Overview
The Department of Psychology offers a doctorate (PhD) in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in working with deaf and hard of hearing populations. Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA) since 1995, the program is based on a “scholar-practitioner” training model following a lifespan development philosophy.
The Clinical Psychology PhD Program prepares students and alumni to contribute to the field through innovative research and scholarly work; clinical assessment, and therapeutic services and intervention for youth, adults, families, and communities across the spectrum of identity and lived experience.
Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Clinical Psychology PhD Program is to increase the number of health service psychologists with appropriate training in research and professional practice with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people, as well as their families, communities, and other allied professionals. This includes DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, late deaf, and late hard of hearing individuals.
In a unique multicultural and bilingual (American Sign Language and English) learning environment, our aim is to train health service psychologists who:
- understand psychological science and related research and analytic methods
- are skilled in the theory, methods, and research of practice in health service psychology with a focus on clinical psychology; and
- are knowledgeable about deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people, and integrate the diversity of individuals and communities into professional and scholarly practice.
Program of Study
The program requires completing 97 hours of academic credit that include the following domains
- Affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social bases of behavior
- Individual and cultural diversity
- Research and analytic methods
- Ethics and professional issues
- Psychological measurement and assessment
- Psychological interventions
- Supervision and consultation
- Psychology of Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled people
The program of study includes mentored pre-dissertation and dissertation projects and encourages professional presentations and publications. Clinical training includes a minimum of four semesters of supervised practicum and externship experiences that take place on campus and across a varied number of approved training sites in the Metro Washington, D.C. area, followed by a yearlong APA-accredited doctoral internship in health service psychology.
Practicum, Externship, and Doctoral Internship Training
All students are expected to participate in practicum activities with the Gallaudet University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or the Gallaudet University Psychology Clinic (GUPC) during their second or third years in the program.
Note: Students who were undergraduates at Gallaudet University and received services at CAPS may be required to participate in alternative practicum opportunities on or off campus for a variety of ethical and professional practice issues. In such situations, the program will work with the student to identify equivalent clinical training.
Advanced practicum and externship experiences take place on campus and across a varied number of training sites in the Metro Washington, D.C. area. Training sites may include state and local hospitals; psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings; community mental health centers; university counseling centers; the National Institutes of Health; the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and the D.C. and Virginia Courts, among others.
Regarding APA-accredited doctoral internship, recent graduates have placed at the Boston VA, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents, Mid Atlantic Internship Consortium, Northwell Health, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and University of Rochester Medical Center (see Student Outcome Data for match rates), Occasionally, students will request that they be supported in completing a program approved non-accredited internship when their professional goals focus on specialized training in working with deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind individuals.
Length of Program
The program is structured for the average student to graduate within 5 to 6 years. This timeline is contingent on the completion of coursework, as well as the research, clinical, language and communication, and cultural requirements of the program. For example, an additional year of study may be required for students who are developing their knowledge of ASL, cultural awareness, and/or application of these skills to clinical and research competencies. As ASL and English are the primary languages used at Gallaudet University and throughout the course of the Clinical Psychology PhD Program, students are expected to demonstrate ASL and English fluency. This is achieved through fulfillment of the program’s Clinical Language and Communication competencies that include an American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI Score) of at least a 2+ to register for the Practicum I course sequence, and an ASLPI score of at least 3 to graduate from the program. As needed, students also may choose to take an additional year to complete their dissertation project, especially if they are intending to pursue academic and or research careers.
For an overview of the program of study and requirements, as well as the complete list of PhD courses, please visit the Academic Catalog.
Admissions Procedures
Applicants for the Clinical Psychology PhD Program must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. The last date to submit completed applications for the 2026 review cycle is December 1, 2026. Virtual Interview by invitation will be scheduled in January-February 2027. Applicants may contact the Director of Clinical Training to schedule a visit to campus at any point during this process.
Program Specific Requirements for Applicants
- Undergraduate Psychology Major or Minor, or Related Field (e.g., Social Work)
- 18 hours of undergraduate psychology coursework includes the following or equivalent coursework:
- Adult Development, Child Development, or Lifespan Development; Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology; Experimental Psychology or Research Methods; and Statistics
- Undergraduate GPA > 3.0
- All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Prior research and related professional/volunteer experiences preferred
- Three letters of reference from academic, clinical and/or research professors or supervisors who can write to the applicant’s readiness for doctoral study. Please inform letter writers that the program requires an in-depth letter of recommendation that is uploaded in the admissions portal. They should not use the brief template found in the Graduate Admissions portal.
- An additional fourth letter of recommendation may be submitted from a professional who can attest to the applicant’s knowledge or experiences of working with deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, late deafened, or late hard of hearing individuals; ASL or other communication modalities; and/or cultural experiences. However, this fourth letter is optional.
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Three Narrative Statements (Access the Graduate Admissions portal for the specific prompts for each essay)
- Scholarly Writing Sample (Examples include prints or pre-prints of authored or co-authored articles, Honor’s/Capstone research projects, Master’s thesis projects, papers written for junior and senior level psychology coursework, etc.)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
NOTE: Prior research and/or related professional experiences preferred
Optional Components for Applicants
- Summary of the written English narrative statements and/or scholarly writing sample in ASL, SEE, Cued Speech, etc.
Culture and Language Experiences and Related Requirements
Lived experiences with deaf and/or hard of hearing populations, related culture(s), sign language, and/or other communication modalities prior to entering the Clinical Psychology PhD Program is highly recommended to experience success given the bilingual and multicultural mission of the University and program. Individuals with more limited experiences may still apply and be accepted to the program. Often these students are asked to complete sign language and/or Deaf culture courses 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 language knowledge and skills in the academic setting. For those further developing their knolwedge of ASL, additional time and effort is required during the initial first and second years of the program. This 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 entering the program with native or fluent language(s) and lived cultural experience(s), the time in the program is used to further develop these competencies as they apply to doctoral-level study, as well as research and clinical settings.
Point of Contact
For more information regarding the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program and/or the application process, please contact Lawrence Pick, PhD, ABPP, Director of Clinical Training at lawrence.pick@gallaudet.edu.
Courses & Requirements
Summary of Requirements
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.
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.
PSY 711
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.
Summer 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 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
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 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.
Spring Semester
Enrollment in the PhD or PsyD Psychology Doctoral Programs.
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 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 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 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.
Summer Semester
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.
Comprehensive Exams
Fall Semester
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 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
Spring Semester
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.
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, PSY 836, and PSY 885
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
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.
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
Fall Semester
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
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.
Spring Semester
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
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, PSY 886, and PSY 985
Optional:
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
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
Final Year Fall-Spring-Summer
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
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.
Accreditation
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.
Information
Admissions
Learn about Gallaudet University’s graduate admissions requirements, application steps, deadlines, and program-specific criteria on our Graduate Admissions page.
Graduate Programs International Graduate Students Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students Contact Your Graduate Admissions CounselorTuition and Financial Aid
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Faculty
Lawrence Pick
Professor
Lori Day
Professor
Carolyn Corbett
Professor
Cara Miller
Associate Professor
Kathryn Wagner
Associate Professor
Morgane Vincent
Assistant Professor
Contact
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
- lawrence.pick@gallaudet.edu
