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Psychology
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
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The Department of Psychology offers a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology, with specialization in working with deaf and hard of hearing populations. The program is based on a “scholar-practitioner” training model that provides coursework, clinical training, and scholarly work following a lifespan development philosophy.
The program prepares students to contribute to the field by providing clinical services to deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals, as well as expanding the knowledge base in areas of psychology important for working effectively with these populations. The doctoral program typically requires a minimum of 5 to 6 years for completion, one year of which is a full-time pre-doctoral clinical internship. Students may apply to be awarded an M.A. in Psychology after completion of select courses, their pre-dissertation research project, two clinical practicum/externships, and the comprehensive examination. This degree is usually awarded after the third year of study and is not considered a terminal degree.
Program Mission Statement
The doctoral program in clinical psychology has as its ultimate mission to increase the number of behaviorial health professionals with appropriate training in the understanding and practice of psychology for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people and their families. in a unique multicultural and bilingual (American Sign Language: ASL and English) learning environment, our aim is to train psychologists who 1) have an understanding of the science of psychology, and related research and analytic methods; 2) are skilled in the theory, methods, and research of practice in clinical psychology; and 3) are knowledgeable about the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people, and appreciate their great diversity. By way of this training, the scientific knowledge base of psychology as it pertains to deaf and hard of hearing people will expand through the research and scholarly work of graduate students, program graduates, and faculty.
The Department of Psychology offers a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. The Commission on Accreditation is part of the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation in the education directorate. Information, comments, or questions about accreditation can be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
750 First Street NE Washington D.C 20002-4242 Telephone: (202) 336-5979 TDD: (202) 336-6123 Fax: (202) 336-5978
Faculty and Staff
Core Faculty
Carolyn Corbett, Ph.D, Lori Day, Ph.D., Cara Miller, Ph.D., Lawrence Pick, Ph.D., ABPP, and Kathryn Wagner, Ph.D.
Program Support Specialist
Aubrey Moorman
Emeritus and Retired Faculty
Patrick Brice, Ph.D., Virginia Gutman, Ph.D, Irene Leigh, Ph.D, and Donnna Morere, Ph.D.
Program of Study
Students are required to complete 96 hours of academic credit that include the following areas: biological, developmental, social, cognitive, and affective bases of behavior, individual and cultural diversity, research and analytic methods, ethics and professional issues, psychological measurement and assessment, and psychological interventions.
The program also requires supervised practicum, externship, and pre-doctoral clinical internship experiences, as well as research-based pre-dissertation and dissertation projects.
The program is structured for the average student to graduate within 5 to 6 years. This timeline is dependent on the completion of coursework, as well as the research, clinical language, and cultural requirements of the program. For example, an additional year of study may be required for students who are further developing their ASL skills, cultural awareness, and/or application to clinical and research competencies. As ASL and English are the languages used at the University and throughout the program, students are expected to demonstrate ASL fluency or a high degree of ASL proficiency (i.e., completion of the program Clinical Language and Communication competencies that include at least an ASLPI Score of 2+ to register for the second year practicum courses and at least an ASLPI score of 3 to graduate from the program) to complete their clinical practicum training and aspects of some research projects, as well as enhance their professional training.
As part of these requirements, especially during some clinically-based courses, personal disclosure may be required as part of the professional development of our clinical psychology students.
For an overview of the program of study and requirements, as well as the complete list of courses for the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, please visit the Academic Catalog.
Admissions Procedures
Applicants for the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University.
Program Specific Requirements
Optional Components for Ph.D. Applicants
Culture and Language Experiences and Related Requirements
Having lived experiences with deaf and/or hard of hearing populations, related culture(s), and sign language or other communication modalities prior to entering the program is highly recommended to experience success during doctoral study in the Clinical Psychology Program given the bilingual and multicultural mission of the University. Individuals with more limited experiences may still apply and be accepted to the program. Often these individuals will use time during the spring and summer prior to entering the program to enhance their foundational knowledge and skills in these areas. Upon entering the program, all students continue to develop their knowledge and skills in an academic setting. For those developing these basic competencies, additional time and effort is required during the initial years of the program and occurs through a variety of opportunities that may include enhanced interactions in the community, advanced ASL coursework, etc. For deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing individuals with native or fluent language(s) and lived cultural experiences, the time in the program is used to further develop these competencies as they apply to doctoral-level study, as well as applying this in research and clinical settings.
Practicum Opportunities
All students are expected to participate in practicum activities with the Gallaudet University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) during their 2nd or 3rd years in the program. Students who were undergraduates at Gallaudet University and received services at CAPS may be required to participate in other practicum opportunities on campus for a variety of ethical and professional practice issues. If this situation arises, the program will be responsible for working with the student to identify equivalent clinical training.
Students who are engaged in their practicum experience with the CAPS may not also receive clinical services from the center at any point during their doctoral study. Such students need to seek practitioners not associated with the CAPS and would be responsible for the costs of such services. The CAPS maintains a listing of outside service providers, many of whom have reduced fees for Gallaudet students. We recommend that students applying to this program carry health insurance with sufficient mental health benefits to cover the cost of such outside services.
Point of Contact
For more information regarding the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program and/or the application process, please contact Lawrence Pick, Ph.D., ABPP, Director of Clinical Training at lawrence.pick@gallaudet.edu.
Summary of Requirements
First Year Fall Semester
Discussion of the concepts, use, and interpretation of data visualization, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics methods in research, with an emphasis on the social sciences. Topics and tools include scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, univariate and bivariate graphical plots, measures of correlation, simple linear models, confidence intervals for means and proportions, and hypothesis testing for means and association. Data analysis software including SPSS will be used.
Covers principles of research design in psychology from two-group comparisons to complex multiple treatment designs. Also includes guidelines and criteria for writing research reports and articles, questionnaire and survey research, case studies and other single-subject designs, correlational studies, naturalistic observation, and ethical considerations in research.
PSY 711
An intensive course in theory, methods, and clinical skills in appraisal of individual intelligence, including a critical analysis of individual tests, criteria for evaluating and selecting tests, values, limitations of tests, test selection, administration & scoring, analysis and interpretation of test results, preparation of reports, and legal and ethical standards in assessment.
Matriculation in the Clinical Psychology Program.
This course introduces clinical psychology doctoral students to ethical issues and professional practice in clinical psychology. The course covers the APA Code of Ethics, ethical decision-making and clinical judgment, professional expectations and guidelines, legal obligations of psychologists, and an overview of clinical practice settings. Cross-cultural and social justice issues in clinical practice are emphasized as they relate to ethical decision making in the evolving world of clinical practice.
Enrollment in clinical psychology doctoral program or permission of instructor
This course provides an understanding of normal and psychopathological variants of adult functioning and development. Diagnostic criteria, psychodynamic issues, and applications of DSM-IV will be discussed. Treatment implications of various diagnostic categories will be included.
Enrolled students in clinical psychology or mental health counseling; or permission of instructor.
First Year Spring Semester
This seminar introduces students to ongoing faculty, staff, and student research projects. The seminar also includes direct experience as a research assistant in a faculty or staff member's research program. Ethical issues in research with human subjects receive particular emphasis.
Enrollment in the clinical psychology program or consent of instructor.
Covers inferential statistics including simple and complex analysis of variance, multiple comparisons between means, and analysis of covariance. Chi-square and other nonparametric statistics and partial and multiple regression are included. Experience with computer programs (SPSS) for these statistical analyses will be provided.
Enrollment in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program, successful completion of PSY749 and PSY781; or permission of instructor
This course focuses on clinical observations and interviewing skills, and is an introduction to the practice of psychotherapy. The focus is on building skills for planning, initiating, conducting, and evaluating therapeutic interventions with clients. Students will learn how to: conduct a mental status evaluation; use semi-structured interviews; conduct open-ended interviews with adults and children; and conduct behavioral observations. Emphasis is on the development of skills necessary in the practice of clinical psychology.
Enrollment in clinical psychology doctoral program
An overview of methods and theories of psychotherapy used with adults. Covers professional and ethical guidelines as applied to the conduct of psychotherapy.
PSY 781 and PSY 834; or permission of instructor.
First Year Summer
Enrollment in the clinical psychology program or permission of instructor
Review of theoretical approaches in the historical development of psychology as a discipline, including the emergence of clinical and experimental psychology from philosophical and physiological perspectives. The principal systems and schools of thought in the history of psychology will be surveyed, including psychophysics, structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt theory, psychoanalysis, and cognitive theories. These systems and schools of thought will be analyzed as they relate to contemporary psychology.
Enrollment in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. Psychology Doctoral Programs
Second Year Fall Semester
This course provides in-depth exploration of the complex interrelationships between the functioning of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and psychological, biological, and socio-cultural aspects within a human systems framework that incorporates multicultural perspectives. Psychological principles and theories related to the emotional, cognitive/linguistic, behavioral, and cultural development of deaf and hard -of-hearing individuals are considered. Also considered are factors including the influence of etiology/genetics, varying levels of hearing loss and age of onset, familial variables, linguistic and communication approaches, technology, educational settings, psychopathology, and cultural aspects.
This fall course is generally taken in the second year of the clinical psychology program. It provides clinical training through a practicum placement at the University Counseling and Psychological Center (CAPS). Students will participate in a weekly seminar, as well as weekly individual and group supervision. Training will focus on diagnostic interviewing, clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, report writing, and client feedback. Supervision (i.e., individual and group) is provided by licensed psychologists (i.e., program faculty and on-site supervisors). Cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity factors are emphasized throughout the course and will be applied to clinical work. Supervision and consultation theories and practices also are introduced at this level of training.
Second year standing in the clinical psychology program; PSY 749, 781, 782, 834, 836, 865, 866; satisfactory communication skills; and an ASLPI interview rating of 2+.
This course provides credit for individual student research projects at the pre-dissertation stage, conducted under approved faculty supervision.
PSY 703, PSY 704, PSY 711, PSY 712, PSY 713, and PSY 781 or equivalent with consent of instructor.
This course provides a foundation in functional neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the presentation and effects of brain injuries, illnesses, and syndromes. It also includes material on peripheral sensory and perceptual functions. When you complete this course, you should have a basic knowledge of brain structure and function/dysfunction and the interaction of mind and body. An emphasis is placed on application of the information to clinical populations and the ability to critically evaluate neurophysiological and neuropsychological research.
Second Year Spring Semester
Enrollment in the PhD or PsyD Psychology Doctoral Programs.
This spring course is generally taken in the second year of the clinical psychology program. It provides continued clinical training through a practicum placement at the University Counseling and Psychological Center (CAPS). Students will continue to participate in a weekly seminar, as well as weekly individual and group supervision. Training will focus on the continued development of the following: diagnostic interviewing, clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, report writing, and client feedback. Supervision (i.e., individual and group) is provided by licensed psychologists (i.e., program faculty and on-site supervisors). Cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity factors will continue to be emphasized throughout the course and will be applied to clinical work. Supervision and consultation theories and practices are further explored at this level of training.
Second Year Summer
Third Year Fall Semester
This course provides an introduction to theoretical and research foundations in social psychology, particularly as related to clinical/personality psychology and to the study of cultural minorities and the diversities of human experience.
The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area is one that is very culturally diverse. This course will focus on the special issues that are raised when offering mental health and psychotherapy services to persons of color who reside in this large urban area. During the course, students will have the opportunity to examine the following content areas: the psychology of racism and oppression, theoretical issues and research findings on psychotherapy with minority populations, the impact of therapist racial/cultural characteristics on the therapeutic process, multicultural issues in psychodiagnostic testing, and relevant issues for traditional and emerging minority groups. Each class period will also include a module on an ''urban issue'' of concern to area residents.
PSY 781, PSY 834, PSY 836, PSY 865, and PSY 866.
Generally taken in the third year, this practicum includes clinical training and experiences in assessment, evidence-based interventions, case conceptualization, the diagnostic process, and treatment planning and outcomes. Clinical supervision and or consultation may be included as a training experience depending on the placement. Training sites include medical centers, community agencies, government agencies, primary and secondary schools, college counseling centers or other service facilities.
Third year standing in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, PSY 785, PSY 786, PSY 787, and PSY 836
This course provides credit for individual student research projects at the dissertation stage, conducted under approved faculty supervision.
PSY 703, PSY 704, PSY 711, PSY 712, PSY 713, PSY 781, PSY 800, and advancement to doctoral candidacy or equivalent with consent of instructor
Third Year Spring Semester
Third year standing in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, PSY 785, PSY 786, PSY 787, PSY 836, and PSY 885
Optional:
This optional summer practicum includes clinical training and experiences in assessment, evidence-based interventions, case conceptualization, the diagnostic process, and treatment planning and outcomes. Clinical supervision and or consultation may be included as a training experience depending on the placement. Training sites include medical centers, community agencies, government agencies, primary and secondary schools, college counseling centers or other service facilities.
Third year standing in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, PSY 785, PSY 786, PSY 787, PSY 836, PSY 885, and PSY 886.
Fourth Year Fall Semester
Generally taken in the fourth year or beyond, the advanced clinical psychology practicum includes additional clinical training and experiences in assessment, evidence-based interventions, case conceptualization, the diagnostic process, and treatment planning and outcomes. Clinical supervision and or consultation may be included as a training experience depending on the placement. Training sites include medical centers, community agencies, government agencies, primary and secondary schools, college counseling centers or other service facilities.
Fourth year standing in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, PSY 785, PSY 786, PSY 787, PSY 836, PSY 885 and PSY 886.
Fourth Year Spring Semester
Fourth year standing in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, PSY 785, PSY 786, PSY 787, PSY 836, PSY 885, PSY 886, and PSY 985
Generally taken in the fourth year or beyond, this optional advanced clinical psychology practicum includes additional clinical training and experiences in assessment, evidence-based interventions, case conceptualization, the diagnostic process, and treatment planning and outcomes. Clinical supervision and or consultation may be included as a training experience depending on the placement. Training sites include medical centers, community agencies, government agencies, primary and secondary schools, college counseling centers or other service facilities.
Fourth year standing in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, PSY 785, PSY 786, PSY 787, PSY 836, PSY 885, PSY 886, PSY 985 and PSY 986
Fifth Year Fall-Spring-Summer
Registration indicates that the student is undertaking a psychology internship approved by the clinical psychology program at the predoctoral or doctoral level.
Open only to students who have completed comprehensive examinations, advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, and are in an internship approved by the clinical psychology program faculty.
In line with APA accreditation standards and our program mission, the following are the expected student learning outcomes upon completion of the program:
The Department of Psychology offers a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). The CoA is part of the APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (OPCA) in the education directorate. Information, comments, or questions about accreditation can be directed to the commission on accreditation: 750 First Street NE Washington D.C 20002-4242 Telephone: (202) 336-5979 TDD: (202) 336-6123 Fax: (202) 336-5978
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements webpage for the Clinical Psychology PhD Program. The program seeks highly qualified applicants who demonstrate a commitment to a career serving the needs of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing populations. In line with the mission of the University...
Gallaudet University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title IV approved institution. The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)....
Completed online application. The deadline for Clinical Psychology Program applications is January 1. A non-refundable application fee of $75. A minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a four-point scale) in all previous undergraduate and graduate study. (Occasionally, applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may...
The following Tables provides statistical information on student selection and performance in during the years 2011-2012 to 2020-2021 academic years. 2011- 2021 Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
Each first year graduate student is matched with a clinical faculty member who will serve as an advisor and research mentor to the graduate student during the initial years of the program. Upon entering the program, the faculty mentor works closely with each student to...
Dr. Hall, '14, is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He recently published an edited book with Neil S. Glickman, titled Language Deprivation and Deaf Mental Health. Dr. Opsahl, '18, is a Clinical Psychologist in the Trauma Services Program at...
Click on the link below to view the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Handbook from the current academic year. Clinical Program Handbook (2021-2022)
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