The IPS Doctoral Program (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA).*
Divine Mercy University prepares students to become licensed Clinical Psychologists, by providing them with the best empirical, scientific and clinical methods of psychology, and Christian understanding of person, marriage and family.
This DMU Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology on-campus program provides graduates with the “know-how” to effectively manage today’s mental health challenges, through the use of advanced psychotherapy training, and skills sets gained or enhanced during their tenure on campus. Students also learn how to use psychological testing processes and how to focus on specific pathologies and concepts to provide effective results for success within their field of choice. Upon completion of the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program, many graduates enjoy sharing their new profession in a variety of exciting settings, doing consultations that could be public, private or faith-based.
As Psychology Professionals, some teach, while others supervise, manage or practice their craft privately or in environments such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, military facilities, and other public institutions and private organizations. To complete this program, students are required to finish 122 semester credit hours of coursework with 101 credit hours dedicated to psychology, (9 credit hours of the 101 credit hours are used for dissertation research).
The curriculum includes six core areas of knowledge, skills and competencies to support a comprehensive foundation.
Goal 1: Foundations in Psychological Sciences and Research.
Graduates will attain foundational psychological sciences knowledge of biological, cognitive, affective, social, and developmental aspects of the human person, as well as history and systems of psychology, psychological measurement, research design, and statistical methods. Graduates will have the skills necessary to conduct their own psychological research;
Goal 2: Integrity in Practice.
Graduates will be knowledgeable in the areas of diversity and ethics, and display critical thinking, self-aware/reflective practice, and self-care. Graduates will demonstrate responsiveness to supervision, collegiality, and professional comportment in professional practice;
Goal 3: Assessment and Diagnosis.
Graduates will be able to: conduct clinical interviewing; perform intake evaluation; demonstrate knowledge in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological assessment; integrate multiple sources of test data and clinical interview information into a written report; diagnose; and develop a treatment plan;
Goal 4: Therapeutic Intervention.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate case conceptualization, treatment planning, building and maintaining the therapeutic relationship, psychotherapy skills, crisis management of urgent and special circumstances, and discharge planning;
Goal 5: Professional Roles.
Graduates will be able to function in a variety of required roles of professional psychologists to include consultant, educator, supervisor, practice manager and program evaluator. They will be able to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and with clients; and
Goal 6: Clinical Practice from a Catholic Integrative Perspective.
Graduates will have developed a Catholic understanding of human flourishing in the individual person and marriage and family life, and be able to integrate this with the Psychological sciences in clinical practice.
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