Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD Program
In the Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD Program, students learn to apply principles of clinical psychology and scientific techniques to legal and correctional settings. The program is designed in accordance with the practioner-scholar model and offers students a solid foundation in clinical psychology, forensic assessment and evaluation and research through integrated academic and practical experiences.
Locations and Format
The PsyD program is a four-year program with emphasis on professional practice. It is offered at the Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, campuses in a year-round format. There are three semesters, two full semesters in the fall and spring, and a shorter summer semester. Students should expect a year-round educational experience.
Students in the program receive broad-based training in diagnosis, assessment, treatment and the design and application of scientific research. Courses are offered in areas such as police psychology, addiction, sex offenders, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, stalking, multiple homicide offenders and victimology.*
Field Training Experience
All students in the PsyD program gain experience through practica and internships. Practicum training begins in the first or second year of the program and offers an introduction to the skills needed in clinical practice. These experiences will complement coursework and prepare students for the rigors of a full-time internship. Students' internships offer more advanced training in clinical practice and build upon the skills and competencies acquired during prior coursework and practica. Examples of field training settings include juvenile halls, jails, prisons, probation and parole offices, mental health agencies, community organizations and group homes.
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Explore the doctor of psychology program in Clinical Forensic Psychology (PsyD) from CSFS, by choosing a location of interest:
What is Clinical Forensic Psychology?
Guidelines developed by the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) Division 41 of the American Psychological Association (APA) define forensic psychology as: "All professional practice by any psychologist working within any sub-discipline of psychology (e.g., clinical, developmental, social, cognitive) when applying the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to the law to assist in addressing legal, contractual, and administrative matters".
Application of the Guidelines does not depend on the practitioner's typical areas of practice or expertise, but rather on the service provided in the case at hand. These Guidelines apply in all matters in which practitioners provide forensic psychological expertise to judicial, administrative, and educational systems including, but not limited to:
- Examining or treating persons in anticipation of or subsequent to legal, contractual, administrative, proceedings
- Offering expert opinion about psychological issues in the form of amicus briefs or testimony to judicial, legislative or administrative bodies
- Acting in an adjudicative capacity
- Serving as a trial consultant or otherwise offering expertise to attorneys, the courts, or others
- Conducting research in connection with, or in the anticipation of, litigation
- Involvement in educational activities of a forensic nature.
*Courses offered may vary by campus