Photina Center for Catholic Counseling

Dedicated to forming faith-filled, competent, and qualified Catholic mental health professionals for the Church and communities of the American Southwest

Photina Center Logo

The Photina Center for Catholic Counseling is a new partnership between the University of Mary and the Diocese of Phoenix committed to forming mental health professionals who are clinically trained and deeply rooted in Catholic teaching on the dignity of the human person. The collaboration builds upon online and in-person programs offered by the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Mary to meet the growing need for counselors with the skills and insights to deliver clinically sound care that fosters holistic well-being rooted in faith. 

Join Us for an Open House

The University of Mary and the Diocese of Phoenix invite clergy, educators, and community members to an open house on March 29 from 1–3 p.m. at the Diocese of Phoenix (400 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ) to learn more about the Photina Center and its mission.

Programs and Resources for Catholic Mental Health Professionals 

Located steps from the offices of the Diocese of Phoenix, the center will serve as an in-person hub for select educational offerings, professional development, and community resources:

  • Beginning in fall 2026, the center will provide on-site courses for up to 50% of the coursework for Mary's counseling master’s degree program for employees of the Diocese of Phoenix — enabling them to pursue advanced clinical training in a community of learners while maintaining full-time employment.
  • It will also coordinate practicum and internship opportunities for master’s students, facilitating hands-on learning experiences in diocesan schools or alongside local Catholic mental health practitioners. The center will offer in-person coursework for the University of Mary's Catholic Anthropology Certificate, available to anyone in a helping ministry or profession, including area counseling students and other professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the human person through a Catholic lens.
  • Beyond academic programs, the center will provide professional development and resources for the local Catholic mental health professionals, assist with the Diocese of Phoenix's Office of Mental Health Ministry, and cosponsor an annual conference on Catholic Mental Health Ministry.
  • The University of Mary’s M.S. in Counseling is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is in the process of seeking CACREP authorization for the blended counseling program offered through the Photina Center in Phoenix.
  • Two men talking to each other with a beautiful view of a valley in the background
    Master of Science in Counseling

    Graduate program available online nationwide and grounded in Mary's authentic Catholic identity and commitment to faith-filled formation.

  • Female Counselor Meeting with Patient
    Catholic Anthropology Certificate

    In-person courses are open to anyone in a helping profession seeking a deeper understanding of the human person through a Catholic lens.

Who Is Saint Photina?

Saint Photina Icon

Saint Photina is the name the Eastern Christian tradition ascribes to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well (John 4:4-42). The Center draws inspiration from her encounter with Christ, which is the longest conversation Jesus has with anyone in the New Testament. In Jesus, she finds truth, healing, and courage for joyful witness. Photina means “light,” embodying the Center’s goal to illuminate paths of hope and healing for individuals, families, and communities.

student working with a counseling at the highschool

Take the Next Step

For more information about University of Mary programs offered through the Photina Center for Catholic Counseling, reach out to our dedicated admissions representative today.