Turning Passion into Practice, and Practice into Progress

At UCF’s Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology, we empower future counselors, school psychologists and educators to become change agents in their communities. Through a dynamic blend of hands-on research, real-world collaboration, and the latest technology, our programs shape compassionate, competent mental health professionals ready to make an impact in people’s lives.

Here, you'll learn alongside expert faculty — respected researchers and practitioners
— who are tackling some of today’s most urgent challenges, from addiction and chronic illness to trauma and resilience. And you'll have the opportunity to contribute.

Because of their deep connections across the Central Florida community and beyond, you’ll benefit from rich field experiences, internships and applied research opportunities in some of the leading institutions not just in Orlando — but in the nation. So whether you're interested in clinical work, advocacy, program development or academic research, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship and insight to make a meaningful difference.

Your journey toward a career that transforms lives — including your own — starts here.

Research Areas

Grounded in Purpose. Guided by Impact.

When it comes to mental health, the Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology is committed to research that drives real-world solutions. Our faculty prioritize evidence-based practices that make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities. That commitment is reflected in how we work: through strong, collaborative partnerships with schools, treatment facilities, community organizations — and most importantly, the people at the heart of it all. Whether addressing trauma, addiction, chronic illness or youth mental health, we engage directly with clients and other practitioners to ensure our research is relevant, culturally attuned and ready to make a difference where it matters most.

Centers

Collage of students interacting and smilingCommunity Counseling & Research Center
Since 1998, UCF’s Community Counseling and Research Center has served as a living laboratory, providing students with real-world experience and local individuals, couples and families with free mental health care. But its impact reaches far beyond students and the Central Florida community. Through observational and experimental research, our faculty and students have developed assessments that are used by counseling programs around the world to develop the next generation of counselors. Publications produced from working in Center also continually influence how our industry operates.

UCF Marriage and Family Research Institute
A vibrant learning environment and rigorous research facility, UCF’s Marriage and Family Research Institute provides a rich space where students, faculty and community partners work together to explore the dynamics of human connection. Our goal? To deepen our understanding of relationships and strengthen the well-being of individuals, couples and families. Since 2003, we've done just that, exploring topics ranging from relational health and communication to family dynamics — and producing valuable insights that advance knowledge, shape policy and inform clinical practice.

Partnerships

Preparing Practitioners to Support Central Florida’s Mental Health Needs

At UCF, we believe the best learning happens in collaboration — with schools, healthcare systems, community organizations and the people we serve. That’s why our programs are built on strong, purposeful partnerships that give students real-world experience while driving meaningful change across our region and beyond.

For our students, these meaningful partnerships don’t just open doors — they deepen understanding, broaden impact and install confidence from day one.

For our community, they drive a strong workforce of counselors and school psychologists, who build upon our faculty's and graduates’ work to address complex mental health concerns and restore dignity to every member of our community.

Partnerships

  • Aspire Health
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Grace Medical Home
  • Orange County Public Schools
  • Orlando Health
  • Seminole County Public Schools

Student Research

At UCF, graduate students in counseling and school psychology don’t just learn how to source the latest research findings — they learn how to think critically about it. Master’s students are trained to be thoughtful consumers of research, building the skills to evaluate evidence and apply it ethically in practice. Many also take their learning further by presenting at professional conferences.

Doctoral students go a step beyond, learning how to produce original, innovative research that advances the field of counseling. From designing studies to publishing findings, they contribute new knowledge to improve mental health care, advance the profession and better educate the next generation of practitioners. All play a critical role in preparing graduates to lead with insight, integrity and impact.

Advisory Board

UCF’s Counselor Educator programs are supported by an active advisory board made up of school district leaders, licensed clinicians, healthcare partners and student leaders. Their unique insights and perspectives play a key role in shaping our curriculum, ensuring it reflects current best practices, emerging research and the latest technology used in the field.

By offering real-world insight and feedback, advisory board members help keep our programs aligned with the evolving needs of the profession. Their guidance ensures our graduates are not only well-prepared academically, but also equipped with the practical skills and tools to thrive as certified practitioners in today’s dynamic mental health landscape.