Our Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization program examines the fascinating and complex interaction between the mind and body. This program, a subspecialty of psychophysiology, aims to build on the advanced knowledge of the biological bases of human behavior optimization so you can implement various psychological techniques in your clinical practice.
Guided by our holistic approach to human behavior and always mindful of clients within their broader, holistic contexts, you will explore the physiological foundations of psychological processes, psychophysiological interventions such as biofeedback, relaxation training, brain entrainment, hypnosis, the use of interventions based on behavioral genetics, hormonal influences, individual perception differences, and abnormal physiological patterns, stress management, and more. Through this program, you will gain the expertise to understand and address dysfunctional physiological functions, helping clients receive effective, person-centered therapeutic practices to optimize performance.
Saybrook University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), but the Clinical Psychology Ph.D.: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization does not have programmatic accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). This hybrid online Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program may not meet year-in-residence requirements of some state professional licensing boards or agencies. To be eligible, graduates should consult their individual state licensing boards for any additional state-specific requirements.
Saybrook University’s Clinical Psychology doctorate program aligns with program requirements for professional licensure in several states. You will find more information on licensure on the professional licensure and certification disclosures page.
The Department of Humanistic Clinical Psychology cultivates innovative, multidisciplinary, socially and community engaged scholar-practitioners through rigorous education and training that values the whole person within their unique context, including the creative, spiritual, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions of human beings.
The Clinical Psychology Ph.D.: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization program is intended to prepare graduates for clinical practice. If you are interested in becoming a licensed psychologist or entering into private practice, you will need to verify the licensure requirements of your state. You may also view notes on licensure here.
Additionally, you may also explore a variety of roles at health care facilities and beyond, including:
Interested in another specialization in clinical psychology? We offer multiple doctoral programs that may align more closely with your goals.
*Credits required vary based on starting with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
You may apply to the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization program with a completed B.A., B.S., M.A. or M.S. from a regionally accredited college or university. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related discipline is recommended. However, non-psychology majors will be considered for admission. Applicants for the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization degree must submit the following documents:
Saybrook University remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Saybrook wants you to have the information you need to make an informed decision about your academic and career aspirations. Our cost calculator provides an estimated cost of attending Saybrook to earn your Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization degree.
This three-credit course covers wellness and community and group psychophysiology, operant and classical conditioning, imagery, cognitive restructuring, and meditation techniques. The history of, supporting evidence for, and basic techniques for each type of conditioning are presented. The standard techniques of self-hypnosis and imagery training are described, and you are taught the elements of their application. Uses of these techniques with specific types of patients and integration of these techniques into other behavioral medicine interventions is discussed. The history, supporting efficacy studies, and basis for the major meditation techniques are described in relation to self-regulation.
This three-credit course provides you with a basic skill set to conduct simple hypnotic interventions, along with knowledge about hypnotic concepts and approaches, and a familiarity with research-based applications of hypnosis to common medical and behavioral disorders. This course provides you with an introductory level of understanding helpful for engaging in hypnosis-based clinical practice and hypnosis-oriented research in integrative health. This course introduces simple trance induction protocols, trance deepening techniques, the use of post-hypnotic suggestion, and techniques to re-alert the subject and close the trance phase.
This three-credit course surveys fundamental diagnoses that may be accompanied by psychotropic medications and methods to help clients monitor medication effectiveness. The course emphasizes psychoactive medications within a biopsychosocial understanding of the client.
Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization program.
Saybrook University prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. Saybrook University is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions specialist.
Our Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization program is a hybrid online program. Coursework is completed online and augmented with two five-day, in-person Residential Learning Experiences (RLE) per year. RLEs occur at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters in California. If you are a resident of Washington state, there is an additional RLE per term to meet the increased in-person requirement hours. Every odd year, the RLE takes place during a larger Community Learning Experience (CLE), encouraging interaction with the larger Saybrook community. In this program, you will begin your studies with a virtual Welcome Week. Welcome Week activities, including a program orientation, are held online during the week before the start of Fall and Spring semesters.
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.
Designed for those who wish to contribute creatively to improving the human condition. Students are encouraged to explore different approaches through interdisciplinary programs that combine complementary approaches—including meditation, nutrition, energy medicine, biofeedback, and spirituality—with more traditional forms of care.
