PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Curriculum Details 

Coursework and Core Sequence

Among the unique offerings of the program is the year-long Theories of Mind class, which introduces students to rich psychoanalytically informed theoretical frameworks, from the works of Freud to contemporary analytic scholars. The class parallels students’ immersion in our Center Clinic, providing further opportunities for case conceptualization and direct applications of theory to practice.

The core psychodynamic psychotherapy sequence provides a rigorous, two-semester immersion into clinical theory, research, technique, therapeutic action and ethics. Our students are known in the community for rigorous depth psychological assessment work. The core assessment sequence comprises three intensive semesters of training spanning cognitive, personality and emotional functioning measures. While topics relating to diversity and cultural differences are widely addressed and integrated throughout the foundational curriculum, a dedicated Cross-Cultural Psychology seminar is designed to develop advanced-level clinical skills in these areas.

Additional coursework is consistently offered in attachment, group psychotherapy, community engagement, short-term psychotherapy, couples and family psychotherapy, supervision, working with trauma, psychosis and theories of gender and sexuality. The integration of psychodynamic theory and cinema provides an opportunity for study abroad, and recent study abroad electives have included a visit to Cannes and London.

Tracks of Study

Students also focus their training in one of three tracks: adult, adolescent, or assessment. Each track offers a series advanced courses, and is taught by the core faculty members. PsyD students also have the option to complete a Master of Psychology degree during their program.  

Sample Courses of Study

Three- and Four-Year Options

Prior to their final, year-long doctoral internship, the Professional Psychology Program offers an optional accelerated three-year academic curricula and clinical training, which comprises multiple practicum rotations in parallel to demanding study. Students may also elect to complete the program with four years of study prior to the internship, which allows for additional training, supervision and smaller course-load.

Major Area Paper (MAP)

Students are trained in applied research design and research methods as well as statistics. Students often participate in collaborative research studies with faculty, leading to presentations and publications. All PsyD students must complete a Major Area Paper (MAP), in which they choose a clinical case from experience to develop a clinical-theoretical paper that is informed by research. This theoretical paper or a sophisticated clinical case study demonstrates student ability to apply theory and research to clinical data. 

Clinical Training

The program includes a clinical practicum component that integrates theory and practice. Students’ training begins in their first year of studies through extensive didactic education as well as observations. Students begin their first practicum at the program’s Center Clinic following their first year of studies, and remain engaged in direct clinical services at the clinic throughout second year. Students participate in clinic team meetings, practica (psychotherapy and assessment) and comprehensive supervision of their work. Students may select additional affiliate site training external to the program in their second year. During third year of training students complete local externship at approved sites such as counseling centers, hospitals, community mental health centers and independent group practice. The last year of training includes a full time pre-doctoral internship.

Internships

All PsyD students must complete a full-time, 12-month internship at an approved institution, typically during the fourth year (or fifth year if selected/approved by faculty). Students prepare for internship applications through organized orientation and adhere to fixed external deadlines (e.g., APPIC).
 

 

 

"GW was my first choice throughout the application and interview process, due in large part to the intensive curriculum and emphasis on thorough clinical training."

Tiffany Lin
PsyD '19

Course Requirements