社区心理学是一门重要的应用社会科学，它从理解人类在其社会和历史背景下的行为的角度进行面向行动的社会正义研究。社区心理学家认识到与他们合作的社区是自身情况的专家，并且是设计和实施文化上适当的干预措施以促进可持续福祉的不可或缺的合作伙伴。社区心理学家的干预基于理论和证据，并使用面向行动的研究来促进积极的变化。专注于社区心理学的心理学硕士课程提供理论，研究和技能开发，以及通过在社区，组织和/或社区中进行200小时的实习（现场工作）来指导这些技能在现实世界中的应用或政府设置。
Community psychology is a critical and applied social science that pursues action-oriented social justice research from a perspective of understanding human behaviour in its social and historical contexts. Community psychologists recognize the communities they work with as experts on their own situations and as integral partners in designing and implementing culturally appropriate interventions that foster sustainable wellbeing. Community psychologists base their interventions on theory and evidence and use action-oriented research to promote positive change.<br><br>Community psychology takes a holistic approach to promoting social justice and wellbeing by focusing on the community, environment, and larger influencing factors that affect people's daily lives (culture, society, politics, economics, etc.). It's characterized by an ecological approach to social problems that considers the conditions which give rise to them, such as experiences of poverty, oppression, marginalization and stigma. It links research and evaluation with direct action and service, and its practitioners partner with community members and social institutions to promote change.