Faith Integration in Clinical Psychology Track

What is faith integration in psychology?

Faith integration in psychology is predicated on the conviction that matters of faith and spirituality are foundational to how we understand people, healing, ethical responsibility, and professional identity.

According to research and professional consensus, mental health professionals should consider and incorporate a patient’s religious and spiritual beliefs when providing care, as these beliefs can significantly impact their mental health and coping mechanisms, and should be acknowledged and understood within the therapeutic process (American Psychological Association, 2013).

Rather than treating integration as an abstract, purely intellectual exercise, this program emphasizes embodiment, application, and personal formation. We are concerned not only with what students know, but with who they are becoming as clinicians, caregivers and moral agents.

A PsyD grad student

Who It’s For

The faith integration track is an optional specialization designed for those who want deeper and more focused instruction on the integration of Christian theology into clinical practice, helping them explore how their faith and spiritual experiences shape their clinical interests and capabilities.

With an emphasis on the relationship between spirituality, Christian theology, wellness, and mental health, the specialization prepares students to assess and address clients’ faith in clinical settings, fostering compassionate, holistic, and faith-informed care across diverse therapeutic contexts.

This specialization allows students to:
  • Engage Christian theology and spirituality at an advanced and applied level
  • Integrate theological concepts directly into clinical case conceptualization and intervention
  • Develop a personal philosophy of faith integration
  • Conduct research or scholarship related to faith and clinical practice

The specialization includes advanced coursework, a dissertation component focused on integration, and professional dissemination through presentations or publications.

How does George Fox University’s assessment track work? 

The university’s Graduate School of Clinical Psychology uses a flexible track approach that comprises 18 hours, including electives and required courses that focus on assessment. Students are not admitted to a track and need not apply for a track. They simply designate their intention to complete a track’s requirements and then do so.

Because some of the electives that count toward the faith integration track also count toward the adolescent and child track, the primary care track, and the child and adolescent psychology track, students have the flexibility to switch tracks if they wish. They just need to be mindful that they have enough credits to complete the track they are hoping to switch to.

In addition to the track-related coursework, students are required to complete a research project and a practicum in their area of specialization.

Note: Students are not required to choose a specialization track to graduate from the George Fox University PsyD program.

What courses will I take?

This track incorporates two specialization courses: 

  • Integration and Application of Christian Theology and Spirituality in Clinical Practice This course provides advanced training in incorporating theological concepts into assessment, case conceptualization, and intervention – while maintaining ethical standards and cultural sensitivity.
  • Christian Spiritual and Theological Dimensions of Mental Health This class examines mental health through a Christian spiritual and theological lens, integrating faith perspectives with clinically sound and ethically responsible treatment planning.
View PSYD Courses

What makes the faith integration track at George Fox stand out from similar programs at other schools?

This track reflects George Fox University’s commitment to forming clinicians who serve with clarity, integrity, compassion and courage. We are not simply aiming for competence but for formation. This goal isn’t primary for the vast majority of PsyD programs. 

In this track, you’ll examine mental health through a Christian spiritual and theological lens, allowing you to integrate faith perspectives with clinically sound and ethically responsible treatment planning.

Ultimately, we seek to graduate psychologists who are:

  • Clinically skilled and ethically grounded
  • Attuned to their own inner lives
  • Respectful of religious and spiritual diversity in clinical work
  • Capable of addressing spiritual concerns without coercion or avoidance
  • Resilient, reflective, and sustainable in long-term practice