therapeutic activities in healthcare, school, or community settings.

Psychiatrist* – Diagnose and treat mental health conditions as a medical doctor, integrating psychotherapy and medication management in clinical or hospital settings.

Behavioral Health Technician – Support treatment teams by assisting with daily care, group activities, and behavioral interventions in hospitals, residential programs, or clinics.

Public Health Specialist – Use data, outreach, and programming to address mental and behavioral health at the community or population level.

Rehabilitation Counselor* – Help individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions set goals, access resources, and build skills for employment, independence, and community participation.

School Counselor* – Guide students’ academic, social, and emotional development by providing counseling, referrals, and consultation in elementary, middle, or high schools.

School Psychologist* – Conduct assessments, design interventions, and collaborate with educators and families to support students’ learning and mental health in school settings.

Social Worker* – Provide counseling, case management, advocacy, and crisis support in settings such as hospitals, schools, community agencies, and child welfare.

Substance Use Counselor* – Work with individuals and groups to address substance use and co-occurring concerns through assessment, counseling, relapse prevention, and support services.

Build momentum through Explore → Build → Engage → Launch. Complete checklists, attend events at each stage, and tap Resources for career development support throughout.

First-Year: Explore

Get curious about psychology, counseling, and behavioral health by joining organizations such as Psychology Club/Psi Chi, Neuroscience Club, Active Minds, and Best Buddies. Explore helping roles and wellness education through Peers Advocating Wellness for Students (PAWS), Human Services Club, and The Jumpstart Club. Take introductory psychology and human services courses, and complete beginner-level LinkedIn Learning content in topics like communication, helping skills, and mental health awareness to clarify what interests you most.

Sophomore Year: Build

Deepen your involvement by taking on active roles in clubs like Psychology Club/Psi Chi, Neuroscience Club, NSSLHA, or Orientation Leaders to build leadership, peer support, and presentation experience. Enroll in courses that introduce assessment, research methods, behavior analysis, and helping skills, and consider adding the ABA minor or starting prerequisite sequences for dual degree programs. Begin volunteering or working in settings like camps, schools, after-school programs, or human service agencies to gain early exposure to client-facing environments and begin building your résumé.

Junior Year: Engage

Secure (or complete) at least one internship, practicum, or paid role related to psychology, human services, education, or behavioral health to apply your skills with real clients and teams. Continue active involvement in organizations such as Active Minds, Best Buddies, ALANA Network, and Black Diaspora Student Union to deepen your understanding of identity, culture, and wellness in practice. Attend networking events, graduate school panels, and career fairs; refine your LinkedIn profile; and practice describing how your coursework, research, and campus involvement connect to roles in counseling, ABA, rehabilitation, or related fields.

*Internships significantly boost graduate employability across studies. Students with internship experience consistently achieve higher job placement rates and better career outcomes than those without. (Baert, S., Neyt, B., Siedler, T., Tobback, I., & Verhaest, D. (2021).

Senior Year: Launch

Launch with clarity by choosing a next step, like entry-level roles in human services or behavioral health, service programs, or graduate study in counseling, psychology, ABA, or related fields, and aligning your experiences to that direction. Work with career staff and faculty to tailor résumés, cover letters, and personal statements that highlight research, internships, leadership roles (such as Orientation Leaders or PAWS), and any dual degree or ABA experiences. Practice interviewing for helping professions, seek strong references, and use your networks from clubs, internships, and alumni connections to identify opportunities that fit your skills, values, and long-term goals.

LinkedIn Groups for Students Interested in Psychology, Counseling, & Behavioral Health

Why join LinkedIn groups? LinkedIn groups give you access to targeted professional communities where you can network with industry professionals, discover hidden job/internship opportunities, stay current on industry trends, ask career questions, and learn from experienced practitioners, all for free. As a student, joining these groups helps you build your professional network before graduation and signals a genuine interest to recruiters.

Recommended Groups for Assumption University Students:

Behavioral Health Network –  Join professionals and students in mental and behavioral health to discuss issues, share insights, and build connections with peers across diverse care settings.

Counseling Professionals – Connect with counselors, social workers, school counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists sharing practice questions, career advice, and support in a collaborative, non-commercial mental health community.

The Psychology Network – Join a professional forum for respectful discussion of applied and academic psychology, where you can share questions, ideas, and research-focused resources with peers and practitioners worldwide.