Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) - Sacramento

The Clinical Psychology PsyD program offered at both the Fresno campus and the Sacramento satellite location are designed to: introduce students to the ethical values and orientation of the professional psychologist; provide a background in the psychological, biological and sociocultural factors that influence human behavior; develop students' research competencies; and establish a foundation in the technical skills required to function in clinical settings working with diverse populations. The Clinical Psychology PsyD program in Fresno and Sacramento also have an Advanced Standing Blended Online and On-ground Option, where students entering with a psychology-related master's degree take the first year of coursework online, the second year in-person at either Fresno or Sacramento, and the third year internship. While students receive an exceptional grounding in traditional clinical assessment and intervention, they are also taught to consider the potential value of advocacy, consultation or public policy work in helping both individuals and whole groups of clients with similar problems. For example, psychotherapy can be of great value to gay or lesbian clients struggling with the social pressures of the coming out process but the need for such treatment might be greatly reduced by applying clinical knowledge and skills in changing social mores and the plethora of discriminatory laws that create the hostile environment with which these client's struggle. One of the unique aspects of the PsyD program is the class format in which the dissertation is completed. During their second and third years in the program students complete their dissertation while taking the Dissertation Proposal and PsyD Dissertation course series. This intensive structure has proved extremely successful in facilitating students completing the program on time. The PsyD program takes 4 years to complete, with the 4th year being spent in a full-time internship.