Clinical Psychology (Health Care Emphasis)

The 101-credit PhD in Clinical Psychology (Health
Care Emphasis) program prepares students for scientific,
academic, and clinical careers. The program is aligned with
the Boulder training model, underscoring the reciprocal
relationship between research and practice. Empirical
research guides clinical practice, while applied practice
experiences influence research questions. This relatively
new program admitted its first cohort in the fall of 2019. We
are currently preparing self-study documents as we will be
seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation
(CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA) as
a clinical program. Our program prepares students to be
aware of and sensitive to issues of individual differences,
diversity, and disparities in health service delivery, as in
assessment and psychotherapy. Understanding the roles of
context and culture in research and practice is imperative.
While adhering to the scientist-practitioner model,
education and training in the PhD Program underscores
the importance of developing listening skills from multiple
perspectives attending to both content and process,
with appreciation for multiple theories and techniques.
Thorough training in clinical psychology is augmented by
training in health psychology and public health systems
involved in preventing disease and promoting health.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology (Health Care Emphasis) program develops competencies that integrate scientific study with pre-professional coursework and field training. An enroute master’s degree is awarded upon completion of a thesis at the end of the second year of study, and program graduates will have completed all pre-doctoral academic and internship requirements needed to be admitted to the New York State Licensing Examination for the professional practice of psychology. The program requires 101 credit hours of study, a qualifying examination after the first year, a comprehensive examination, typically during the third or fourth year, and completion of a doctoral dissertation.
The first four years involve on-campus study as well as externships. In the initial semester, a practicum supplements coursework in Clinical Interviewing that helps refine skills. In the following four semesters, practicum experiences include supervised clinical experiences at the Thomas J. McShane Center for Psychological Services at Pace University. Experiences include intake interviewing, psychotherapy, and (upon adequate preparedness/training), diagnostic assessment. Students will devote eight hours per week in further practicum experience during their second year of the program. This may be in the field, in health-service delivery settings approved by the Director of Field Training (and Program Committee), in which direct supervision is offered by a licensed psychologist. The McShane Center for Psychological Services may also serve as a site for this initial practicum experience (with approval of the Directors of the McShane Center and the Program Committee).
 

DOCTORAL PROGRAM CURRICULUM