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Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

HPU’s PsyD program in Clinical Psychology provides the education and initial training necessary to become a licensed psychologist. The five-year program will prepare students for careers as doctoral level psychologists who can work ethically and effectively within a rapidly changing mental health services environment, in Hawai’i and throughout the rest of the nation. The program is grounded in the scientific method, behavioral sciences, and empirical research in order to support evidence-based clinical practice.

Award of the Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD)

Completion of the Doctorate will be approved once a candidate’s:

  • course work has been certified as complete with passing grades

  • competency examination has been successfully completed

  • dissertation has been accepted

  • internship has been successfully completed

There is a seven-year deadline from time of matriculation to the completion of the doctoral degree. Exceptions can be made for serious illness or significant life events (e.g., childbirth, serious medical condition, caregiving for a family member with a life-threatening illness, etc.). Applications for extension beyond the seven-year deadline requires documentation to be submitted to the Program Director for approval.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology will achieve the following outcomes:

1. Clinical Skills Training

Learn in-depth clinical skills including psychotherapeutic interventions and clinical assessment to assist clients from diverse backgrounds to treat a wide range of problems and improve people's quality of life.

2. Science and Evidence Based Practices

Demonstrate foundational and advanced knowledge of theories and empirical evidence supporting those theories in personality/social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, biological aspects of behavior, psychopathology, as well as the research methods and statistical data analysis employed in psychology.

3. Communication and Responsibility in a Diverse world

Conduct cognitive/intellectual, personality, and psychodiagnostic assessments and effectively implement, communicate, and disseminate appropriate psychological interventions supported by the empirical literature with consideration of diversity, group dynamics, and geography.

4. Professionalism and Application

Understand the APA code of ethics and how it is applied to clinical situations; extend that knowledge by employing theories of clinical supervision in practice, internship, and professional work; develop and maintain appropriate professional relationships with people served as well as with professionals colleagues and supervisors.

5. Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning

Be able to critically evaluate scientific theories, clinical assessment and intervention methods, and ethical dilemmas in professional psychology and identify best practices during supervision and as professionals.