Develop an in-depth understanding of human behavior and pursue a career that enriches lives through the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling. According to Mental Health America’s 2022 Access to Care Ranking, Georgia ranked No. 48 in the U.S., for access to mental health care. By earning a psychology degree at Brenau, you’ll not only meet the growing need in your community, but hone your critical thinking skills and broaden your perspective.

The school offers six programs: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration, Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Master of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Applied Gerontology and Doctor of Clinical Psychology.  In addition, the school offers a Dance/Movement Therapy Certificate.

Brenau is one of two universities in Georgia that is accredited as an official play therapy training institute.  The Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling also has two onsite community clinics, the Brenau Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (BCCPS), with locations in Gainesville and Norcross.  At the BCCPS, graduate students provide therapy and assessment services to community members at a low cost.

Our Mission

The mission of the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling is to encourage students to live extraordinary lives through a curriculum informed by the values of liberal education. This will be accomplished by providing students with core scientific literacy in the fundamental areas within psychology; maximizing the development of critical thinking, research skills, creative expression, and proficiency in communication; fostering personal and social awareness towards an increase in personal integrity; and encouraging community and global responsibility, cultural competence and diversity, and service.

Briona Bierkamp
When I started the psychology program at Brenau, I just absolutely fell in love with it. I found out there are so many different career avenues, and that you’re really not just limited to being in the classroom or a counselor. I don’t feel like a number here. The professors really take the time to get to know their students.
Imani Tornes
The courses that I have taken so far in Brenau’s Psychology Department have a very interactive class structure. Students are allowed to express their experiences with mental health and illness at their discretion, which creates a safe environment for all students to learn about the functions of the human brain, human behaviors and human interaction.
Neli Martirosyan
I’ve really grown over the last two years with this program as an individual. I now see things from different perspectives, and understand people better. I didn’t know that I was going to like research, but it has become so valuable to me and my future career.
Josie Rabbitt hugs Brenau President Anne Skelder at graduation
Brenau's clinical counseling psychology program has given me a competitive edge over other applicants for doctoral schools, research opportunities, and employment in a private practice with a solid reputation. Because I am a Brenau Tiger, employers and school boards know I am smart, capable, and well-trained. This is the reputation Brenau has built for its students in the clinical counseling field.

Why choose Brenau Psychology?

  • Learn in state-of-the-art facilities that offer virtual reality technology and more
  • Gain fieldwork experience and serve the community at both the undergraduate and graduate level
  • In the graduate Clinical Counseling program and Psy.D. program, complete practica and an internship at two or three of over 100 settings in the community and/or by working in Brenau Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Take classes from accomplished professors, several of whom have active practices
  • Specialize in areas such as forensic psychology, industrial organizational psychology, neuropsychology, geriatrics, and more
  • Participate in Brenau sponsored events for the community, including Get Psyched movie/activity day and professional continuing education programs
  • Get to know your professors in small classes
  • Network with professionals in the field through Brenau’s on-site continuing education programs for licensed professionals
  • Gain interdisciplinary experience through Brenau’s interprofessional activities and workshops

Choose the Best Path for You

  • Ivester College of Health Sciences, Psychology

    Police Mental Health Collaborative Certificate

    Graduate, Certificate / Certificate
  • Ivester College of Health Sciences, Psychology

    Doctor of Clinical Psychology

    Doctoral / PSYD
  • Ivester College of Health Sciences, Psychology

    Dance/Movement Therapy Graduate Certificate Program

    Graduate / Certificate
  • Ivester College of Health Sciences, Psychology

    Master of Science in Applied Gerontology

    Graduate / MS
  • Ivester College of Health Sciences, Psychology

    Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology

    Graduate / MS
  • Ivester College of Health Sciences, Psychology

    Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration

    Undergraduate / BS
  • Ivester College of Health Sciences, Psychology

    Bachelor of Science in Psychology

    Undergraduate / BS

Our Faculty & Staff

Contact Us Today

Julie V. Battle Ph.D.
Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling
jbattle@brenau.edu
770-534-6228