Advanced Clinical Psychology: Graduate

Laura Brumariu
Interim Associate Dean Graduate Programs
lbrumariu@adelphi.edu
516.877.4806
Hy Weinberg Center 303

w - derner.adelphi.edu/psychology/doctoral-program/

Doctoral Program

Since 1951, the Institute and its precursor programs have accepted as a responsible educational goal in clinical psychology the training of scholar-practitioners who have clinical practice as a career goal. In like manner, it has also accepted responsibility to meet the educational goals for students committed to a career of research and teaching.

To accomplish these several purposes, a basic core of psychology is required of all clinical doctoral students, covering cognition and affect, clinical theory and practice, developmental psychology, social psychology, statistics, research methods, psychometrics, physiological psychology, and professional ethics. Clinical theory courses and intensively supervised clinical practice are required of the clinical psychology students. All of the clinical supervisors have had postdoctoral training, many are graduates of psychoanalytic institutes, and many are diplomates of the American Board of Professional Psychology. Throughout all years in residence, students attend colloquia that serve as a forum for guest speakers, films, plenary meetings, and faculty or student presentations.

For the clinical psychology program, clinical training begins in the first year with supervised intakes in the program’s training clinic and diagnostic psychological testing labs. In the second year, diagnostic training continues; students are placed in an 8-hour per week externship in an inpatient psychiatry setting and have the option to begin psychotherapy training in our clinic. Psychotherapy training includes individual supervision throughout the program. Participation in an ongoing case conference also begins in the second year. In the third year, case conference and psychotherapy in our clinic continue; students also complete a 16-hour per week externship in a variety of settings. In the fourth year, psychotherapy training in our clinic continues, and the students prepare to apply for a full-time internship, which takes place in their fifth year.

Research and scholarship are emphasized throughout the program, with special preparation for a scholarly presentation of a research project as a culminating academic/professional experience. This pre-dissertation project, consisting of a publishable research study performed under the guidance of a faculty mentor, is required of all students. Final outline for the dissertation is usually completed by early in fourth year with completion of the dissertation within the fifth or sixth year.

The Doctoral Program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and has been continuously accredited since 4/1/1957 (American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002-4242; 202-336-5979). Full information pertaining to the accreditation status of the Derner Institute PhD program at Adelphi University is available at the APA’s website, apa.org.