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 clinical science. 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. You will explore deeper into developmental psychology, community psychology, health psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology to name a few in the broad spectrum of psychological science. 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.
To learn more about this program and other offerings, visit our CSPP-dedicated microsite. You’ll find videos featuring our university president, dean of CSPP, and faculty, along with numerous interactive features!
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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.
Research Opportunities
Our Clinical PhD programs are unique in their focus on psychological clinical science 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.
Admissions
Get the information you need in order to start your Alliant experience. See the latest admission requirements for your desired program.
Faculty
Get the information you need in order to start your Alliant experience. Browse our list of diverse faculty members for your desired program.
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 psychological clinical science 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.
FAQs
What are the benefits of earning this degree?
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.
- 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
"I couldn’t have asked for more of CSPP—the training opportunities, the practicum, the number of sites that you are given access to— it really delivers in terms of the clinical training…it’s spectacular."
Degree Locations
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSPP
Founded in 1969, CSPP was one of the nation’s first independent schools of professional psychology. Today, CSPP continues its commitment to preparing the next generation of mental health professionals through graduate-level degree programs in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, clinical counseling, organizational psychology, psychopharmacology, and more.
