At Notre Dame de Namur University, psychology is more than a discipline studied in
the classroom — it is a commitment to service, healing, advocacy, and community transformation.
We are the “practitioner’s program,” and we practice what we teach. Through clinical training,
community engagement, and whole-person education, NDNU’s School of Psychology continues to make a meaningful impact across California by preparing future mental
health professionals while simultaneously expanding access to care for underserved
populations.
As highlighted in NDNU’s recent Association of Independent California Colleges and
Universities (AICCU) Impact Report, the School of Psychology’s reach extends far beyond
campus walls, supporting individuals, families, and communities throughout the state
through thousands of hours of mental health services and community-based engagement.
About the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is a statewide
organization representing more than 80 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities
across California. AICCU advocates for educational access, student success, academic
excellence, and the public value of independent higher education. Through its annual
Impact Report, AICCU highlights how member institutions contribute to their communities
through education, workforce development, research, and public service initiatives
across the state.
Delivering Mental Health Services Across California
NDNU’s Clinical Psychology Program provides approximately 20,000 hours of complimentary mental health services each year, helping address growing community mental health needs across California. These services
are delivered through partnerships with more than 97 practicum sites spanning over 15 counties across a 777-mile region of California.
This extensive network allows NDNU students and faculty supervisors to support a wide
range of communities, with a particular focus on underserved and marginalized populations
that often face barriers to accessing quality mental health care.
Through these practicum partnerships, students gain hands-on clinical experience while
providing meaningful support to:
Children and adolescents
Families and caregivers
Veterans
Older adults
Diverse multicultural communities
Individuals experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, severe mental illness,
addictions, and other mental health challenges
By combining rigorous clinical training with community-centered service, NDNU’s School
of Psychology ensures students graduate with both professional competence and a deep
understanding of relational, ethical, and culturally responsive care.
A Commitment to Community Engagement
NDNU’s impact begins even before graduate clinical training. Students in the BA Psychology Degree Completion program actively participate in community-based learning experiences designed to connect
academic theory with real-world social impact.
As part of the Community Engagement course, each undergraduate student completes a
minimum of 15 hours of service, encouraging students to directly engage with organizations and initiatives that
support local communities.
This emphasis on service-learning reflects NDNU’s broader educational philosophy:
preparing students not only for careers, but for lives of purpose, compassion, and
meaningful contribution.
Psychology Rooted in Whole-Person Education
NDNU’s School of Psychology approaches mental health education through a whole-person lens that recognizes the
complexity of human experience. Students are encouraged to explore psychology through
clinical rigor, relational understanding, community engagement, and deeper human inquiry.
NDNU’s School of Psychology emphasizes:
Clinical excellence and ethical practice
Cultural humility and social responsibility
Relational and community-centered approaches to healing
Depth psychology and transformative learning
Advocacy for underserved and marginalized populations
This integrative approach prepares students to thoughtfully navigate the evolving
mental health landscape while remaining grounded in empathy, reflection, and service.
Preparing Future Mental Health Leaders
As mental health needs continue to grow across California and the nation, NDNU School of Psychology remains committed to educating compassionate licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs), licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), mental health clinicians, advocates, directors, and leaders capable of making a
meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Whether through thousands of hours of complimentary clinical services, extensive practicum
partnerships, or community-based undergraduate engagement, NDNU students and faculty
continue to demonstrate the transformative power of psychology rooted in service and
human connection.
The school’s ongoing impact across California reflects NDNU’s enduring mission: fostering
education that empowers individuals to contribute to a more compassionate, equitable,
and healing world.
To learn more about NDNU’s School of Psychology, visit:
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