Department of Counseling and Psychology

The Department of Counseling and Psychology offers degree programs and licensure for prospective therapists, counselors, and psychologists. Degrees are offered at the undergraduate, professional studies, graduate, and doctoral levels.

Supporting the critical need for behavioral health professionals, the Department of Counseling and Psychology engages students at all academic levels. A focus on experiential learning is evident in coursework, as well as internship and practicum opportunities. These experiences enable students to connect theory with practice in real-world settings.

Rivier programs prepare students for skilled positions that often require both a degree and licensure. (Additional requirements, such as testing for licensure, may be required to obtain the license.) Professional licensure ensures that graduates meet established industry standards and have the education and qualifications necessary to perform a specific scope of practice.

Advance Your Career

Rivier degree programs provide the academic knowledge, practical experience, and licensure opportunities to advance graduates’ careers.

The Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School Psychology (Psy.D.) educates and trains students to become licensed psychologists in the state of New Hampshire. Graduates succeed in a wide range of roles and settings, including private practice. The salary range for licensed psychologists in New Hampshire is $75,000 – $203,000.

The Ed.S. in School Psychology prepares graduates for certification as school psychologists by the Bureau of Credentialing, under the banner of the Department of Education. (Certification does not allow for private practice.) The salary range for school psychologists is $68,000 – $164,000.

Ed.S. in Counseling graduates completing all program requirements are eligible for a school guidance counselor (K-12) certification by the New Hampshire State Department of Education. The salary range for guidance counselors is $49,000 – $106,000.

Upon graduation, M.Ed. in School Counseling students are licensed in school counseling by the New Hampshire State Department of Education. The salary range for school counselors is $46,000 – $97,000.

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling leads to state licensure as a clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice and prepares students for the National Clinical Mental Health Licensing Exam. The salary range for these clinicians is $48,000 – $112,000.

The M.Ed. in Education Studies: Counseling and School Psychology enhances skill sets and career options. Salary is dependent upon the role pursued.

The B.A. in Psychology/Addiction Studies Track meets the educational requirements necessary for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) licensure. The salary range for these counselors is $40,000 – $104,000.

The B.A. in Human Services/Addiction Studies Track offers graduates employment in a wide range of professional positions. Salary is dependent upon the field and the role pursued.

Barry Pietrantonio’s long road to sobriety inspired a career change. In 2017, he earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rivier and is now co-owner and CEO of Crossroads Recovery Center.

Read Barry's story

A Commitment to Quality

  • Rivier University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
  • The Psy.D. program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association, which grants national accreditation for programs in health service psychology.
  • Education programs are approved by the N.H. Department of Education, Division of Higher Education, Higher Education Commission.

Graduate Programs

A range of programs prepare graduates for successful careers in the fields of counseling and psychology.

Doctorate Program | Counseling and School Psychology

One of only a few programs in the country, Rivier's combined doctoral degree integrates the two practice areas of counseling and school psychology.

Department of Counseling and Psychology