Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology

What is Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology?

The prenatal and perinatal period of human development encompasses conception, pregnancy, birth,
and infancy. Prenatal and perinatal (PPN) psychology is an emerging field that studies the
mental, emotional, physical, social, environmental, and spiritual aspects of this period for the
developing child, mother, and young family.

Goalâ€¦ to prepare students to become effective therapists, educators and service providers who are knowledgeable in both traditional psychotherapeutic modalities and prenatal and perinatal approaches to psychotherapy.
Understandâ€¦ the impact of our formative time as well as the possibility that humans have to live creative and satisfying lives.
Helpâ€¦ people at any life stage and focus on healthy function and prevention through education and optimal experience.
Thereforeâ€¦ you create hope and an array of conscious choices that promote integrity, dignity and compassion for self and others.

Master's Degree:

This degree is designed for those who may already be professionals in health care, healing arts, counseling, or education; for those who work with pregnant women, babies or young children; for anyone who wants to incorporate the prenatal and perinatal psychology perspective into their lives and work. This two-year program provides a solid foundation in prenatal and perinatal theory and application as well as important counseling and therapeutic skills. Students also have the opportunity to develop their own Master's Prenatal and Perinatal Project to implement in their practice or in their community.

How it works:
During the five quarters of full time study, students attend classes three three-day weekends per quarter and one six-day summer session.

Ph.D. in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology

This program is designed for practitioners who may already have a clinical background and want to specialize in prenatal and perinatal psychology. It is also designed for other professionals, such as health care practitioners and educators. Students not only receive solid prenatal and perinatal foundational theory and therapeutic applications, but also go further to develop research skills and execute their own original research in prenatal and perinatal psychology.

How it works:

Students attend classes three three-day weekends per quarter and one six-day session per summer.
Students may apply for the doctorate program directly from a Bachelor's or Master's Degree.
Upon successful completion of the first two years students enter the third year of doctoral study and research.