PhD in Clinical Psychology

PhD in Clinical Psychology Program Overview in California

A PhD in Clinical Psychology is a great way to expand your knowledge and skills and increase your career options in the field of health service psychology. The clinical psychology PhD program trains clinical students to conduct psychological assessment and research. With a focus on mental health and human behavior, the PhD program prepares you to understand the psychological processes underlying human behavior and the tools used to apply this knowledge in clinical practice, improving communities’ health and well-being.

Whether you’re helping patients with anxiety disorders or studying new advancements in cognitive-behavioral therapy, our APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD programs will help you gain the clinical skills needed to get to where you want to be in the mental healthcare industry. This graduate program emphasizes a strong foundation in science and clinical area practice. Students will engage deeply in foundational coursework, including psychological theories, assessment, and therapeutic techniques, while also participating in supervised practicum and internship experiences. The California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) offers four PhD degree programs in Clinical Psychology: Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco Bay Area, each accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Our experienced faculty members in the program teach challenging courses that meet a variety of guidelines outlined by the APA and offer unparalleled education within the mental health field. Explore our programs below.

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Offered at These Locations

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Program Highlights

Accreditation

All CSPP clinical Psychology PhD degree programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association and taught by experienced faculty members. This standard of academic education means graduates leave the doctoral program with excellent skills and high competency.

Research Opportunities

Our Clinical PhD programs are unique in their focus on health service psychology research through rich and varied opportunities within the community to help you become a clinical psychologist.

Scholarship Paired with Practice

In our Clinical PhD programs, you will receive clinical training practicum opportunities and will be required to complete a doctoral internship. Depending on your doctoral program, you may also pursue teaching assistantships. All programs provide opportunities to prepare you for licensure and a successful career as a health service clinical psychologist upon graduation.

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Admissions

Get the information you need in order to start your Alliant experience. See the latest admission requirements for your desired program.

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Faculty

Get the information you need in order to start your Alliant experience. Browse our list of diverse faculty members for your desired program.

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Degree Information

Specialization

The clinical psychology programs’ emphasis and experience areas include:

• Clinical health psychology
• Family/child and couple
• Multicultural community-clinical psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Psychodynamic
• Clinical health
• Integrative psychology
• Multicultural and international
• Trauma, stress, resilience

Each campus-based APA-accredited program is unique, as are its emphases, specializations, and track offerings. Our clinical psychology program teaches the basic skills needed to work in the field of psychology. In the programs, you’ll gain clinical practice experience, which helps to prepare you for entering the workforce as a clinical psychologist. Graduate students of the clinical program will be qualified to give psychological assessments in a clinical setting. Integrating health service psychology in the curriculum allows graduates not only to be well-versed in psychological services and public health, but also be prepared to contribute to the advancement of the field.

If you’re looking for PhD and PsyD programs in California, please see the doctoral program pages for specifics on emphasis area offerings in the field of psychology.

Accreditation

Both the PhD program and PsyD programs are individually accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA). APA accreditation not only serves as a benchmark for the PhD clinical psychology excellence but also contributes to the professional development of clinical scientists and the overall advancement of the field.

Financial Assistance

Alliant has created a comprehensive program that helps facilitate access and affordability. Financing is available in the form of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans. The federal government, state government, Alliant, and private sources finance these programs. Explore the ways to finance your education here.

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FAQs

What are the benefits of earning this degree?

The department offers state-of-the-art facilities and access to a diverse range of professional opportunities across California. Graduates from our psychology department at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) go on to pursue careers in various fields, leaving a positive impact in both the private and public sectors as professional psychologists.

• Your acquired skills qualify you to work in hospitals and medical centers, community mental health clinics, private practice, and universities.
• You will be equipped to pursue careers in clinical work, research, teaching, or a combination of all three.
• With a specialization area, you can pursue higher positions in your psychology career

What’s the difference between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology?

PhD-based psychology programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in research, making it an ideal option for those interested both in clinical practice and in academia. Graduates of the program have a wide range of career options, from conducting clinical research methods to administration and consulting. 

On the other hand, a PsyD program is typically the preferred choice for individuals who are solely interested in the practical application of psychology. It prepares students for a career in clinical practice and provides them with the necessary skills to work in a variety of clinical settings. While a PsyD program places less emphasis on research and academia than a PhD program, it still offers a comprehensive education in the field of psychology.
 

What is the typical duration of a PhD program in Clinical Psychology, and can it be completed on a part-time basis?

The duration can vary, but on average, it takes around 5 to 7 years for a PhD student to complete the clinical program. This timeframe includes both coursework and supervised practical experience, such as internships or clinical placements. While some programs may offer part-time options, it’s advisable to consult with your Psychology Department to understand the feasibility and implications of pursuing a Ph.D. on a part-time basis.

As an international student, may I apply for the graduate program?

Review the admissions requirements, housing, tuition and other information for international applicants. Learn more