Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor(LPCC) track
2.5 - 3 YEARS | 66 CREDITS [UNITS]
A Pathway to Transformative Healing
Dive into the transformative world of the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling(LPCC) track program at the Kairos Pacific University of California, Campus of AEU. Positioned at the crossroads of cutting-edge psychological insight, clinical expertise, and profound Christian faith,
this program is tailored for those inspired to undertake the noble mission of facilitating healing in individuals, couples, and families. Joining the Counseling program means becoming part of a supportive, dynamic community that not only fosters your desire to aid others but also celebrates it.
Kairos Pacific University recognizes that the journey to becoming an accomplished clinical counselor is as much about personal and spiritual growth as it is about professional development. This program is carefully designed to ensure you acquire the essential clinical competencies required for excellence in the field of marriage and family therapy, alongside a deep, integrated understanding of how Christian faith principles can enrich your therapeutic approach, offering hope and healing.
Program Overview
The MA in Counseling Psychology with LPCC track program, extending over 66 units, marries theory with practice, underpinned by a commitment to Christian ethics. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes academic research, theoretical knowledge, and clinical training, guided by a team of dedicated faculty members focused on nurturing student success.
Practical, real-world training forms the cornerstone of the program, with practicum experiences in diverse settings under the supervision of experts adhering to stringent standards.
Kairos University's LPCC track program is internationally inclusive, aiming to prepare practitioners capable of serving varied communities with cultural competence and empathy.
Why Enroll in MA COUNSELING WITH LPCC TRACK at Kairos Pacific University?
Faith-Integrated Learning: Our unique educational approach seamlessly integrates rigorous academic and clinical training with Christian values, encouraging a therapeutic practice informed by spirituality. This prepares you to compassionately meet the diverse needs of your clients.
Experiential Training: Step beyond theoretical learning into extensive, hands-on clinical experiences. Practicums and internships across various settings allow you to apply what you've learned under the mentorship of seasoned professionals, enhancing your confidence and skills as a therapist.
Community and Mentorship: You're more than a student at Kairos University; you're an integral part of a nurturing community. Engage in enriching interactions with faculty and peers through small classes, group discussions, and personalized mentorship, supporting both your professional journey and spiritual well-being.
Flexibility for Working Professionals: Acknowledging the varied schedules of our students, we offer flexible class timings, including evening courses and part-time study options, ensuring that your educational ambitions can be balanced with personal and professional commitments.
Career Readiness: Designed with your professional future in mind, our program meets the licensure standards of California, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and network to excel in diverse environments such as private practices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and beyond.
Prepare for Licensure with Confidence: meticulously aligned with the licensure requirements set by the state of California. We are committed to preparing our students not only to meet but to exceed the professional standards required for licensure within California. Understanding that some of our graduates may choose to practice outside of California, we also offer comprehensive support for those pursuing licensure in other states.
Transform Lives, Including Your Own:
Opting for the MA in Counseling Psychology with LPCC track program at Kairos Pacific University,
Campus of AEU, transcends the pursuit of a degree—it's a step toward realizing your vocation
to foster healing and wholeness in the world. As you blend your faith with your professional
practice, you'll not only change the lives of those you aid but also embark on an unparalleled
journey of personal and spiritual growth.
Join us at Kairos Pacific University, Campus of AEU, where your dedication to assisting others and your Christian faith merge, empowering you to become a force for positive change. Here, you'll hone
the skills to emerge as a compassionate, proficient, and ethically minded marriage and family
therapist, making a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families. Start your journey to
transformative healing with us.
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with LPCC track
Program Requirements:
Degree Components:
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Core Courses and Electives: Complete a total of 66 units, combining core courses with your choice of electives to tailor your learning experience.
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Professional Development Hours: Engage in 50 hours of professional development activities designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
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Clinical Training Hours: Accumulate 400 hours of clinical training, including 300 direct client hours, of which 100 must be relational hours, providing you with real-world experience.
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Capstone Project: Conclude your studies with a comprehensive case presentation, showcasing your expertise and readiness to enter the professional field.
Electives (9 units): Choose from a range of electives such as Holistic Healing Mind Body Spirit, Communion with God, Emotional Intelligence and Neuro Linguistic Psychology, and more, to deepen your expertise and personalize your educational path.
Total Units Required: 66 units
Additional Requirements:
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Professional Development: Specialized 50-hour professional development program is designed for practitioners within the LPCC field, aiming to elevate their professional capabilities through a curriculum deeply rooted in Christian ethics. Participants will engage in an in-depth exploration of how to effectively merge professional responsibilities with ethical and moral principles, ensuring that their therapeutic engagements are both empathetic and ethically robust. By the end of the course, therapists will be thoroughly prepared to demonstrate outstanding professional behavior, markedly improving the welfare of the individuals, couples, and families they assist.
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Clinical Training Hours: 400 hours, with 300 direct client hours and 100 relational hours
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Our M.A. in Counseling Psychology (LPCC) track program meets the educational standards set by the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), fulfilling all academic requirements for those aiming to become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. Upon completing the necessary coursework and accruing 3,000 supervised clinical hours, graduates are eligible to sit for their licensing examinations.
MA in Counseling LPCC track Courses:
Our curriculum includes the following courses, structured to cover every aspect of marriage and family therapy:
Core Courses (66 units):
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Advanced Lifespan Development
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Family Therapy
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Marriage/Couples Therapy
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Child and Adolescent Therapy
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Psychological Testing and Assessment
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Crisis and Trauma Assessment and Interventions
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Multi-Cultural Counseling
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Addictions Assessment and Interventions
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Group Therapy
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Theories of Psychopathology Diagnostics and Treatment
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Research Methodologies
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Legal and Ethical Therapeutic Issues
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Introduction to Clinical Counseling Skills
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Psychopharmacology
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Substance Abuse Addictions and Diversity
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Professional Development
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Introduction to Clinical Placement
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Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy
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Career Development Theories
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Clinical Practicum I
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Clinical Practicum II
CAREERS
Graduates of the MAMFT program are poised for success in a range of settings,
including but not limited to:
Private Practice
Mental Health Agencies
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Schools and Educational Institutions
Nonprofit Organizations
The course curriculum develops students' core competencies for success in ministry and leadership. Possible careers include:
In-house Church Counselor
Nonprofit organization counselor
Child Advocate
Child Life Specialist
Community Outreach Worker
Disaster Relief Worker
Domestic Violence Counselor
Family Support Worker
Grief Counselor
Health Educator
Human Services Employee
Comparison
LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) vs ​MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist)
In the field of mental health counseling, two prominent licensure pathways in California & Most of other States are the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). While both credentials qualify professionals to provide psychotherapy and treat mental health disorders, they differ significantly in focus, training, and career direction.
The LMFT license centers on relational and systemic therapy. It is designed for those who are passionate about working with couples, families, and individuals within the context of their interpersonal relationships. The training for MFTs emphasizes family systems theory, marriage and couples therapy, and relational dynamics. As such, MFTs are often found in clinical settings that support family wellness, premarital counseling, and relational healing.
On the other hand, the LPCC license is broader in scope and is oriented around individual mental health counseling. LPCCs are trained to treat a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues in individuals, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and career challenges. The LPCC curriculum includes more emphasis on individual assessment, career counseling, testing, psychopharmacology, and crisis intervention—areas that may not be fully covered in an MFT program.
Despite their different orientations, both LMFTs and LPCCs in California are licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and must meet similar requirements: completion of a 60–66 unit graduate degree, at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and successful completion of both the California Law & Ethics Exam and a clinical exam for licensure. However, those who earn an MFT degree and later wish to pursue LPCC licensure typically need to complete additional coursework in areas specific to the LPCC scope of practice—such as career development and assessment.
Career opportunities also reflect these distinctions. MFTs commonly work as couples therapists, family therapists, and relational counselors, often serving in private practice, nonprofit agencies, or school settings (with proper credentialing). LPCCs, meanwhile, are more broadly trained to serve individuals across the lifespan in roles such as clinical counselors, mental health specialists, crisis counselors, and career advisors.
While both licenses equip professionals to address mental health concerns, the key difference lies in their philosophical orientation and training focus. MFTs approach healing through the lens of relationships and family systems, while LPCCs approach it through individual development and psychological wellness.
For those seeking flexibility and expanded licensure options, some graduate programs—such as the MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in MFT and PCC—combine both tracks, allowing graduates to pursue dual licensure if they meet all coursework and clinical hour requirements.
