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. 

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:

  • The center offers in-person classes for the University of Mary’s CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling, combined with online coursework.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • Beyond academic programs, the center will provide professional development and resources for 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.
CACREP logo

The University of Mary’s Master of Science in Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), including the program offered at the Photina Center in Phoenix.

Save the Date

The University of Mary is partnering with the Diocese of Phoenix to host the inaugural Catholic Counseling & Mental Health Ministry Summit: Whole Person Care and Suicide Prevention, February 22–23, 2027 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Stay tuned for more details!

Scholarship Opportunities

Thanks to a partnership between the Diocese of Phoenix and the University of Mary, scholarships of up to 40% of tuition are available to qualified applicants. Speak with an admissions representative to learn more about this opportunity.  Space is limited, so contact us today!

Who Is Saint Photina?

The woman at the well painting
A depiction of 'The Woman at
the Well (i.e., Photina)' in Roers
Hall, University of Mary

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.

school counselor working with a student

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. There are opportunities for spring, summer, and fall start dates.