Academic Catalog
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Overview
Dr. Carolyn Corbett, Director of Clinical Training
Hall Memorial Building, Room S412
The Department of Psychology offers a doctorate (Ph.D.) in clinical psychology, with specialization in working with deaf and hard of hearing populations. The program is based on a "scholar-practitioner" training model, with a life-span development philosophy and offers courses and opportunities for supervised practice with deaf people, with both early- and late-onset hearing loss. Students also develop general clinical skills through work with hearing populations.
The Clinical Psychology Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Information, comments, or questions about our accreditation can be directed to the Commission on Accreditation at the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Their phone number is (202) 336-5979 or (202) 336-6123 (TDD) and their web address is http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/index.aspx for the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation.
The clinical program trains psychologists in both clinical and research skills. It prepares them to contribute to the field both by providing clinical services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and by expanding the knowledge base in areas of psychology important for working effectively with these populations. The doctoral program typically requires a minimum of five years for completion, one year of which is a full-time clinical internship. Students who are new signers, or who do not have a defined research area upon entering the problem may take longer to complete their degree. Students may apply to be awarded an M.A. in Psychology after completion of their predissertation research project and the comprehensive examination. This is usually awarded after the third year of study and is not a terminal degree.
Admissions
Admissions Procedures
Applicants for the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information and a checklist of application requirements. Detailed program information and course descriptions are also available under the 'Courses' and 'Requirements' tab.
| DEADLINE | DATE |
|---|---|
| For Consideration of Application: | January 15 |
Program Specific Requirements
GRE General Test
Three Letters of Reference
Narrative Statements - Essay
Writing Sample
Resume
On-campus Interview by invitation in February-March
Prior Degrees Required
Undergraduate Psychology Major or Minor, or Related Field
Prerequisite Coursework
Statistics
Child Development
Abnormal Psychology
Experimental Psychology
18 hours of Undergraduate Psychology courses preferred
Prior Professional and/or Research Experience
Preferred
Plan of Study
Program of Study
Students complete approximately 100 hours of academic credit, including the following areas: biological bases of behavior, social bases of behavior, cognitive and affective bases of behavior, human development, research and analytic methods, ethics, psychological assessment, and psychological interventions. The program includes supervised practicum experiences and a research-based dissertation.
Sign Language Requirements
Students must attain prescribed levels of sign language competency to enter their first practicum and to be permitted to apply for an internship. Students are required to score 2+ or above on the GU-ASLPI (Gallaudet University American Sign Language Proficiency Interview) before beginning their practicum, and a 3 or above before beginning their internship.
Practicum Opportunities
Students from this program may participate in practicum activities with the Gallaudet University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Students who undertake or intend to undertake a practicum experience with the CAPS may not also receive clinical services from the center. Such students need to seek practitioners not associated with the CAPS and would be responsible for the costs of such services. CAPS maintains a listing of outside service providers, many of whom have reduced fees for Gallaudet students. We recommend that students applying to this program carry health insurance with sufficient mental health benefits to cover the cost of such outside services.
First Year Semester I - Fall
Semester II - Spring
Summer
Second Year Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer
Third Year Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer
Fourth Year Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer
Fifth Year Fall-Spring-Summer
Courses
PSY 703 - Research Seminar (1)
This seminar introduces students to ongoing faculty, staff, and student research projects. The seminar also includes direct experience as a research assistant in a faculty or staff member's research program. Ethical issues in research with human subjects receive particular emphasis.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the clinical psychology program or consent of instructor
Co-requisite: PSY 711 or equivalent
PSY 704 - Research Seminar (1)
This seminar introduces students to ongoing faculty, staff, and student research projects. The seminar also includes direct experience as a research assistant in a faculty or staff member's research program. Ethical issues in research with human subjects receive particular emphasis.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the clinical psychology program or consent of instructor
Co-requisite: PSY 712 or equivalent
PSY 710 - Introduction to Applied Statistics in the Social Sciences (3)
Discussion of the concepts, use, and interpretation of data visualization, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics methods in research, with an emphasis on the social sciences. Topics and tools include scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, univariate and bivariate graphical plots, measures of correlation, simple linear models, confidence intervals for means and proportions, and hypothesis testing for means and association. Data analysis software including SPSS will be used.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate or graduate statistics course covering confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
PSY 712 - Research Methods in Psychology (3)
Covers principles of research design in psychology from two-group comparisons to complex multiple treatment designs. Also includes guidelines and criteria for writing research reports and articles, questionnaire and survey research, case studies and other single-subject designs, correlational studies, naturalistic observation, and ethical considerations in research.
Prerequisite: PSY 711.
PSY 713 - Psychological Statistics II (3)
Covers inferential statistics including simple and complex analysis of variance, multiple comparisons between means, and analysis of covariance. Chi-square and other nonparametric statistics and partial and multiple regression are included. Experience with computer programs (SPSS) for these statistical analyses will be provided.
Prerequisite: PSY 711.
PSY 723 - Psychology and Deafness (3)
This course provides in-depth exploration of the complex interrelationships between the functioning of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and psychological, biological, and socio-cultural aspects within a human systems framework that incorporates multicultural perspectives. Psychological principles and theories related to the emotional, cognitive/linguistic, behavioral, and cultural development of deaf and hard -of-hearing individuals are considered. Also considered are factors including the influence of etiology/genetics, varying levels of hearing loss and age of onset, familial variables, linguistic and communication approaches, technology, educational settings, psychopathology, and cultural aspects.
PSY 733 - Child Development (3)
Knowledge bases in child and adolescent development, including biological, cognitive, social, affective, and moral development. Methodological and theoretical issues and controversies in the study of human development are discussed.
Prerequisite: Matriculation in the Clinical Psychology Program.
PSY 749 - Intellectual Assessment: Measurement Principles and Applications (4)
An intensive course in theory, methods, and clinical skills in appraisal of individual intelligence, including a critical analysis of individual tests, criteria for evaluating and selecting tests, values, limitations of tests, test selection, administration & scoring, analysis and interpretation of test results, preparation of reports, and legal and ethical standards in assessment.
Prerequisite: Matriculation in the Clinical Psychology Program.
PSY 751 - Psychology of Perception (3)
Theories and research findings in human and animal perception with emphasis on the visual system. Course topics include: neuroanatomy and physiology of the visual system, psychophysics, color vision, space perception, form perception, information processing, and the psychopathology of perception.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in a graduate programs in clinical psychology or school psychology or permission of the instructor.
PSY 752 - Cognitive Psychology (3)
This course provides an understanding of current theories and research in the field of cognitive psychology, including information processing, memory, learning, language development, and the influence of deafness on cognitive development and strategies, particularly as they relate to clinical practice and research.
PSY 781 - Clinical Psychology Ethics and Professional Issues (3)
This course introduces clinical psychology doctoral students to ethical issues and professional practice in clinical psychology. The course covers the APA Code of Ethics, ethical decision-making and clinical judgment, professional expectations and guidelines, legal obligations of psychologists, and an overview of clinical practice settings. Cross-cultural and social justice issues in clinical practice are emphasized as they relate to ethical decision making in the evolving world of clinical practice.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in clinical psychology doctoral program or permission of instructor.
PSY 782 - Foundations of Clinical Skills (3)
This course focuses on clinical observations and interviewing skills, and is an introduction to the practice of psychotherapy. The focus is on building skills for planning, initiating, conducting, and evaluating therapeutic interventions with clients. Students will learn how to: conduct a mental status evaluation; use semi-structured interviews; conduct open-ended interviews with adults and children; and conduct behavioral observations. Emphasis is on the development of skills necessary in the practice of clinical psychology.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in clinical psychology doctoral program
PSY 784 - Clinical Psychology Practicum I: Therapy (Fall) (3)
This fall course is generally taken in the second year of the clinical psychology program. It provides clinical training through a practicum placement at the University Counseling and Psychological Center (CAPS). Students will participate in a weekly seminar, as well as weekly individual and group supervision. Training will focus on diagnostic interviewing, clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, report writing, and client feedback. Supervision (i.e., individual and group) is provided by licensed psychologists (i.e., program faculty and on-site supervisors). Cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity factors are emphasized throughout the course and will be applied to clinical work. Supervision and consultation theories and practices also are introduced at this level of training.
Prerequisites: Second year standing in the clinical psychology program; PSY 749, 781, 782, 834, 836, 865, 866; satisfactory communication skills; and an ASLPI interview rating of 2+.
PSY 785 - Clinical Psychology Practicum I: Assessment (Fall) (3)
This fall course is generally taken in the second year of the clinical psychology program. It provides clinical training through a practicum placement at the University Counseling and Psychological Center (CAPS). Students will participate in a weekly seminar, as well as weekly individual and group supervision. Training will focus on diagnostic interviewing, clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, report writing, and client feedback. Supervision (i.e., individual and group) is provided by licensed psychologists (i.e., program faculty and on-site supervisors). Cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity factors are emphasized throughout the course and will be applied to clinical work. Supervision and consultation theories and practices also are introduced at this level of training.
Prerequisites: Second year standing in the clinical psychology program; PSY 749, 781, 782, 834, 836, 865, 866; satisfactory communication skills; and an ASLPI interview rating of 2+.
PSY 786 - Clinical Psychology Practicum I: Therapy (Spring) (3)
This spring course is generally taken in the second year of the clinical psychology program. It provides continued clinical training through a practicum placement at the University Counseling and Psychological Center (CAPS). Students will continue to participate in a weekly seminar, as well as weekly individual and group supervision. Training will focus on the continued development of the following: diagnostic interviewing, clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, report writing, and client feedback. Supervision (i.e., individual and group) is provided by licensed psychologists (i.e., program faculty and on-site supervisors). Cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity factors will continue to be emphasized throughout the course and will be applied to clinical work. Supervision and consultation theories and practices are further explored at this level of training.
Prerequisites: Second year standing in the clinical psychology program; PSY 749, 781, 782, 834, 836, 865, 866; satisfactory communication skills; and an ASLPI interview rating of 2+.
PSY 787 - Clinical Psychology Practicum I: Assessment (Spring) (3)
This spring course is generally taken in the second year of the clinical psychology program. It provides continued clinical training through a practicum placement at the University Counseling and Psychological Center (CAPS). Students will continue to participate in a weekly seminar, as well as weekly individual and group supervision. Training will focus on the continued development of the following: diagnostic interviewing, clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, report writing, and client feedback. Supervision (i.e., individual and group) is provided by licensed psychologists (i.e., program faculty and on-site supervisors). Cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity factors will continue to be emphasized throughout the course and will be applied to clinical work. Supervision and consultation theories and practices are further explored at this level of training.
Prerequisites: Second year standing in the clinical psychology program; PSY 749, 781, 782, 834, 836, 865, 866; satisfactory communication skills; and an ASLPI interview rating of 2+.
PSY 800 - Individual Research (1-12)
This course provides credit for individual student research projects at the pre-dissertation stage, conducted under approved faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: PSY 703, PSY 704, PSY 711, and PSY 712 or equivalent with consent of instructor.
PSY 809 - Social Psychology and Human Diversity (3)
This course provides an introduction to theoretical and research foundations in social psychology, particularly as related to clinical/personality psychology and to the study of cultural minorities and the diversities of human experience.
PSY 820 - History and Systems (2)
Review of theoretical approaches in the historical development of psychology as a discipline, including the emergence of clinical and experimental psychology from roots in philosophy and physiology. The principal systems and schools of thoughts in the history of psychology will be surveyed, including psychophysics, structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt theory, psychoanalysis, and cognitive theories, to reveal their impact on contemporary psychology.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
PSY 833 - Adult Development and Personality (3)
This course introduces students to theories of adult development throughout the adult life cycle. The interweaving of biological, social, cultural, and psychological aspects of development will be examined relative to dimensions of change that occur throughout adulthood. We will explore conceptualizations of change in physical functioning, personality, socialization, occupation, cognition, and other aspects of development during adult life and aging. The impact of various life-styles, gender, culture, ethnicity, family factors, and deafness among other things will all be considered as pertinent throughout the course.
PSY 834 - Adult Psychopathology (3)
This course provides an understanding of normal and psychopathological variants of adult functioning and development. Diagnostic criteria, psychodynamic issues, and applications of DSM-IV will be discussed. Treatment implications of various diagnostic categories will be included.
Prerequisites: Enrolled students in clinical psychology or mental health counseling or permission of instructor.
PSY 836 - Methods of Adult Psychotherapy (3)
An overview of methods and theories of psychotherapy used with adults. Covers professional and ethical guidelines as applied to the conduct of psychotherapy.
Prerequisites: PSY 781 and PSY 834 or permission of instructor.
PSY 840 - Neuroanatomical & Neurophysiological Foundations of Neuropsychology (3)
This course provides a foundation in functional neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the presentation and effects of brain injuries, illnesses, and syndromes. It also includes material on peripheral sensory and perceptual functions. When you complete this course, you should have a basic knowledge of brain structure and function/dysfunction and the interaction of mind and body. An emphasis is placed on application of the information to clinical populations and the ability to critically evaluate neurophysiological and neuropsychological research.
PSY 843 - Neuropsychological Foundations and Assessment (3)
This course provides an introduction to the foundations of neuropsychology, including an introduction to functional neuroanatomy, neuropsychological research, and the presentation and effects of brain injuries, illnesses, and syndromes. Students learn to apply this knowledge through the administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected neuropsychological screening tests, with emphasis on their use with deaf and hard of hearing populations
Prerequisite: PSY 840.
PSY 851 - Group Psychotherapy (3)
This is an introduction to the theory and practice of group counseling and psychotherapy, with application to group work with deaf individuals. There are didactic and experiential components in this course, which provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories; group leadership styles; group counseling methods and skills; and other group approaches.
Prerequisite: PSY 836.
PSY 854 - Psychopharmacology (3)
This course provides an introduction to the uses, neurophysiological mode of action, and physiological and behavioral effects of various categories of psychoactive medications, including antipsychotic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant medications. Basic psychopharmacological research and the psychomimetic effects of drugs used for the treatment of medical disorders will be discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY 840.
PSY 862 - Multicultural and Urban Issues in Clinical Practice (3)
The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area is one that is very culturally diverse. This course will focus on the special issues that are raised when offering mental health and psychotherapy services to persons of color who reside in this large urban area. During the course, students will have the opportunity to examine the following content areas: the psychology of racism and oppression, theoretical issues and research findings on psychotherapy with minority populations, the impact of therapist racial/cultural characteristics on the therapeutic process, multicultural issues in psychodiagnostic testing, and relevant issues for traditional and emerging minority groups. Each class period will also include a module on an "urban issue" of concern to area residents.
Prerequisites: PSY 781, PSY 834, PSY 836, PSY 865, and PSY 866.
PSY 865 - Personality Assessment: Projective Techniques (3)
During this course, students learn the basic principles of the Exner Comprehensive System of Rorschach testing. Students learn how to administer the Rorschach, practice scoring using the Exner System, and interpreting the test results. Other projective techniques such as the Thematic Apperception Test are also covered. Students practice report-writing skills. Information learned about personality testing is integrated with information previously learned in Assessment II: Intellectual Assessment.
Prerequisites: PSY 781 and PSY 749.
PSY 866 - Personality Assessment: Objective Techniques (2)
This course addresses the uses and limitations of the MMPI-2 and other frequently used objective measures used to assess personality factors and possible psychopathology in clients. Special attention is given to possible adaptations and need for caution in interpretations when such measures are used with deaf and hard of hearing clients and clients whose cultural history/affiliation is outside the mainstream. Students are expected to develop skills in the integration of data derived from objective measures with other assessment results into a coherent and useful report.
Prerequisites: PSY 834 and PSY 749.
PSY 885 - Clinical Psychology Externship (3)
Generally taken in the third year, this practicum includes experiences in assessment, interventions, treatment planning, and other areas in a community agency, medical center, or other service facility.
Prerequisites: Third year standing in the clinical psychology program, PSY 785, PSY 786, and PSY 836.
PSY 886 - Clinical Psychology Externship (3)
Generally taken in the third year, this practicum includes experiences in assessment, interventions, treatment planning, and other areas in a community agency, medical center, or other service facility.
Prerequisites: Third year standing in the clinical psychology program, PSY 785, PSY 786, and PSY 836.
PSY 887 - Practicum II: Summer Session (1-3)
Generally taken in the third year, this practicum includes experiences in assessment, interventions, treatment planning, and other areas in community agency, medical center, or other service facility.
Prerequisites: PSY 885 and 886
PSY 900 - Dissertation Research (1-12)
Students may register for dissertation research while conducting any phase of their dissertation research project.
Prerequisite: Doctoral students in clinical psychology who have advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
PSY 985 - Advanced Clinical Psychology Externship (1-6)
This course can be taken by students who have completed the required externship and wish additional supervised clinical experiences
Prerequisites: PSY 885 and PSY 886.
PSY 986 - Advanced Clinical Psychology Externship (1-6)
This course can be taken by students who have completed the required externship and wish additional supervised clinical experiences
Prerequisites: PSY 885 and PSY 886.
PSY 987 - Practicum III: Summer Session (1-3)
This course can be taken by students who have completed the required intermediate practicum (externship) and are obtaining additional supervised clinical experiences. Placement is at one of a range of local agencies and includes experiences in assessment, intervention, treatment planning, case conceptualization, and/or consultation.
Prerequisites: PSY 785, 786, 836, 885, and 886
PSY 999 - Clinical Psychology Internship (1-6)
Registration indicates that the student is undertaking a psychology internship approved by the clinical psychology program at the predoctoral or doctoral level.
Prerequisites: Open only to students who have completed comprehensive examinations, advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, and are in an internship approved by the clinical psychology program faculty.