PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Curriculum Details 

Theory

Coursework exposes trainees to basic and advanced psychodynamic theory and practice, and the history of psychoanalysis. 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 psychoanalytic scholars. The class parallels students’ immersion in our Center Clinic, providing further opportunities for case conceptualization and direct applications of theory to practice.

Psychotherapy 

The core Psychodynamic Psychotherapy sequence provides a rigorous, two-semester immersion into clinical theory, research, technique, mechanisms of therapeutic action and ethical practice. The primary aim of this sequence is to cultivate a robust understanding of the major contemporary theoretical schools governing psychodynamic psychotherapy. In the first semester, students are grounded in the mechanics of ego-supportive psychotherapy and the precise development of psychodynamic formulations, heavily informed by foundational object relational and self-psychological perspectives. The second semester advances this framework by delving deeply into contemporary Object Relations and Relational theories. Crucially, both courses are anchored by an intensive discussion and lab seminar, ensuring that trainees continuously bridge complex psychoanalytic constructs with the immediate, ethical and technical demands of the clinical encounter.

Assessment

Our students are known in the community for rigorous psychological assessment work. The core assessment sequence comprises three intensive semesters of training spanning cognitive, personality and emotional functioning measures (Assessment I, Assessment II, Assessment III). Trainees develop clinical fluency across a broad spectrum of instruments, ranging from cognitive assessments like the WAIS-5, WISC-V and semi-structured tools, prominently including the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (RPAS), the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and House-Tree-Person (HTP) tasks. For students pursuing the dedicated Assessment Track, the curriculum expands to include specialized, advanced training in Neuropsychological Assessment and Forensic Clinical Psychology.

Diversity 

Culturally related and diversity topics are addressed and integrated throughout the foundational curriculum. Additionally, a dedicated Diversity seminar is designed to develop advanced-level clinical skills. This seminar bridges the scientific base of cross-cultural psychology with the conceptualization and practice of clinical intervention. It rigorously examines issues in cross-cultural psychological assessment and explores how psychological science and psychoanalytic theory bear upon the practice of culturally responsive psychotherapy. This ensures trainees are uniquely prepared to serve Washington, DC’s diverse communities and to lead the profession's development in working with diverse patient cohorts.

Elective Coursework

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. Courses provide an opportunity for abroad study, and recent study abroad electives include a visit to Cannes and London.

Tracks of Study

In their second, third and fourth years of the program, students continue their course work and clinic immersion, while also working in private practices, schools, hospitals, community mental health and forensic settings. On their path, and upon successful completion of their second summer of course work, PsyD students also have the option to complete a Master of Psychology (MPsy). 

Students focus their training on one of three tracks: Adult, Adolescent or Assessment. Each track offers several advanced courses and is taught by core member faculty.

Sample Courses of Study

Three- and Four-Year Options

Prior to their final, year-long doctoral internship, some students work toward an optional, accelerated three-year academic curricula and clinical training sequence. This training comprises multiple concurrent practicum rotations, in parallel to demanding study in the curricula, and is a year-round commitment. 

Students may also elect to complete the program with four years of study prior to the internship, which allows for additional training and supervision, and can sometimes open broader opportunities for practicum and internship placement. Coursework can still be completed in three years, or be more spread out over the four years.

Research Training and the 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 PsyD 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. The first practicum is held at the program’s Center Clinic, where trainings are offered concurrently in their first year, and students remain engaged in direct clinical services at the clinic throughout their second year. At the Center Clinic students participate in clinic team meetings, practica (required, psychotherapy and assessment seminars focused on student work) and comprehensive supervision of their work. Students select additional affiliate site training external to the program in their second year. 

During the third year of training, students complete local externship at program-approved sites which include counseling centers, hospitals, community mental health centers and independent group practices. 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

Degree requirements include a minimum of 83 approved graduate credits (core courses and track electives), completion of required courses, practical requirements (practicum, externship, internship), a comprehensive exam and the Major Area Paper.