Divine Mercy University: Integrating Faith and Psychological Sciences
Divine Mercy University (DMU), located in Sterling, Virginia, stands as a unique institution dedicated to the integration of psychology and counseling with a Catholic understanding of the human person. Founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, DMU has grown into a graduate school offering both master's and doctoral degrees. Its mission is to further the science and professional practice of psychology and counseling through the integration of Catholic-Christian anthropology, philosophy, and theology.
Historical Development and Affiliation
DMU traces its origins to the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, established in 1999. The Institute was founded with the specific goal of training doctoral-level mental health professionals capable of integrating Catholic teachings with the scientific practice of psychology. In 2015, the Institute for the Psychological Sciences was restructured and incorporated into DMU, leading to the establishment of the School of Counseling (SOC). This expansion allowed DMU to extend its mission to training master's-level professionals in the mental health field, in addition to its doctoral programs. DMU is affiliated with the Legionaries of Christ, reflecting its commitment to Catholic values and principles.
Mission and Vision
Divine Mercy University seeks to provide students with an effective academic and educational environment that supports the integration of the psychological sciences and a Catholic-Christian understanding of the person. The University assists students intellectually and professionally, preparing them to respond to their vocation as mental health professionals or as men and women in helping professions. The life of the University is rooted in and fully informed by the teaching of the Catholic Church. This vision involves every aspect of life at the University, including the training model, education in the classroom and the clinic, intellectual and scholarly pursuits, and the common life as an academic community. The identity of the University finds its primary source in the word of God, which is expressed in the whole Tradition of the Catholic Church (Scripture and Magisterium). The heart of the identity of the University is belief in the Trinitarian God who has revealed himself through Jesus Christ. Believing all things are created by God and bear resemblance to him, DMU views reality and each person as a gift. The university recognizes the primacy of God’s gift, which humanity is invited to receive and to give in turn, therefore it seeks to promote and participate in an authentic “culture of life”.
Academic Programs
DMU offers graduate degrees at both the master's and doctoral levels. The School of Counseling (SOC) offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), which can be obtained through the successful completion of DMU's online graduate program. The Institute for the Psychological Sciences offers a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree, which focuses specifically on clinical psychology.
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
The CMHC program is designed with accreditation standards in mind and is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as of October 2023. This accreditation signifies the program's adherence to rigorous standards of quality and its commitment to preparing competent and ethical counseling professionals.
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Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
The Psy.D. program is designed for students seeking to become licensed clinical psychologists. The program emphasizes the integration of psychological science with a Catholic understanding of the human person, preparing graduates to provide effective and ethical mental health services.
Accreditation
Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In August 2023, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the School of Counseling at Divine Mercy University was granted accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These accreditations ensure that DMU meets rigorous standards of academic quality and provides students with a valuable and respected education.
Faculty
DMU boasts a distinguished faculty comprised of experienced professionals and scholars in the fields of psychology, counseling, and theology. Notable faculty members include:
- Joann V. Altiero, Ph.D.
- William Nordling, Ph.D. - Former President of the Association for Play Therapy and the Association for Filial and Relationship Enhancement Methods.
- Harvey Payne, Psy.D.
- Daniel N. Robinson, Ph.D. - Philosopher. Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Georgetown University.
- Sir Roger Scruton, FBA, FRSL, Ph.D. - English Philosopher.
- Marc Sebrechts, Ph.D.
- Rev. Charles Sikorsky, L.C., J.D., J.C.L.
- Craig Steven Titus, STD, Ph.D. - Theologian. Former Instructor at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Paul Vitz, Ph.D. - Professor Emeritus of Psychology at New York University.
Partnerships
Divine Mercy University has partnered with organizations such as the Theology of the Body Institute. Students of the Theology of the Body Institute can earn tuition reduction for DMU online and campus-based degree programs, as well as online Certificate programs.
Impact and Reach
For nearly 20 years, Divine Mercy University faculty and students have engaged around the world. With access to online programs, graduates have the education they need to become competent professionals who impact the world. As of 2016, the university has trained students from over 30 states as well as from over 13 different countries.
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Publications and Presentations
Faculty members at DMU are actively engaged in research and scholarship, contributing to the fields of psychology and counseling through publications and presentations. For example, Robin Treptow has contributed to The Carlat Child Psychiatry Report with articles on Trisomy 21 and addressing implicit bias.
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