Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Saybrook University offers advanced training in integrating evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy with humanistic methods, mindfulness practices, and existential psychology. Designed to prepare you for licensure in several states, the program emphasizes ethical standards, transformative therapeutic relationships, and contributions to psychological research.
Saybrook University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); however, the program does not have programmatic accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) and may not meet year-in-residence requirements for some state licensing boards. Graduates should consult their state licensing boards to confirm eligibility and any additional requirements.
*Credits required vary based on starting with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Specializations in the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Program
Tailor your doctoral studies to align with your professional interests by choosing from the following specializations:
- Advanced Psychological Assessment
The Advanced Psychological Assessment Specialization provides greater training and experience in child, adolescent, and adult psychological assessment skills. It focuses on adult and child cognitive measures, adult and child objective and personality measures, test interpretation, and much more. - Applied Psychophysiology
The Applied Psychophysiology Specialization program can teach you how to help elite and amateur athletes, performing artists, businesspeople, students, and more achieve optimal performance in the face of stress and other limiting thoughts and behaviors. - Complex Trauma and the Healing Process
Designed to fill the gap in education surrounding traumatic stress, the Complex Trauma and the Healing Process Specialization program provides an in-depth look at the foundations of trauma and its impact on the mind, body, spirit, and culture, with special attention given to both conventional and nonconventional healing processes. - Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health
Learn how spiritual direction, art and healing, integrative health, the psychology of consciousness, and more can make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and your clinical practice. - Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership
Expand past theory and learn to apply creative, complex, and effective problem-solving strategies to clinical practice in the Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership Specialization program. - Existential and Humanistic Psychology
The Existential and Humanistic Psychology Specialization program explores the clinical applications of existential and humanistic theory to the human situation in individual and group therapy settings. - Jungian Studies
The Jungian Studies Specialization program comprehensively examines C.G. Jung's foundational work and its relevance and application today. It explores Jung's legendary research on the human psyche, collective unconscious, archetypes, and the intersection of psychology, religion, and mythology.
These specializations allow you to customize your academic journey, ensuring your education aligns with your career aspirations.
Connect with Us
Saybrook Learning Model
Online learning fueled by community and connection defines the Saybrook experience. As pioneers of the virtual classroom, we understand there is no substitute for the joy, belonging, and exploration that occurs when we collaborate as a community. The University Learning Experiences were designed to foster this collaboration and connection regularly.
- Residential Learning Experiences (RLE)
At these in-person intensives, clinical program students put theory into practice, hone clinical skills, gain professional guidance from experienced faculty, and acquire the residential hours required for clinical licensure. - Virtual Learning Experience (VLE)
Explore, collaborate, and deepen your engagement with your learning community. These online, synchronous events foster rich interactions beyond the classroom with your classmates and faculty. - Community Learning Experience (CLE)
Form meaningful connections, explore new ideas and perspectives, and immerse yourself in a transformative experience during this in-person, five-day event with the entire Saybrook University community.
Faculty
Saybrook’s Clinical Psychology faculty are practitioner-scholars dedicated to advancing their field through continued practice and comprehensive instruction. Meet some of our faculty members below.
Theopia Jackson, Ph.D.
- Former President, the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc.
- Co-Founder, Therapist-in-Residency Program
- Member, American Psychological Association Council of Representatives; Division 32 Society for Humanistic Psychology Board, and California Psychological Association
- Recipient, President’s Excellence in Teaching Award