Program Overview
The Psy.D. program at CIIS is carefully designed to prepare students for practice-focused careers in clinical psychology. Rooted in the practitioner-scholar model, our students engage in rigorous academic coursework and comprehensive clinical training, in addition to completing their dissertation.
Classes are grounded in the philosophical foundations of psychoanalytic thought, psychodynamic perspectives on the therapeutic relationship, personal and social dimensions of the unconscious, and radical and critical approaches in psychodynamic psychotherapy. These courses are taken simultaneously with professional seminars in which students are taught to link theory and practice through in-depth discussion of clinical cases.
The program also actively cultives a dialogue between Western psychology and other wisdom/spiritual traditions. Students take cutting-edge electives in areas such as Buddhism and psychotherapy, mindfulness and meditation, comparative mystical practice, psychedelic studies, dialectical-behavioral therapy and other third wave interventions.
As part of the program, students also have the opportunity to conduct their clinical practicum hours at the Psychological Services Center, one of the six award-winning clinics at CIIS. Under faculty supervision, students provide individual, couple, family, and group counseling and assessment that serve residents of the Bay Area.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Career Paths
Our curricular emphasis on holism, depth, and diversity distinguish us from most other educational options in the field. Through our robust clinical training and field placement our graduates build upon their research and work with clients to become leaders in the field, going on to work in areas such as:
- Clinical psychologists in private practice
- Researchers, writers, and scholars
- Contributors to assessments and other diagnostic testing
- Public policy shaping mental healthcare
Questions? Contact us.
We are here to help! If you have any questions about applying to a program or registering for an Info Session, please reach out to the Admissions Office.
