Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Information about the Program

The Psy.D. program, accredited by the American Psychological Association* since 1990, links theory, practice, and research. The program offers generalist training consistent with the mandates of the APA, but also allows doctoral students the opportunity to obtain mentoring in child assessment and treatment, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, cognitive behavior therapy, long term psychotherapy, assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders and depression, behavioral health, geropsychology, organizational behavior, cross-cultural psychology, and mindfulness meditation. The program has a marked commitment to human diversity and has extensive opportunities in the community to practice with diverse populations.

Tracks

Tracks within the generalist program provide students with a way to cluster their training through a defined curriculum, programs of research, and clinical practica that solidify core knowledge in the various areas of concentration. Current tracks are: Neuropsychology, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Organizational/Consulting Psychology, Latino Bilingual, and Health Psychology. With the exception of Latino Bilingual, application for tracks takes place during the student's program of study.

Graduates of the program follow the practitioner scholar model and are employed successfully in a variety of settings, including community mental health settings, private practice, universities, counseling centers, governmental agencies, and consulting firms. Many of the graduates combine some of the aforementioned to bring diversity to their professional lives.

The Psy.D program, consisting of 148 credits, is designed to be completed in 5 years (including the 1 year internship) for a student entering with a Bachelor’s Degree. Advanced standing students are able to complete the program in 4 years. Credits for the Psy.D. degree with Advanced Standing range from 123-134 (depending on whether any additional prerequisite coursework is required). The first year involves primarily theory and coursework, although students have ample opportunities to work with mentors in their areas of research expertise. First year classes are held at the Hillsboro site. After the first year students currently typically attend class at the downtown Portland site. By Summer of 2010 all classes are expected to be held in the new building in Hillsboro.

In the second and third year students are in clinical practicum in addition to coursework. The School of Professional Psychology has two on-site clinics where many first year practicum students begin to learn their craft: The Psychological Service Center located at the downtown Portland Campus, and the Iris Clinic--The Clinic of Hope located at the College of Health Professions Campus in Hillsboro. The Iris Clinic provides services in both Spanish and English. In addition there are literally dozens of other practicum sites available for students throughout Oregon and Southern Washington, depending on their particular interests.

In the second year students begin work on their Master’s Thesis, working closely with a mentor in his or her area of expertise. The third and fourth years involve continued coursework, the Clinical Competency Examination, attention to the Doctoral Dissertation, and application for internship. During the fifth year the student is on a full-time internship. Although the School of Professional Psychology runs its own APA-accredited Psychology Internship Program at the Psychological Service Center, students are encouraged to apply to other facilities in order to broaden their experience.

Currently the School of Professional Psychology has 24 full time faculty and 24 part-time faculty from the community who bring with them their practical experience. Faculty mentors are committed to providing students with a caring environment that will foster their professional growth. Similarly, there is a staff of nine, committed to facilitating the work of students in our program. Finally, but hardly least of all, there is a very strong Student Association that works collaboratively with the dean and faculty to ensure high standards throughout the program.

Accreditation

* Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Tel: (202) 336-5979 Email: APAAccred@apa.org