Welcome to the official page for the SMU Department of Counseling. We offer the education and training needed for licensure across diverse settings.
Our Master's program equips students with culturally sensitive skills to support individuals and families. The counseling program provides the elements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling–including education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning, and social change. They develop
06/25/2026
The Phi Kappa Forum recognizes Dr. Greta Davis as a workplace and employment coach in her latest article, “Making your brain work for you in the workplace.” Dr. Davis strives to work towards collective regulation with the Department of Counseling faculty at SMU!
06/22/2026
Hiking through the Highlands, chasing waterfalls, and exploring the Isle of Skye!
Our counseling students are spending June discovering the beauty, history, and culture of Scotland!
06/15/2026
Our superstar graduate assistants, Alana Donley and Patrick Unnikrishnan, started practicum this summer!
06/08/2026
Our SMU Counseling students have gone abroad to Scotland!
After a few days of exploring Dalkeith Palace, a black walnut tree grove, and the café where J.K. Rowling began writing the Harry Potter series, class has officially begun.
This group of students is taking a diversity course while immersing themselves in a culture different from their own.
05/28/2026
The National Alliance on Mental Illness hosted the 2 mile NAMI walk fundraising event! Our student organizations, SATS, SMU Play Therapy Association, CSI, and CSJ and faculty joined to raise awareness about mental health resources and providing accessible services to underserved communities!
05/22/2026
As the school year ends, we get to reflect on the accomplishment of our students, faculty, and alumni throughout the year. We are so thankful to have a community that continues to learn, advocate, and share the love of counseling!
05/19/2026
Congratulations to the Spring and Summer 2026 graduates! We cannot wait to see how you change the world! Pony Up!💙
05/16/2026
Join us in congratulating our 2025-2026 Distinguished Students! Your commitment and enthusiasm for the counseling profession continue to inspire those around you. We are so proud of you!
Outstanding Counseling Student: Shira Stevenson
Outstanding Clinical Performance: Lily Grace Hoodis, Avery Hammer, Kyle Bendiksen
Outstanding Scholarship: Liz Mullins, Cessia Gonzalez
Outstanding Leadership: Divya Yadavalli
Outstanding Service: Storm Simonin, Caitlin Paslay, Sarah Gleason
Faculty promotions!!! Huge congratulations to our very own Dr. Mario De La Garza, Dr. Cindy Anderton, and Dr. Greta Davis! Dr. De La Garza and Dr. Cindy Anderton have been promoted to Associate Clinical Professors and Dr. Greta Davis has been promoted to Full Clinical Professor!
05/14/2026
Last week, the SMU Counseling program recognized students for their Oustanding Scholarship, Clinical Performance, Service, and Leadership, as well as the top award of Outstanding Counseling Student. Great work students!