what can you do with clinical psychology phd

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What Can I Do With a PhD in Psychology? – PhD in Psychology Career Options

Professionals who earn their Ph.D. in psychology have many more career options available to them than Masters level and Bachelors prepared individuals.

Not only are incomes generally higher with a Ph.D. but jobs are more plentiful and varied after the completion of doctoral level training. Also, in order to actually be considered a psychologist, a doctoral degree in psychology is generally mandatory .

Doctoral prepared professionals generally choose between applied psychology careers and research oriented careers . Applied psychology careers consist of the professional delivering psychological services directly to clients.

Psychologists deals with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. They also frequently provide preventative services for various entities. Some psychologists also apply psychological theories to help businesses overcome challenges and improve workplace productivity.

Other doctoral level professionals choose to dedicate their careers to conducting research. In many universities, doctoral level faculty only spend a small amount of time teaching classes as they spend the majority of their time engaged in research. They often manage laboratories, recruit research trainees, and publish their findings in academic journals.

Research psychologists also spend a lot of time giving talks about their research findings, attending conferences, and more experienced professionals are sometimes called upon to give peer reviews for well-respected academic and professional journals.

Additionally, many research psychologists also find themselves writing grant applications to get funding for their research projects.

What are the Career Options With a PhD in Psychology?

Listed below are some of the popular career options that you can pursue with a PhD in psychology:

Clinical Psychologist

Industrial organizational psychologist, forensic psychologist, rehabilitation psychologist, experimental psychologist, school psychologist.

• Sports Psychologist
• Educational Psychologist
• Social Psychologist
• Child Psychologist
• Mental Health Psychologist

Clinical psychologists often work in private practice providing evaluations and treatment for individuals who are experiencing mental health issues. However, you will also find a significant amount of these professionals working in hospitals, clinics, residential facilities, and other institutions that provide mental health services. A clinical psychologist in these settings might be a practitioner or an administrator.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical psychologists earn an average mean wage of $102,740 annually, as of May 2023.

Companies hire industrial-organizationalpPsychologists to develop strategies to increase productivity and improve employee retention rates. These professionals focus on organizational structure, employee recruitment and selection, job satisfaction, and the development of better machines and systems for employee comfort. Industrial-organizational psychologists identify methods that work best in the workplace and make recommendations for improvement.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial-organizational psychologists earn an average mean wage of $144,610 annually, as of May 2023.

Forensic psychologists take psychological insights and apply that to legal matters. This specialized area of psychology focuses on criminal and civil matters to include law enforcement, jury selection, probation and parole, victim advocacy, family law, mental status competency, risk assessments, civil commitments, juvenile delinquency, insurance claims, and many other areas of the justice system.

Careers for forensic psychologists are diverse and can include functioning as a court consultant, providing mental health services in correctional facilities, working with law enforcement, or providing victim advocacy.

Although a specific wage for a forensic psychologist was not noted, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Science Technicians who also serve as Expert Witnesses, earn an average mean wage of $147,585 annually, as of January 2024.

Rehabilitation psychologists work with people who have suffered a significant loss or are struggling with adjusting to life with a disability. These professionals focus on the psychological aspects of loss, disability, and rehabilitation.

Typical clients could include someone who has recently become a paraplegic, is dealing with cancer, or is experiencing a chronic medical condition. Practitioners give their clients the support that they need as they adjust to their new life with the condition.

Researchers in the field of rehabilitation psychology explore how various factors, including biological, social, and environmental issues, affect people with disabilities and other chronic illnesses.

According to ZipRecruiter, the related field of rehabilitation counselor earns an average mean wage of $95,854 annually, as of January 2024.

Experimental psychologists are professionals who specialize in the study of human behavior and cognition. Their research generally explores thinking, learning, attention, motivation, and other cognitive functions. Although they do work with humans, they also study animals such as rats, monkeys, and pigeons.

Experimental psychologists can work in research settings, as consultants for businesses, and are even called upon to develop strategies to help lessen the psychological impact of high intensity training on military personnel.

School psychologists are employed by public school districts, private schools, and learning centers to help students overcome challenges related to disabilities, emotional issues, social adjustment, or other behavioral problems that impede learning. They evaluate the effectiveness of the educational process for students and use available resources as well new strategies to help students improve performance.

School psychologists also help students indirectly by working with teachers, parents, and school administrators to create individualized educational programs for students who are struggling to learn.

In many school districts, they also help administrators with the development of programs for Gifted learners. The goal of school psychologists in this role is to support teachers and parents in implementing individualized instructional strategies for students.

Some professionals specialize in working with specific groups of students such as children with Learning Disabilities, Gifted learners, or Adult learners.

According to ZipRecruiter, school psychologists earn an average mean wage of $92,813 annually, as of January 2024.

Sports psychologists are qualified professionals who help athletes to overcome problems, improve performance and achieve their goals. They draw their knowledge from many fields such as physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and kinesiology.

Sports psychologists explore the link between the psychological and physical factors that affect performance and try to establish what issues are preventing athletes from performing at full potential.

Their role may also involve acting as a consultant, a trainer or a therapist. Therapy may be needed for issues such as career transitions, eating disorders or off-field problems that effect on-field performance.

Working as a trainer may include assistance with rehabilitation after an injury. Athletic teams often consult with sports psychologists or employ one to help with various issues such as group dynamics and leadership issues.

Some sports psychologists become researchers who explore issues such as factors that lead to success, the effects of athletic participation on individuals or the psychological effects of a physical injury.

According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA), sports psychologists can expect to earn between $60,000 and $180,000 a year, with some annual salaries reaching $100,000.

What is the Job Outlook for Psychology Careers?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that although the employment growth of psychologists is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, career prospects are far better for those who have a doctoral degree in psychology.

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What Can You Do with a PhD in Clinical Psychology?

The field of clinical psychology provides graduates with a variety of careers.

With millions of Americans suffering from mental health concerns, trained clinical psychologists are one of the most in-demand professions. A clinical psychologist is a broad title for professionals concerned with the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness. The demand for clinical psychologists is not only high currently, but it is expected to grow in the future.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for clinical psychologists with a PhD in Psychology are expected to  grow by six percent * between 2021 and 2031.

Palo Alto University (PAU) offers two doctoral programs to become a clinical psychologist: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Clinical Psychology and PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). The  PhD in Clinical Psychology has a greater focus on research, and many of the graduates from this program work in academia as a researcher and professor along with working with clients as a therapist. The second doctoral offering, the  PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) , has a greater emphasis on working directly with patients in applied clinical settings, such as hospitals or mental health centers, or in individual or group private practice settings.

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists

 Jobs in Psychology with a PhD

There are a variety of career paths for those with a doctoral degree in psychology. Many clinical psychologists offer private therapy to clients, but other professional psychologists are employed by schools, the court system, or business organizations. Most clinical psychologists specialize their training depending on which demographic they want to serve. 

Within the field of clinical psychology, here are some of the most popular career options.  All Salaries are based on 2024 Zip Recruiter averages, these salaries can depend on many factors. 

Psychotherapist 

Avg. Yearly Salary: $90,572

Some graduates of doctoral degrees in clinical psychology choose to concentrate in psychotherapy, which is the treatment of mental conditions by verbal communication (aka talk therapy). Often, psychotherapists specialize in one counseling method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or hypnotherapy. Many psychotherapists open their own private practice, meet with clients one-on-one in clinical settings, and develop ongoing care plans for their clients. However, psychotherapists can also work at institutions that provide mental health services, such as a hospital, clinic, or residential facility.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $77,166 

A clinical psychologist that offers psychotherapy to couples and families is called a Marriage and Family Therapist. Here, the clinical psychologist addresses mental health concerns and negative habits that occur in the home and facilitates problem solving and care plans to address a variety of mental health needs. 

Child Psychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $109,894

Also known as a  Pediatric Behavioral Health specialist, this emphasis focuses on the specific mental health needs of children and adolescents. 

School Psychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $92,813

This clinical psychologist is employed by public school districts, private schools, or learning centers to help students overcome psychological challenges, such as learning disabilities, emotional issues, social adjustments, or other behavioral problems that hinder learning. Some school psychologists work with teachers, parents, and school administrators to create individualized educational programs for students who struggle with learning as well as for gifted students.

Diversity and Community Mental Health Psychologist

Clinical psychologists who want to work with couples and families from underserved communities can specialize in  Diversity and Community Mental Health and be trained to provide culturally-competent psychological services for the public mental health sector.

LGBTQ+ Psychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $63,943

LGBTQ+ psychologists are   clinical psychologists who want to work with the LGBTQ+ community and acquire knowledge and training to effectively address mental health concerns specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer populations.

Forensic Psychologists

Avg. Yearly Salary: $87,877

Forensic Psychologists  take psychological insights and apply them to the legal system, such as criminal and civil matters. Some work with law enforcement, court consulting and jury selection. Others offer mental health services in prisons, and work with probation and parole assessment. They can also work with victim advocacy, family law, risk assessment, civil commitment, juvenile delinquency, insurance claims, and other areas of the justice system. 

Health Psychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $120,811  

Health psychologists work collaboratively with medical providers to offer mental health services for clients dealing with a physical illness. 

Geropsychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $360,000

Geropychologists specialize in understanding the mental health needs and best treatment for older adults, aged 65 and older. This branch of psychology focuses on serving seniors and their families to maintain a high quality of life and overcome physical, mental, and emotional obstacles related to aging.

Neuropsychology

Avg. Yearly Salary: $122,928 

Clinical psychologists that are interested in the connection between brain function and human behavior specialize their PhD in Psychology education and training in  neuropsychology , which is a great career path for science-minded psychology students.

Trauma Psychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $92,813 

Trauma psychologists study how traumatic events affect behavior and offer trauma-informed mental health care to their clients. They offer care to mitigate both the immediate and long-term effects of trauma exposure. Trauma psychologists work with various groups that have experienced trauma, such as combat veterans, victims of mass casualty events, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Rehabilitation Psychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $95,844  

 Rehabilitation psychologists work with people who have had an injury or illness resulting in a disability, such as becoming wheelchair bound or having a chronic illness. They focus on the psychology of loss and work with their clients to foster independence and adjustment to living with a disability. Rehabilitation psychologists work in acute care hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, assisted living and long-term care facilities, and Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Avg. Yearly Salary: $120,524

Many organizational psychologists work in the human resources department of businesses and non-profit organizations to recruit talent, streamline company processes, facilitate courses in group dynamics and leadership, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Within the company, an industrial-organizational psychologist may conduct screening tests, performance reviews, and training sessions to help employees work effectively to achieve common company goals, retain employees, and increase efficiency and overall production.

Sports Psychologist

Sport psychologists work with athletes to enhance their wellbeing and overcome psychological blocks to improving performance and achieve their goals. They often offer therapy for such issues as career transitions, eating disorders, rehabilitation after an injury, or other personal problems that may affect their athletic performance. They may also work with teams to improve group dynamics or leadership issues. Along with psychology, they typically have expertise in physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology. Some sports psychologists research factors that lead to athletic success, the developmental and social effects of participating in sports at different ages, or the psychological effects of physical injury. 

Clinical Psychology Professor and/or Researcher

Avg. Yearly Salary: $101,568

In many universities, doctoral level faculty split their time teaching classes in psychology and conducting academic research on the influences of thought patterns and human behavior on individuals, families, and society. Research psychologists often manage laboratories with student trainees, write grant applications to fund their research, share their findings at conferences, and publish their findings in academic journals. This research may lead to important discoveries in the field of psychology and influence mental health services that are offered to the public.

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Get Your Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Everything You Need to Know in 2024

What’s in this guide, at a glance, why get a phd in clinical psychology, entry requirements for a clinical psychology phd program, what’s covered in a clinical psychology phd program, how much does a phd in clinical psychology cost, program funding and financial support, program duration and flexibility, location and access to clinical populations, program curriculum and specializations, internship placement and post-graduation outcomes, what jobs can you do with a phd in clinical psychology, how much can you earn with a phd in clinical psychology.

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

A PhD in  clinical psychology  is an advanced academic degree that delves into the scientific study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders and behavioral conditions. This rigorous program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in research, teaching, and direct clinical practice. Through the blend of coursework, research, and hands-on clinical training, students are equipped with comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in the field of psychology.

Typically, a PhD in clinical psychology takes between 4 to 7 years to complete, with the variation in duration often depending on the specific requirements of the program, the nature of the student’s research, and the requisite clinical training hours. Most programs include a combination of classroom-based learning, research projects culminating in a dissertation, and applied clinical experience through internships or  practicums .

The curriculum for a PhD in clinical psychology encompasses a wide range of topics. Core areas of study usually include foundations of clinical psychology, research methods, psychopathology, psychological assessment, and various psychotherapy and counseling techniques. Additionally, students often delve into specialized subjects such as  neuropsychology ,  forensic psychology ,  child psychology  and health psychology. This comprehensive training ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address diverse psychological needs across different populations and settings.

There are a multitude of reasons why students pursue a PhD in clinical psychology, here are a few key reasons to consider it:

Demand for Clinical Psychologists

The demand for  clinical psychologists  has been steadily rising, reflecting the growing awareness and acceptance of mental health services in the general population. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of 2019), the employment of psychologists is projected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies. With a PhD in clinical psychology, individuals are well-equipped to meet this increasing demand, providing essential services and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Opportunity for Specialization and Higher Earnings

Pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology opens doors to various specializations, such as neuropsychology, child psychology, or forensic psychology. Specialized psychologists often have the potential for higher earnings compared to their generalist counterparts. For instance, according to a 2019 salary survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), doctoral-level clinical psychologists with a specialization (like neuropsychologists) reported median salaries that were approximately 40% higher than those without a specialization. A PhD program allows for deep dives into specific areas of interest, enhancing expertise and potentially boosting earning potential.

Leadership Opportunities and Policy Influence

One of the often-overlooked advantages of a PhD in clinical psychology is the doors it opens to leadership roles within organizations and the potential to influence public policy. The intensive training and deep expertise gained from such a doctoral program position graduates as thought leaders in the field of mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists with doctoral degrees often find themselves in positions where they can shape policy, both within healthcare institutions and at regional or national levels. Their informed perspectives are invaluable in advisory roles, committees, or when collaborating with governments to create mental health programs, ensuring that psychological services are both effective and accessible. A PhD not only amplifies their voice but also underscores the weight of their expertise in these pivotal roles.

• Bachelor’s Degree : Typically in psychology or a related field, though some programs may accept applicants from other disciplines if they’ve completed prerequisite courses.
• Master’s Degree : Some programs prefer or require a  master’s degree  in psychology or a related field, while others will accept students directly from a  bachelor’s program .
• Grade Point Average (GPA) : Many programs have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0.
• Letters of Recommendation : Typically from professors, researchers, or professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical work.
• Background Check : Given the nature of clinical work, some programs might require a background check before final admission.

A PhD in clinical psychology is designed to train students in both the science and practice of psychology. The curriculum typically covers a wide array of topics to ensure that graduates are well-rounded and competent researchers, educators, and clinicians. Here’s an overview of the subjects often covered:

• Foundations of Clinical Psychology : This introduces students to the history, theories, and key concepts of the field.
• Research Methods and Statistics : Comprehensive training in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, along with advanced statistical techniques, ensuring students can design and analyze research effectively.
• Psychopathology : Study of various psychological disorders, understanding their origins, classifications, and manifestations across the lifespan.
• Psychological Assessment : Techniques and tools used for clinical assessments, including intelligence testing, personality assessment, and neuropsychological testing.
• Psychotherapy and Intervention : Training in therapeutic modalities and techniques, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to psychodynamic approaches, ensuring students can provide evidence-based treatments.
• Professional Ethics and Issues : Examination of the ethical guidelines and professional standards in the practice of clinical psychology.
• Biological Bases of Behavior : Understanding the neurobiological and physiological processes underpinning behavior, emotion, and cognition.
• Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior : Exploring how cognitive processes and emotions shape human behavior.
• Social Bases of Behavior : Understanding social interactions, group dynamics, and broader societal and cultural factors that influence psychology.
• Human Development : Insights into psychological development from infancy to old age.
• Diversity and Multicultural Psychology : Training to ensure culturally competent care, addressing the unique psychological needs of diverse populations.

Here’s a sample curriculum for a PhD program in clinical psychology:

• Introduction to Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Theory and Practice
• Research Methods in Psychology I
• Psychological Statistics I
• Clinical Practicum I
• Psychopathology I
• Psychological Assessment I: Cognitive and Intellectual Assessment
• Research Methods in Psychology II
• Psychological Statistics II
• Clinical Practicum II

Second Year

• Psychopathology II
• Psychological Assessment II: Personality Assessment
• Human Development Across the Lifespan
• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Clinical Practicum III
• Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Therapies
• Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Professional Ethics in Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Practicum IV
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Multicultural Psychology and Diversity Issues in Treatment
• Social Bases of Behavior
• Health Psychology
• Clinical Practicum V
• Forensic Psychology
• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
• Advanced Clinical Seminar (e.g., trauma therapy or substance abuse treatment)
• Supervision and Consultation in Clinical Practice
• Clinical Practicum VI

Fourth Year

• Family and Couples Therapy
• Advanced Research Seminar I
• Clinical Psychopharmacology (for some programs)
• Elective Course (e.g., School Psychology, Military Psychology, etc.)
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• Advanced Research Seminar II
• Group Psychotherapy
• Elective Course (e.g., Geriatric Psychology, Positive Psychology, etc.)
• Dissertation Research
• Predoctoral Internship (typically a full-year, full-time commitment)
• Dissertation Completion and Defense

The cost of pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology varies significantly based on the type of institution and residency status.

Generally, private universities tend to have higher tuition rates, ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. Public universities, on the other hand, offer different rates for in-state and out-of-state residents; in-state tuition can range between $10,000 to $30,000 per year, while out-of-state students might pay between $25,000 to $50,000 annually. These figures don’t account for other costs like fees, books, and living expenses.

It’s worth noting that many Clinical Psychology PhD programs provide financial support, often in the form of fellowships, research, or teaching assistantships, which can cover tuition and offer stipends.

What to look for in a PhD program

It can be overwhelming with so many PhD programs out there and so many factors to consider. Choosing a program in clinical psychology is a significant decision that will impact the trajectory of your career. Here are a few key ways to compare programs/institutions:

Fully funded programs, which include tuition waivers and stipends, can drastically reduce student debt and allow students to focus on their studies.The National Science Foundation’s Survey of Earned Doctorates found that over 75% of research doctorate recipients in psychology reported no education-related debt, largely due to funding availability in their programs.

The length of a program and its ability to accommodate part-time students or offer flexible schedules can be vital, especially for those balancing work, family, or other commitments.

According to the APA, the median time to complete a doctorate in psychology has been around 7 years. However, some programs, especially those designed for working professionals, might offer accelerated tracks or part-time options, which can affect this duration.

Being in a location that provides access to diverse clinical populations or specific groups that align with a student’s research interests can be invaluable for hands-on training and research.

A report from the APA emphasized the importance of diversity in clinical training. Programs located in urban settings or areas with diverse communities can offer broader exposure and experience in multicultural clinical practice, which is essential for a comprehensive education in clinical psychology.

The curriculum and available specializations should align with a student’s career and research interests.

In a survey by the APA, PhD recipients emphasized the importance of finding a program that matched their specific interests, as this played a crucial role in their eventual job satisfaction and career trajectory.

High-quality internship placements and positive post-graduation outcomes can significantly influence a graduate’s early career.

The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) provides data on internship match rates. Programs with high match rates to APA-accredited internships often signal strong training and preparation.

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist : This is perhaps the most direct application of the degree. Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They might work with specific populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with severe mental illness.
• Licensed professional counselor : an LPC is a mental health professional trained to provide therapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, and groups for a variety of emotional and psychological challenges.
• Mental Health Counselor :  provide counseling and therapy services to individuals and groups with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
• School Psychologist :  work in K-12 schools to provide counseling and support services to students, including academic guidance, behavioral interventions, and emotional support.
• Professor : A PhD graduate can work in academia, conducting research on various psychological topics and teaching undergraduate and graduate students.
• Forensic Psychologist : Working at the intersection of psychology and the legal system, forensic psychologists might assess defendants’ competency, provide expert testimony, or evaluate the risk of reoffending. Although you might instead consider a  PhD in forensic psychology .
• Neuropsychologist:  diagnose and treat cognitive and behavioral disorders related to brain function, such as traumatic brain injury and dementia.
• Health Psychologist : Focusing on how psychological factors affect health and illness, these professionals might work in hospitals, clinics, or public health settings to improve patient outcomes.
• Director of Clinical Services : Those with a blend of clinical expertise and administrative skills might oversee clinical services at hospitals, clinics, or mental health centers
• Research Psychologist :  conduct research on a variety of topics related to human behavior and mental health, including developmental psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology.
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist : work with organizations to improve productivity and employee well-being through programs such as employee selection, training, and development.
• Licensed Clinical Psychologist : $91,677
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) : $65,000
• Mental Health Counselor : $60,000
• School Psychologist : $90,000
• Professor (Psychology) : $80,370
• Forensic Psychologist : $101,000
• Neuropsychologist : $79,820
• Health Psychologist: $100,000
• Director of Clinical Services: $120,000
• Research Psychologist : $79,000
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist : $112,690

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Our highly ranked program built on the scholar-practitioner model continues to set the pace for doctoral-level training.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Clinical Psychology?

A doctorate in clinical psychology can lead to rewarding careers doing consultation, evaluation or psychotherapy in clinics, hospitals or private practice. You can also pursue a career in academia, focusing on research and teaching.

Common career paths for those with a PhD in clinical psychology include:

• Private practice, seeing clients individually or in groups
• Hospitals and clinics, providing therapy to patients with a variety of mental health issues
• Academia, conducting important research and training for the next generation of psychologists
• Government, providing mental health services to veterans, prisoners or other populations
• Business, providing counseling to employees or conducting research on workplace issues

The job outlook for those with a PhD in clinical psychology is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of psychologists will grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for mental health services, as well as the aging population, who are more likely to experience mental health challenges.

Why Earn Your PhD in Clinical Psychology at Adelphi in New York on Long Island?

The Derner School of Psychology set the pace in clinical psychology training as the first university-based professional school, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1957.

Our clinical psychology doctoral program will help you will pursue research and clinical training with faculty members who are known nationally and internationally for their expertise in a broad range of areas, including:

• Personality and interpersonal relations
• Psychopathology, especially anxiety, depression and trauma
• Psychodynamics—from classical to contemporary
• Psychotherapy integration, primarily cognitive behavioral, within a dynamic framework
• Cultural diversity and individual difference studies

Derner Clinical Psychology PhD students gain clinical experience primarily at Derner’s Center for Psychological Services , with locations on the Garden City campus and in Brooklyn. They also have the opportunity to train at the Derner Hempstead Child Clinic. In addition, students continue their externships and internships—including those at affiliated sites in the Derner Internship Consortium—on Long Island and in the New York City area.

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Accreditation Status

The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at The Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and has been continuously accredited since 04/01/1957 (American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, Commission on Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202-336-5979; [email protected] ). Full information pertaining to the accreditation status of the Derner School of Psychology   PhD Program at Adelphi University is available at the APA’s website .

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Derner Consortium Internship

The Derner Internship Consortium was granted membership status in the  Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC)  in November 2013, and participates in the APPIC-sponsored Match for all positions. It also became accredited by the  American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation  (750 First St., NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, telephone number 202-336-5979) in 2015. This consortium was created in order to support our doctoral students by providing additional internship training opportunities and addressing the gap in the number of training sites for students. Phase I of the Match is dedicated solely to Derner students applying through APPIC, and Phase II of the Match is opened up nationwide.

Psychology, at its heart, is about changing lives. That is the driving force of our work at Derner and has been since our inception.

Exceptional Hands-On Learning

As part of our practicum training , you will have the opportunity to gain clinical and research training in each of your four years of residence. The primary clinical training facility is the onsite Center for Psychological Services , under the supervision of the doctoral faculty. Then beginning in your second year, training is more extensive and includes externships in various off-campus inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings in urban and suburban clinics in Manhattan and Long Island.

Our doctorate in clinical psychology students take advantage of a number of affiliated externships and internships on Long Island and throughout the New York Metro Area including the following hospital systems:

• Mount Sinai

The training and mentorship I received at Derner allowed me to shape my identity as a clinician and an academic. It has provided me with the skills I needed to pursue an independent career and pursue my professional goals. I am thankful for the continued support and guidance of my graduate mentor and the faculty at Derner.

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Program Info

• Foundational academics in psychology, including advanced studies in diversity and difference
• Optional Child and Family Concentration
• Psychodynamics and psychoanalysis
• Cognitive theories and therapies
• Psychotherapy integration
• Cognitive and personality diagnostics
• Child and family theories and therapies
• Clinic and research labs
• Affiliated externships and internships

Application Requirements and Deadlines

The application deadline for fall admission to our clinical psychology doctoral program is December 1 .

Applicants for this program must have a completed undergraduate degree with prerequisite courses in:

• Introductory or general psychology
• Experimental psychology or research methods
• Abnormal psychology
• Developmental psychology

Applicants for this program should submit:

• Application submitted through PSYCAS and $60 Adelphi application fee
• English proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, or DET) scores for international candidates
• Essay (please see prompt below)
• Letters of recommendation: two or three professional or academic references
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions
• GRE general exam scores required
• GRE Subject Test in Psychology is not required

Note that an interview may also be required.

PhD in Clinical Psychology Program Essay Prompt

In a statement of approximately 500-750 words (maximum 1,000 words) please address each prompt listed below within your essay.  

1.   Describe yourself in a way that would give us more of an opportunity to know you as a person.

2.   Why do you wish to study at the Derner School of Psychology?

3.   Please submit a brief statement describing how your personal and/or professional characteristics, experiences, and interests will advance our program’s deep commitment to diversity and social justice. You are invited to address whichever aspects of diversity or difference are most meaningful to you.  

4.   What are your career goals and reasons for undertaking doctoral studies?

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