Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

The Baylor University’s Doctor of Psychology (i.e., Psy.D.) Program aims to prepare clinicians whose practice is rooted in the science of psychology and who are prepared to thoughtfully and actively contribute to the science of psychology and its application.The program aims to develop students’ competencies in the following 9 areas:A broad knowledge base for competent clinical practice and evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning in clinical psychologyEntry-level competence in psychological assessment skillsBroadly conceived intervention skillsA commitment to ethical clinical and professional practiceProficiency in differential diagnosis, assessment, intervention, case conceptualization, integration, and case formulation in a full-time clinical settingThe ability to recognize, value, understand, and respond to cultural and individual differences and diversity in clinical psychologyConsultation and supervision skills in clinical psychologyIntegrative and analytical research skillsIdentity as a clinical psychologist and preparation to assume a vital role in clinical, university, or independent practice settings.Baylor’s Psy.D. program can best be described as a practitioner-scientist model of training. A thoughtful adaptation of the scientist-practitioner model of training, the Baylor Psy.D. emphasizes the preparation of clinicians whose practice is rooted in the science of psychology and who are prepared to thoughtfully and actively contribute to the science of psychology and its application. We agree that clinical psychologists should be trained as Health Service Providers prepared to contribute broadly to an evolving healthcare environment as described in the blueprint for clinical psychology training recently proposed by the Health Service Psychology Education Collaborative (HSPEC).A major focus of the program is coursework and supervised clinical experience through which clinical competencies can be developed. The curriculum is designed to develop a strong base in the theoretical underpinnings of culturally sensitive clinical assessment and intervention. From this base, students engage in closely supervised clinical practicum placements, which vary in their emphases and theoretical orientations. Clinical experience and coursework are consolidated through a graduated process of evaluation that emphasizes the integration of classroom learning and practical supervised experiences. Involvement in clinical research is an important focus for the model. Contributions to the science of psychology may be thought of as existing on a continuum from peer-reviewed publications to carefully designed evaluations of one’s clinical practice to ensure continual improvement and development.