Sep09
A Conversation with Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark
Community Mental Health
Healing through social justice and structural change
The Community Mental Health M.A. was developed in partnership with public and non-profit mental health agencies. It integrates the fundamentals of psychotherapy with cultural humility and an understanding of the impact of trauma and social systems on the individual psyche.
In Their Own Words
Hear what our faculty and students have to say
CIIS’ Community Mental Health program integrates the fundamentals of psychotherapy with cultural humility and an understanding of the impact of trauma and social systems on the individual. Developed in partnership with public and non-profit mental health agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area, this program is one of five master’s programs offered through CIIS’ Counseling Psychology department.
In order to provide students with the strongest possible foundations, the program incorporates social justice perspectives, cultural understanding, and multifarious theoretical approaches including psychodynamics, Family Systems Therapy, trauma-informed therapies, and recovery and resiliency models of treatment. Through ongoing work in community settings, CIIS faculty help to ensure that the program design continues to meet the needs of community agencies. Our flexible weekend format allows working students to maximize educational outcomes to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Deep Dive into Community Mental Health
Become the clinician your community dreams of. CIIS' specialization in Community Mental Health trains culturally responsive, deeply relational practitioners to meet the most pressing mental health challenges — through a cohort-based hybrid program designed for working adults.
Faculty in Conversation
Our faculty are committed to many fields of meaningful inquiry, including social justice advocacy for Native American communities, social sustainability in the context of intentional community, and the discourse on capitalism and the American Dream.
Highlighting Asian American Mental Health
Community Mental Health Associate Professor Gary Quan edited and contributed to the new book Asian American Chronicles: Tales of Mental Health & Hope. Interweaving personal experiences and professional expertise with the latest conversations on AAPI clinical and therapeutic care, the volume adds necessary nuance to the intersection of contemporary mental health with Asian American identities, families, and intergenerational experiences.
Intergenerational Trauma, Resilience, and Collective Healing
In a series of video workshops, Community Mental Health Chair Kini Chang introduces concepts of intergenerational trauma and how to heal cycles of cultural, familial, and historical harm.
On Native Sovereignty
Listen to this illuminating conversation with core faculty, Lazzuly Mello, and Gregg Castro, t'rowt'raahl Salinan/rumsien-ramaytush Ohlone, Cultural Director for the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone for about the complexities of native sovereignty from his perspective as a member and advocate for multiple California tribes.
Our Upcoming Events
Oct03
Attend the Fall Open House on October 3 or October 17 to get to know your admissions counselors and learn more about CIIS' bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs.
Our Program in Action
Campus News
Understand the key differences between MFT and LPCC licenses to choose the right clinical path for your career.
Campus News
At the 2026 Scholarship Dinner, CIIS students and donors gathered to celebrate the journeys that generous giving makes possible.
Alumni News
CIIS students and alumni reflect on the moments that changed everything — inside and outside the classroom.
Find Your Path in Counseling Psychology
Our M.A. also offers specializations in drama therapy, expressive arts therapy, integral counseling psychology, and somatic psychology. Explore each one to find the fit that's right for you.