MA International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health

Program Overview

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The Master of Arts in International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health program trains graduate students who become highly competent and committed mental health professionals. In addition to providing master's-level training in general clinical psychology, the program meets a clear need for specialized knowledge and experience to work in the trauma, disaster and global mental health fields. Our students provide mental health services, train and consult with agencies, develop emergency preparedness and response plans, and monitor and evaluate psychosocial interventions domestically and abroad. Students also develop a background in global mental health, a field that focuses on methods for increasing the mental health workforce in low-resource communities, addressing stigma regarding mental illness and mental health care, and expanding beyond treatment models that are based on a Western understanding of disease and recovery.

Our students and alumni go on to provide quality, culturally-informed care, domestically and worldwide. They work with individuals and communities who are affected by traumatic events, acute and chronic civil conflict, natural disasters, health-related pandemics, and longstanding socioeconomic disparities. 

Our program is recognized for Innovative Graduate Training by both the American Psychological Association and the National Council of Schools in Professional Psychology and is the first master’s degree program of its kind in the nation.

Areas of Instruction & Training

Students take courses consistent with a Clinical Psychology Master’s Program, including:

  • Ethics
  • Clinical Interviewing
  • Psychopathology & Diagnosis
  • Lifespan Development
  • Group Interventions
  • Psychotherapeutic Models
  • Substance Abuse
  • Psychobiology
  • Family Therapy
  • Research Methods
  • Statistics
  • Multiculturalism and Diversity

In addition, students have specialized coursework in the following areas:

  • Trauma interventions
  • Disaster Mental Health
  • Gender-Based violence
  • Crisis intervention
  • Grief and Loss
  • Program Evaluation
  • Global Mental Health
  • Cross-Cultural Analysis
  • Intercultural Practice
  • Public Policy
  • Assessment
Students at Internship Presentations

Program Structure

The program includes an integrated academic and practicum curriculum that provides students with expertise to pursue a variety of career options in the mental health field domestically and abroad. 

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    Designed to be completed in 7 quarters over 2 years

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    Includes 90 quarter hours of course work

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    Local practicums & an international internship

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    Experience in our campus-based community clinic

Who We Are

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International Internship

Global Mental Health

During the summer between their first and second year, students spend eight weeks applying theory to practice in the global context. International internships are arranged by MAIDP with organizations whose missions focus on a variety of mental health and psychosocial issues relevant to individuals and communities affected by disaster and trauma. We collaborate with local and international non-governmental organizations.

Explore Our Impact
Field Placement Map
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Interdisciplinary Global Mental Health Innovation

IGMHI provides community-engaged, culturally responsive, trauma-informed services to support communities worldwide facing adversity and trauma related to climate change, armed conflict, crises, migration, human rights, and violence. With a team of experienced practitioners, researchers, educators, and activists, IGMHI works to maximize health and well-being in pursuit of durable and equitable social justice, planetary health, and social determinants of health.

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Practicums

Our program offers more than a hundred practicum options in the Denver metro area and greater front range.

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"Both of my supervisors have been attentive, trauma-informed, knowledgeable, and willing to take the time to help me learn and grow." MAIDP Student - 2019
"I provided therapy to refugee clients and their families [during field placement]. I was also given the opportunity to work with community navigators and provide support, consultation, and mental health training. There was also additional opportunities to work with research, on a radio program, and in schools with kiddos. It was amazing!" MAIDP Student - 2018

Community Resources

Trauma & Disaster Recovery Clinic

Students provide clinical services to clients in the Trauma & Disaster Recovery Clinic at DU, which provides help to those affected by trauma including accidents, crime, abuse, natural disaster and refugee status. The TDRC offers comprehensive psychological services to alleviate the effects of traumatic experiences and foster resilience as well as personal, family, and community growth.

GSPP Clinics
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Peace Corps Fellows

We are proud to partner with the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program to support returning Peace Corps volunteers to continue their dedication to community service while developing essential professional skills.

Benefits for returned Peace Corps volunteers:

  • Application fee waiver 

Scholarship Information:

GSPP has one Coverdell Fellowship to award per year.  Thus, not all RPCV students receive this scholarship.  Please email julie.schellman@du.edu to inquire.

Eligibility and requirements:
Applicants must indicate in the online admission application to the program that you are a returned Peace Corps volunteer and wish to be considered for a Coverdell Fellowship and upload a copy of your official Description of Service from the Peace Corps. Funds may not be available if this information is not indicated in the application. 

More information about The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program can be found on the Peace Corps website.

Please contact julie.schellman@du.edu with questions. 

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Admission Requirements

We invite you to learn more about our program's application requirements and deadlines.

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