Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) In Clinical Psychology

Just in Time Admissions: There is still time to apply for Fall 2013

The field of Clinical Psychology is one of the most important domains of study and service in understanding human experience and meeting the mental health needs of society. A Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology affords an opportunity to work intimately with people at the core of personal challenges, to create and direct human service centers, and to train, to teach and to treat individuals, families, groups and systems.

Program Overview

This program prepares practicing clinicians through coordinated ongoing academic and applied experience. Throughout the four-year program coursework is coordinated with field placement experiences in practica and internships, providing a strong academic and experiential base for understanding and treating human problems. The curriculum is designed to provide broad and rigorous training in clinical knowledge and skills and is constructed in keeping with the requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP), and state licensing requirements.

“One of the many unique components of the Clinical Psychology, PsyD program, is the Clinical Seminar experience in which small groups of students come together each week of the semester, for 3 years of the program, to discuss and explore the intersection of their academic course content and how they are applying this knowledge in their field placement practica and internships. As students share examples from their clinical cases, they learn from their peers and evolve both personally and professionally as clinicians.”

—Alan Dodge Beck, PhD
Dean, Clinical Psychology Department

Program Philosophy

The integration of applied experience and knowledge is at the core of the MSPP education model. We actively engage the development of the “professional self” through integration at all levels—in the classroom, at practica and internships, and through self-observation and awareness. These are the essential elements that are necessary to cultivate and nurture thoughtful, sensitive, culturally competent and effective professional psychologists.

Several characteristics differentiate MSPP’s Clinical Training from the traditional Ph.D. model:

• Courses content is designed to provide a foundation for professional practice,
• Courses are taught by practicing professionals.
• Students are in field placements at each level of the program, with most courses designed to integrate classroom work with clinical experience.
• The science of psychology is taught in the service of applied clinical skills.
• Students choose among a broad and creative range of research designs for their doctoral research projects, including quantitative analysis, phenomenological research, survey research, demonstration projects, theoretical analysis, or case studies.

“I fell in love with MSPP when I first visited for an Open House. It was the warmth of the community that initially drew me in and my decision to attend MSPP is one of the best decisions I have ever made, certainly the best academic decision. Staff, faculty and students care about your personal and professional development and it makes a difference.”

–Larry Kelly, PsyD
Clinical Psychology Program Graduate

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the MSPP Clinical Doctorate Program are skilled in:

• Evaluating, ameliorating, and helping to prevent human psychosocial problems;
• Helping individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities function effectively and creatively
• Practical application of existing psychosocial knowledge with respect for diversity and with cultural competence.
• Developing new professional roles, service models, and service delivery systems capable of meeting the changing needs of society.

Graduates from the MSPP Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology are treating clinicians, supervisors, program directors, consultants, teachers and administrators in major health and mental health agencies throughout New England and throughout the country. Doctors of Psychology with the PsyD degree from MSPP are well represented in hospitals, community mental health centers, specialized treatment and service agencies, schools, independent practices, and in public service.

“The students from MSPP are truly engaged learners, who value their profession and want to give their clients the best possible care.”

—Robin Cook-Nobles, EdD
Field Site Supervisor at The Stone Center

Updated 6/4/13