PhD Opportunity in Counseling Psychology

Boston University

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Description

Applications are being invited for a doctoral student position within the Counseling Psychology PhD Program at Boston University. The selected candidate will be joining the Lab for Expanding Access for Families (LEAF) under the supervision of Assistant Professor Jenna Sung. The lab is dedicated to improving access to mental health care by developing and testing digital interventions that are brief, scalable, and family-focused. The Counseling Psychology PhD program at Boston University has been established as one of the most respected doctoral programs in the field, with a long history of preparing scholars, researchers, and practitioners to make impactful contributions to mental health and well-being. Rigorous training is being provided in theory, research, clinical practice, and multicultural competence, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, healthcare, and community service. Admission to the program is highly competitive, and a strong commitment to research excellence and social justice is expected from all applicants. 

Responsibilities

Role & Opportunities 

The doctoral student position is being designed to provide intensive research training in:

• Clinical intervention design, digital mental health tools, implementation science, and outcomes evaluation.
• The candidate will be expected to collaborate on ongoing research projects, co-author publications, and engage in the dissemination of findings at academic conferences. 

Opportunities will also be provided for mentorship, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and active involvement in the lab’s mission to reach underserved populations. In addition, hands-on experience with digital intervention platforms, caregiver engagement strategies, and culturally sensitive adaptations will be offered. 

The LEAF Lab is being recognized for its mission to expand access to evidence-based treatments for families and young people who face barriers to traditional mental health care. The lab’s research is focused on the creation and testing of brief and digital single-session interventions, designed to be widely accessible and easily scalable across diverse populations. Through this approach, mental health support is being made more inclusive, affordable, and adaptable to families in need. By joining LEAF, the doctoral student will be contributing to innovative research that aims to bridge the gap between clinical science and real-world application. 

Qualification

Qualifications & Eligibility

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation in:

1. Psychology, counseling, mental health, or related disciplines.
2. A background in research methods, statistics, or digital health innovation will be considered advantageous.
3. Previous experience with clinical populations, intervention development, or mental health service delivery is being viewed as highly desirable.
4. Evidence of a genuine commitment to supporting families, reducing barriers to care, and advancing equitable access to psychological interventions is being regarded as essential.
5. Strong communication skills, research curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-based research environment are also being sought. 

Why Join This Opportunity?

Through this doctoral position, candidates will be positioned at the forefront of digital mental health innovation and family-centered care research. Training will be provided in both clinical and technological aspects of intervention science, offering a unique platform to develop interdisciplinary expertise. The supportive environment of Boston University, combined with the specialized mission of LEAF, will ensure that students are guided by strong mentorship, exposed to high-impact research, and prepared to assume leadership roles in mental health research and practice. 

Application Process

Interested applicants are being directed to learn more about the Lab for Expanding Access for Families (LEAF) through the official page: LEAF Lab Website.

Further details about the Counseling Psychology PhD Program at Boston University can be accessed here: Program Information.

Applications are being welcomed from students who aspire to contribute meaningfully to family mental health and digital health innovation. Candidates are encouraged to prepare a comprehensive application that highlights: 

1. Academic achievements
2. Research experience
3. And alignment with the lab’s mission.