Mental Health & Counseling
Study Abroad
Mental Health and Counseling Study Abroad
Chiang Mai, Thailand
June 15 - June 29, 2026
The Mental Health & Counseling in program (June 15–29, 2026) will provide an exploration of mental health practice and cultural perspectives in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Participants will engage with local professionals, visit counseling centers and hospitals, and learn how wellness, mindfulness, and spirituality intersect in Thai society.
This Mental Health & Counseling program is suitable for students in counseling, psychology, education, healthcare, and related human service fields. This program focuses on culturally responsive assessment and contemplative psychology, with a special emphasis on Buddhist Psychology and mindfulness-based practices. All applicants will be considered but the program may be most beneficial to advanced undergraduate students or graduate students.
The program is a hands-on, experiential opportunity offered without academic credit. Students will gain practical skills, cross-cultural insight, and meaningful experiences that will enhance resumes, graduate school applications, and future professional work.
DETAILS
The program highlights include meetings and discussions with faculty and graduate students at Chiang Mai University’s Psychology Department, visits to local and international counseling centers and a psychiatric hospital, presentations at addiction treatment centers and local schools, a wellness retreat, a Thai cooking course, and cultural experiences such as temple visits, an elephant sanctuary experience, and meditation sessions with monks.
Dates: June 15-29, 2026
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Lodging: Hotel
ITINERARY
Day 1: Monday, June 15, 2026
• Arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). Check into hotel and settle-in.
• Introductions and Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
• Half-day orientation on programming, Thai culture, Thai language, and cultural Do’s and Don’ts.
• Afternoon City tour and Chiang Mai temple visits.
Day 3: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
• Morning meeting with professors and graduate students at Psychology department of Chiang Mai University. Learn about training and education in Thailand for counselors and therapists. Tour of Chiang Mai University.
• Afternoon Thai Cooking class
Day 4: Thursday, June 18, 2026
• Morning visit to local Thai counseling center and presentation by a group of therapists on their work and common mental health problems in Thai society.
• Afternoon visit to Counseling Chiang Mai (a counseling center specializing in therapy for international expats and visitors).
Day 5: Friday, June 19, 2026
• Visit to Wellness Resort. After the morning presentation, the group takes part in wellness related activities at the resort.
Day 6: Saturday, June 20, 2026
• Visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary
Day 7: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Monk Chat (presentation on Buddhism, and introduction to meditation) at a local temple.
Visit to Doi Suthep Temple and Doi Pui Hmong hilltribe village.
Evening visit and dinner at Sunday Night Walking Street Market.
Day 8: Monday, June 22, 2026
• Visit and Shadowing at Suan Prung Psychiatric Hospital
Day 9: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
• Morning visit to Buddhist temple and presentation on the role of Buddhism and meditation within the field of mental wellbeing
• Afternoon visit to Christian church and having presentation by local Christian pastors on their role and the church’s role in their parishioners mental well-being.
Day 10: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
• Morning Presentation at Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Centers .
• Afternoon observations / shadowing with therapists.
Day 11: Thursday, June 25, 2026
• Visit a local school and meet with the school’s social – emotional counselors. Presentation by school staff on issues that affect the mental health of their students.
• Afternoon preparation for English and Well-being Camp.
Day 12: Friday, June 26, 2026
• Morning camp at school on activities in English that relate to good emotional and mental health.
• Afternoon free time
Day 13: Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Morning free time
• Afternoon mini-Muay Thai course.
• Early evening visit to Saturday Night Walking Street Market (Wualai walking street market).
Day 14: Sunday, June 28, 2026
• Morning visit to Wat Umong (Temple with tunnels and lovely nature). Presentation on the impact of their meditation courses for both Thais and westerners.
• Afternoon Free time, Evening Farewell Dinner.
Day 15: Monday, June 29, 2026
• Breakfast followed by departures from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Cost & Details
Program cost is $3,250
Includes:
- Meals
- Lodging
- Airport transfer and all program transportation
- All program activities and fees (including entrance fees)
- 24/7 program support
Does NOT include:
- Round trip airfare to Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX)
- Travel medical insurance (required)
- Personal budget for souvenirs, free time, etc.
Applications are due as soon as possible.
Interested?
Questions?
Contact: Maureen Buckley, Academic Development Director
Center for Engaged Learning Abroad & Loop Abroad
