Overview
Producing Socially Responsible Graduates by Emphasizing Uniqueness
The Adler School of Professional Psychology is named after Alfred Adler, the first community psychologist. Adler's theories and teachings of psychology focus on the uniqueness of each individual's relationship and connection with society. The school continues the work ethic established by Adler by producing socially responsible graduates, promoting social justice, and providing holistic services to individuals and communities.
Both campus-based and online classes are available, making it easier for recent college graduates and working professionals to combine their academic schedules with the responsibilities of their lives. The Adler School received the 2007 American Psychological Association Board of Educational Affairs Award for Innovative Practices in Graduate Education in Psychology.
Adler Institutes for Social Change Serve Disadvantaged Communities
The Adler Institutes for Social Change were created to advance social justice for disadvantaged and underserved communities through applied research, community outreach, and public awareness initiatives. The institutes are founded on the belief that psychology's greatest benefits occur when the profession is practiced in collaboration with others in the community. For example, socially responsible psychologists may work with primary care physicians to improve total health care, or may educate teachers and clergy to recognize behavioral indicators of psychological issues and refer members of the community to the help they require.
The Adler Institute on Social Exclusion (ISE) was created in 2005 to introduce the concept of "social exclusion" into the national discussion about social disadvantage. The central theme of the ISE's work is the notion of "structured" disadvantage -- the idea that human welfare is heavily influenced by social, political, and economic context, and that addressing disadvantage requires identifying and tackling its underlying structural origins.
The Adler Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice was created to increase awareness of socially just policies and practices within the realms of law enforcement and homeland security, and to actively encourage others to adopt such practices through public dialogue and community involvement.
Human Diversity a Central Component of Commitment to Social Responsibility
The Adler School's commitment to social responsibility is centered on celebrating human diversity. This central focus is evident in the structure of the school's academic curricula and in the diversity of the faculty and staff.
Students come from all over the world to study in a collaborative atmosphere among accomplished clinical faculty who are leaders in their field. Differences in race, gender, ethnicity, language, age, disabilities, religion, values, beliefs, and other areas are woven into the diversity of the school's faculty, staff, students, vendors, sponsors, and business partners.
The school attracts both recent college graduates and working professionals, and offers significant cultural diversity by attracting the best students the world has to offer. Student organizations at the Adler School provide support and fellowship for members of diverse and marginalized groups. Retaining a diverse student body is important for the preparation of students who will be entering a profession where the understanding of cultural diversity is essential.
Degree Programs Integrate Psychological Studies with Social Responsibility
The Adler School is committed to educating socially relevant graduates who will have the tools and critical thinking skills to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. The school's doctorate, master's, and certificate programs use integrated curricula of psychological studies and social responsibility.
The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) degree is available with concentrations in advanced Adlerian psychotherapy, art therapy, child and adolescent psychology, marriage and family therapy, organizational development, or primary care psychology.
Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees are available in counseling psychology, art therapy, gerontological counseling, marriage and family counseling, forensic psychology, sport and health psychology, rehabilitation counseling, police psychology, and counseling and organizational psychology.
Certificate programs include advanced Adlerian psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis, clinical neuropsychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, marriage and family therapy, and substance abuse counseling.
Community Services Offered in Alignment with School's Curricula of Social Responsibility
The Adler School's commitment to social responsibility led to the creation of Adler Community Health Services, which offers consultation and services for underserved and marginalized populations in the community, while offering internship opportunities for students. Services are targeted to aid communities that are most in need, and to provide students with the most relevant training.
The Rudolf and Sadie Dreikurs Psychological Services Center (PSC) is a full-service community mental health counseling center with a central location on the Chicago campus and a number of satellite locations throughout the area. The PSC's programs and services assist children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in dealing with personal issues, marital and family problems, and other related personal or psychological issues.
