Program Statement

The PhD in Clinical Psychology is a full-time program of graduate study designed to train health service psychologists who are competent scientist-practitioners, with a life-long commitment to individual and cultural diversity and to the ethical practice of health service psychology. The program faculty are committed to preparing health service psychologists to improve the welfare of individuals and communities, broadly defined, through: incorporating respect for equity, human diversity, and the cultural and environmental contexts that contribute to human diversity in all our activities (human mission), rigorous training in the science and applied practice of clinical psychology (education mission); engaging in our communities through advocacy, prevention and the provision of health services (service mission); developing knowledge and enhancing human health, development, resilience, and functioning through contributions to empirical literature on practice and theory (research and evaluation mission). Based on a scientist-practitioner model, the program’s training and services are grounded in a commitment to the integration of science and practice and the conduct of evidence-based practice, defined as the integration of scientific evidence and clinical judgement within the context of culture and values. Students and graduates are bound to the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, as well as the APA Professional Practice Guidelines addressing multiple aspects of human diversity (https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines). Graduates of the program are anticipated to enter employment in a variety of settings including but not limited to: VA or other medical centers, counseling and community centers, private practice, and academic settings.

Program Goals

Goal 1: To provide students with knowledge and skills in working with diverse groups of individuals in professional contexts. This includes the application of multicultural and social justice values with psychological science and practice to reduce health disparities and promote equity and psychological well-being for all.

Goal 2: To provide students with knowledge and skills in the evaluation, conduct, and dissemination of general psychological and clinical health services research, as well as an understanding of psychology as a scientific discipline.

Goal 3: To provide students with entry-level skill in the delivery of evidence-based psychological and clinical health services intended to prevent and treat mental health concerns for all people, promote positive growth, and facilitate optimal human functioning.

Goal 4: To provide students with knowledge of ethical and professional principles and to promote ethical conduct and high professional standards in research and clinical situations, as well as professional and transdisciplinary/interdisciplinary relationships.

Program Curriculum