Our clinical psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and follows the Boulder (scientist-practitioner) model. We are also a member of The Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, which is a coalition of doctoral training programs that share a common goal of producing and applying scientific knowledge to the assessment, understanding, and amelioration of human problems. In addition, the program is a member of the Child Clinical and Pediatric Psychology Training Council (CCaPPTC).
We are committed to excellence in scientific training, and to using clinical science as the foundation for designing, implementing, and evaluating assessment and intervention procedures. Students gain competence as scientists by reviewing basic and applied literatures relevant to clinical psychology and by conducting research under the direction of their major professor each semester. Students gain competence as practitioners by completing seminars, practica, and community placements in private and institutional settings.
Although it is expected that some clinical students may emphasize either the basic or applied aspects of the Boulder model, the goal is excellence and integration of both areas. Evaluation of students is based on performance in courses, clinical teams, practica (clinical skills, ethical behavior, accepted professional behavior), a preliminary examination, and on the quality of their master’s and doctoral research.
The Director of Clinical Training, (DCT), Christine Larson, administers the policies and procedures of the program in clinical psychology. An important part of the program involves practicum work in the department’s training clinic. The Psychology Clinic Director is Stacey Nye, PhD.
Training Philosophy
The UWM Clinical Psychology program strongly believes in the scientist-practitioner model of training. To us, the scientist-practitioner is not a dual entity consisting of separate research and clinical repertoires. Rather, the scientist-practitioner is a professional psychologist who uses knowledge of research to guide practice and who is fully capable of conducting research in the context of practice, or independent of practice.
Our membership in the the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science was granted only after a thorough peer review process. Membership indicates that our program is committed to excellence in scientific training, and to using clinical science as the foundation for designing, implementing, and evaluating assessment and intervention procedures. In neuropsychology we offer training consistent with Division 40 Clinical Neuropsychology and Houston conference guidelines.
Our program training model and training goals, along with our core program values, are described in full in our Program Training Model, Values & Goals statement.
Theoretical Orientation
The clinical psychology program is committed to empiricism, and approaches research and practice from a theoretically diverse, biopsychosocial perspective. The most common theoretical perspective is cognitive-behavioral.
Training Excellence
Students receive a minimum of eight semesters of clinical training. During their first three years in the program they receive both assessment and intervention training from the clinical faculty at the department’s on-campus clinic, after which they work in various community agencies under the supervision of adjunct faculty. A criminal background check is required once admitted, and may affect placement.
The clinical psychology program was recognized with a “Program of Excellence in Scientifically Validated Behavioral Interventions” grant from the National Institutes of Health which resulted in further development of our curriculum in scientifically validated interventions for various psychological conditions. While offerings vary by year according to faculty interests and availability, we currently offer specialized training in prolonged exposure for PTSD and cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety; treatments for childhood elimination disorders; treatments for eating disorders; and cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety. Specialized training in clinical neuropsychology is also available in collaboration with our community partners.
Upon successful completion of our program, students will have been trained as competent generalist psychologists in addition to receiving specialized training in the
competent administration-delivery of assessment and treatment in specific empirically supported interventions.
Accreditation Status
We have been continually accredited since 1980 by the American Psychological Association.
All accredited programs are required to post information about Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data. We are pleased to post our information.
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979
Research Areas
Explore our faculty research specializations on both their faculty profile pages and their lab pages.
We train psychologists as generalists. However, clinically, our faculty interests cluster in three primary areas including neuroscience/neuropsychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pediatric/health psychology. The faculty apply these approaches to topical research interests spanning developmental disorders, pediatric psychology, substance use, anxiety and affective disorders, interpersonal violence, trauma, computer and web-based interventions, and learning problems. As a result, students often leave the program with a focus in one or more of these areas.
Mentor Model
Students are admitted into the clinical program under the supervision of a specific research mentor who matches their interests. Graduate students in the clinical psychology program can have an advisor from either the clinical program or one of the nonclinical programs. Although students enter the program under a specific mentor, in some instances students may elect to change advisors at a later time.
Funding
See our financial support page for more information.
Master’s Thesis
Under the direction of his or her major professor, students must develop an acceptable thesis based on empirical research. Candidates must pass an oral examination in defense of their thesis.
Note: Students who, upon admission, already have a master’s degree in psychology or neuroscience that included an empirically based master’s thesis are exempt from the requirement of having to earn the MS at UWM. Students admitted with a master’s degree in psychology or neuroscience that did not include a thesis must complete a thesis and earn the MS at UWM.
Preliminary Exam
To advance to doctoral candidacy, students must pass a preliminary examination in neuroscience after they earn the MS and within five years of enrolling.
Dissertation
Candidates must write an empirically-based dissertation that demonstrates the ability to formulate a research topic and pursue an independent and original investigation. Candidates must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.
Time Limits
Doctoral students must earn the MS within three years of enrolling (by March 10 of their third year for most favorable consideration within the teaching assistant priority system), and they must earn the PhD within seven years of enrolling.
Waiver for Previous Graduate Coursework
Equivalent coursework taken elsewhere as a graduate student may substitute for one or more of the required courses. Waiver of a required practicum course requires the consent of the major professor and the Director of Clinical Training. Waiver of a required lecture course requires the consent of the major professor, the instructor of the course in question, and the Director of Clinical Training. Demonstration of proficiency is typically required before a waiver is granted.
Admissions
See our application page for more information, deadlines, and a link to the application. Because of the very competitive nature of admissions to the clinical psychology program, we have also provided additional information about our application review process.
For more information about the program’s requirements, visit its academic page at the link below.
-
Psychology, PhDDoctoralOn Campus