7 Best Holistic Psychology Degree Programs 2025: A Practical Comparison Guide
Compare the top holistic psychology degree programs in the U.S., including CIIS, Naropa, Pacifica, and more. Quickly explore costs, formats, philosophies, and which program best fits your path.
| University | Degree | Cost (Est.) | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIIS | MA in East-West Psychology | $49,464 | In-person or Hybrid | 2–3 years |
| Integrative Psychology Institute | MA in Integrative Psychology | $27,100 | Online + 2 Retreats | 18 months |
| Naropa | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $50,000–$65,000 | In-person | 2–3 years |
| Pacifica | MA in Counseling or Depth Psychology | $30,000–$60,000+ | Low-residency hybrid | 2.5–4 years |
| Saybrook | MA/PhD in Integrative Psychology | $25,000–$60,000 | Online + Retreats | 2–4 years |
| Sofia University | MA in Transpersonal Psychology | $30,000–$45,000 | Online or Hybrid | 1.5–2.5 years |
| Prescott College | MA in Counseling or Critical Psychology | $35,000–$50,000 | Online + Optional Intensives | 2–3 years |
If you're looking for a psychology degree that honors the mind, body, and spirit, you're not alone. More and more students are seeking out programs that go beyond textbook diagnoses and integrate somatic wisdom, emotional depth, and spiritual understanding into the therapeutic process. But sorting through the many options can feel overwhelming.
This guide compares seven of the best holistic psychology degree programs in the U.S. Each of these schools approaches psychology as more than just behavior modification. They teach from frameworks that include trauma-informed care, body awareness, consciousness studies, and integrative healing practices. Whether you're preparing for a career as a therapist, coach, or wellness practitioner, these are the programs to know.
1. California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Degree: MA in Integral Counseling Psychology or MA in East-West Psychology
Cost: ~$50,000–$60,000 total tuition (depending on program)
Format: In-person and hybrid options
Duration: 2–3 years
CIIS is one of the most established names in holistic and integrative psychology. Their programs combine Western clinical frameworks with Eastern philosophy, depth psychology, and spiritual traditions. The Integral Counseling Psychology program is designed for those seeking licensure (MFT or LPCC), while the East-West Psychology track is more academic and exploratory.
CIIS is ideal for students interested in Jungian theory, transpersonal psychology, and consciousness studies. With courses on ritual, meditation, trauma healing, and embodied presence, it's a leading choice for those seeking a spiritually grounded and clinically sound education.
Website: https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/east-west-psychology/about-the-ma
2. The Integrative Psychology Institute
Location: Online, with two in-person retreats
Degree: MA in Integrative Psychology
Cost: $27,100 total tuition & fees.
Format: 100% online with live cohort sessions and 2 in-person retreats
Duration: 18 months
The MA in Integrative Psychology at the Integrative Psychology Institute is one of the most forward-thinking programs in the space. Designed for aspiring therapists and coaches, this program blends somatic psychology, trauma-informed care, spiritual psychology, and functional medicine.
Unlike many academic-heavy programs, this degree is built for real-world application. It emphasizes embodied learning, private practice development, and integrative coaching skills. Students graduate with both deep inner work and practical tools to support others. It’s a great fit for those who want to build a purpose-driven practice in mental health without spending four years and six figures doing it.
Website: https://www.integrativepsychology.org/integrative-psychology-masters-degree
3. Naropa University
Location: Boulder, CO
Degree: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Somatic, Contemplative, or Transpersonal Psychology
Cost: ~$50,000–$65,000
Format: In-person
Duration: 2–3 years
Naropa is the first accredited Buddhist-inspired university in the U.S., and its psychology programs are deeply rooted in contemplative practice. Their somatic counseling concentration, in particular, is one of the most respected body-based training programs available.
Students engage in meditation, mindfulness, and personal process work alongside clinical training. The curriculum blends Western psychology with Eastern traditions, offering a deeply embodied, trauma-aware approach. Naropa is an excellent choice for those who want to integrate spirituality, social justice, and presence into their mental health career.
Website: https://www.naropa.edu/programs/graduate-academics/clinical-mental-health-counseling/
4. Pacifica Graduate Institute
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Degree: MA in Counseling Psychology or MA/PhD in Depth Psychology
Cost: ~$30,000–$60,000+ depending on program and track
Format: Low-residency hybrid (mostly online with in-person intensives)
Duration: 2.5–4 years
Pacifica is world-renowned for its focus on depth psychology, archetypal studies, and Jungian frameworks. Students learn to work with the unconscious, dreams, mythology, and shadow aspects of the psyche while developing strong clinical skills.
The Counseling Psychology MA is licensure-track, while the Depth Psychology PhD is more academic and research-oriented. Pacifica is particularly well-suited for students drawn to inner transformation, soul work, and symbolic approaches to healing.
Website: https://www.pacifica.edu/degree-program/masters-counseling-psychology/
5. Saybrook University
Location: Online with some in-person retreats
Degree: MA or PhD in Integrative Psychology, Mind-Body Medicine, or Clinical Psychology
Cost: ~$25,000–$60,000 depending on degree and pace
Format: Hybrid (mostly online with short-term residentials)
Duration: 2–4 years
Saybrook is a leader in humanistic and integrative psychology. Their Mind-Body Medicine program, in particular, trains students in biofeedback, mindfulness, hypnosis, and other body-based healing approaches. The Integrative Psychology track combines somatics, spirituality, and functional health with an emphasis on research and real-world application.
Because it's online-friendly, Saybrook is a strong choice for working adults or those outside major cities. It offers flexibility without sacrificing depth, and its faculty includes thought leaders in integrative mental health and consciousness studies.
6. Sofia University
Location: Palo Alto, CA (and online)
Degree: MA in Transpersonal Psychology
Cost: ~$30,000–$45,000
Format: Online or hybrid
Duration: 1.5–2.5 years
Sofia University is a long-standing leader in transpersonal education, integrating psychology with spirituality, creativity, and consciousness. Their MA in Transpersonal Psychology is non-licensure and designed for coaches, facilitators, and guides who want to incorporate spiritual growth and transformation into their work.
Coursework includes archetypal psychology, altered states of consciousness, eco-psychology, and transformational practice. Sofia is an excellent choice for seekers, intuitives, and those drawn to the mystical dimensions of healing.
Website: https://www.sofia.edu/courses/ma-in-transpersonal-psychology/
7. Prescott College
Location: Prescott, AZ and online
Degree: MA in Counseling or MA in Critical Psychology and Human Services
Cost: ~$35,000–$50,000
Format: Online with optional campus intensives
Duration: 2–3 years
Prescott College offers one of the most values-aligned education experiences in holistic psychology. Known for its commitment to social justice, ecology, and community healing, Prescott's programs emphasize systemic thinking and relational health.
Their MA in Counseling is a licensure-track degree, while the MA in Critical Psychology explores mental health from a decolonial and liberation-centered perspective. Students interested in integrating somatics, activism, and alternative healing systems will find a strong match here.
Website: https://catalog.prescott.edu/programs/MCPHS
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Holistic Psychology Degree
There’s no one-size-fits-all program in holistic psychology, and that’s the point. The best degree for you will reflect your values, learning style, spiritual outlook, and career vision. Whether you’re looking for a clinical license, a coaching pathway, or a deep inner transformation, there’s a program on this list that meets you where you are.
As the field of mental health evolves, the world is calling for practitioners who are not just smart, but embodied. Not just certified, but soulful. The rise of holistic psychology isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. And your education can be the foundation of a more integrated, honest, and human approach to healing.
Start by exploring the program that resonates with your own healing journey and trust that how you learn will shape how you serve.
