The MA in international disaster psychology builds upon core training in master's level clinical psychology with coursework and practice experiences to develop expertise to work with individuals and communities affected by trauma and disaster in the US and globally. Preparation in this emerging field allows graduates to provide mental health services to those affected by traumatic events, acute and chronic civil conflict, natural disasters, social disparities and health-related pandemics. All coursework integrates trauma, diversity and cross-cultural perspectives, and includes specific classes in crisis intervention, disaster mental health, gender-based violence, applied program evaluation, global and public mental health and trauma interventions.
A community clinic for the Denver area, our program's Trauma and Disaster Recovery Clinic, is a local resource for trauma services, refugee mental health, professional vicarious trauma and burnout, program evaluation and community consultation. Providing opportunities to integrate knowledge and practice, students train in our Clinic, Denver-based field-placements and complete an 8-week international internship. Current international partner sites include Bosnia, Nepal, Liberia, Cambodia, Philippines, India, Peru, Malawi, Serbia and South Africa. Graduates work in a variety of professional settings providing direct services, training and consultation to promote psychosocial wellness, developing emergency preparedness plans, and monitoring and evaluation.
