The PsyD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The curriculum reflects APA's Standards of Accreditation by offering Discipline-Specific and Practice-Related coursework, practica experience, comprehensive exams, dissertation, and internship credits consistent with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology. Students take their courses in a developmental sequence to ensure that their training is appropriately sequential, cumulative, and congruent with their experience and goals. Given that there are three primary points of entry into the PsyD program, the course sequencing will look different for post-masters students with foundational coursework complete, post-master’s students with incomplete foundational coursework, and post-bachelors student.

Post-masters students have accrued a master's degree in counseling, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, psychology or related field. Students with a master's degree should have foundational, graduate-level coursework in Helping Skills, Statistics/Research Methods, Multiculturalism & Diversity, Clinical Assessment, Counseling Theories, Vocational Counseling/Career Development, Human Development, Psychopathology, Evidence-Based Practice, Group Counseling, Family Therapy, and Professional Ethics. Post-masters students with the foundational coursework take 85 credits in the PsyD program. Post-masters students that do not have all of the foundational coursework completed when they start the PsyD program will be expected to complete the needed courses while in the program and as a result, will need to take more than 85 credits for the PsyD degree conferral. In addition, some students may opt to accrue additional training experiences either voluntarily or upon the recommendation of the faculty that would necessitate taking credits beyond the minimum 85 credits. As a result, for post-masters students, the PsyD degree credit requirement ranges from 85-91 credits.

Students entering the PsyD program after accruing their bachelor's degree in psychology or related field earn a Masters of Arts in Psychology (MAP) in route to their PsyD. The MAP covers 18 credits for the foundational coursework (Helping Skills, Statistics/Research Methods, Multiculturalism & Diversity, Psychopathology, Evidence-Based Practice, Group Counseling, and Family Therapy), 15 credits in relevant counseling psychology topics that are shared between the MAP and PsyD degree (Vocational Counseling/Career Development, Human Development, Assessment, Counseling Theories, and Ethics), an additional 3-credit elective, and 67 credits in the PsyD program, for a total of 103 post-bachelors credits for the PsyD degree conferral. As above, some students may opt to accrue additional training experiences either voluntarily or upon the recommendation of the faculty that would necessitate taking credits beyond the minimum 103 credits. As a result, for bachelor-entry students, the PsyD degree credit requirement ranges from 103-109 credits.

All students work with their academic advisor, Director of Training, Field Placement Coordinator, and other core faculty to map out and to implement an academic plan of study.

*Course sequencing may change to be in compliance with changing accreditation requirements. Students in the program will be notified promptly of any changes.

Admission Requirements

Admission Deadlines

Applicants who wish to be considered for Fall entry should have all application materials submitted by December 1. Applicants will be notified by mid-January regarding selection to participate in full-day program interviews, which will take place in February.

Pre-requisites

• A baccalaureate or masters degree from an accredited college or university
• Master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field (36 credit hours minimum); with a 3.2 minimum graduate GPA
• Or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of 15 undergraduate psychology credit hours; with a 3.5 minimum undergraduate GPA (with Bs or above in psychology coursework)

Application Requirement

Applicants to the PsyD program must submit the following information to the Office of Admissions for review:

• Completed online application
• Official Transcripts (must be sent from the school's Registrar's Office) from all colleges and universities you have attended including those in which you may have transfer credits
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Three (3) Academic or Professional Letters of Recommendation
• Admissions essay - In approximately 500 words, please explain why you are interested in pursuing this degree. How will the degree impact your future personal and career goals?

Admission Process

After verifying that the minimum academic requirements are met, the program utilizes a holistic approach in reviewing the candidate's entire application. This process is intended to seek talented and qualified individuals of all backgrounds. Taking multiple factors into consideration during our admissions process positively achieves the educational benefits of a student body that is both diverse and academically excellent. This approach includes an evaluation of each candidate’s academic achievement as well as their personal characteristics, attributes and experiences. As part of the holistic review, Chatham reserves the right to request a background check prior to offer of admission.

Applicants will be informed by the Office of Admissions about whether or not they have been accepted into the PsyD program.

International Applicants

International Applicants to the Doctor of Psychology program must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions.

A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web pages.

Learning Outcomes

Chatham University's Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program is committed to developing entry level health service psychologists who are capable of practicing ethically and capably within the bounds of their competence.

Professional Competencies
In line with the profession-wide competencies set forth by the American Psychological Association’s Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychologists, we seek to develop the professional competencies of our students in the following areas:

1. Competency 1: Research
   Students will demonstrate the ability to:
   • Independently formulate research and/or other scholarly activities (such as critical literature reviews, program development/evaluation, clinical case studies, efficacy studies, theoretical papers, dissertation research).
   • Conduct research and/or other scholarly activities.
   • Critically evaluate and disseminate research and/or other scholarly work.
2. Competency 2: Ethical and Legal Standards
   Students will demonstrate the ability to:
   • Understand and act in accordance with APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, relevant laws governing health service psychologists, and relevant professional standards and guidelines.
   • Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve dilemmas.
   • Conduct oneself in an ethical manner in all professional activities.
3. Competency 3: Individual and Cultural Diversity
   Students will demonstrate:
   • Understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves.
   • Knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service.
   • The ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural diversity not previously encountered over the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own.
   • The requisite knowledge base, ability to articulate an approach to working effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and apply this approach effectively in their professional work.
4. Competency 4: Professional Values, Attitudes and Behaviors
   Students will demonstrate the ability to:
   • Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others.
   • Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness.
   • Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.
   • Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training.
5. Competency 5: Communication and Interpersonal Skills
   Students will demonstrate the ability to:
   • Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services.
   • Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp professional language and concepts.
   • Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well.
6. Competency 6: Assessment
   Students will demonstrate the ability to:
   • Demonstrate current knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology.
   • Apply the knowledge of client strengths and psychopathology to the assessment process with sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.
   • Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient.
   • Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective.
   • Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.
7. Competency 7: Intervention
   Students will demonstrate the ability to:
   • Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services.
   • Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals.
   • Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables.
   • Apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making.
   • Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking.
   • Evaluate intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation.
8. Competency 8: Supervision
   Students will demonstrate:
   • Knowledge of supervision models and practices.
9. Competency 9: Consultation & Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills
   Students will demonstrate:
   • Knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions.
   • Knowledge of consultation models and practices.

Curriculum

+Foundational Courses

These courses are required for students entering the PsyD program without a master's degree. Students with a master's degree may need to take some or all of these courses depending on their previous graduate-level coursework.

PSY501	Foundations of Counseling Psychology The course introduces students to the field of counseling psychology, including the historical roots, current values, and training curriculum. The course also engages students in experiential learning of the theory and practice of basic counseling skills.	3
PSY555	Statistics and Research Methods The course provides a basic review of descriptive and inferential statistics and how these techniques are used with research methods in counseling psychology. Students will become proficient in computer analysis of data sets, designing and evaluating research designs and techniques, and understanding primary research in counseling literature.	3
PSY617	Psychology of Culture and Identity The course addresses issues of culture and identity, as related to counseling and therapeutic relationships. Sociopolitical, socioeconomic, familial, and psychological aspects of diversity, identity, and culture are explored through readings, seminars, and experiential exercises. Students challenge underlying assumptions and develop effective skills to work with diverse populations.	3
PSY642	Assessment The course covers the basics of psychological assessment. The importance of integrating information from various sources when formulating hypotheses and diagnostic impressions and when developing treatment plans is emphasized. Other topics include interviewing, mental status examinations, psycho-physiological strategies, psychological tests related to various diagnostic groupings, and program evaluation.	3
PSY662	Theories and Techniques of Counseling This course explored a variety of counseling theories and techniques to provide a foundation for the practice of professional counseling from a culturally sensitive perspective. The course emphasizes current professional research and practice related to counseling theories and techniques, and provides opportunities for skill practice.	3
PSY681	Professional Integration Seminar The course explores ethical conceptualization, analysis, and practices of applied and counseling psychologists. Topics include the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association and the American Counseling Association, the history of applied psychology, and the developing mental health counseling movement. Certification, licensure, and regulatory practices are also discussed.	3

+Additional MAP to PsyD Coursework

These courses are required for students earning a MAP in route to the PsyD.

PSY657	Psychopathology & Resilience The course provides an overview of psychopathology. Students learn to recognize the complex biological, cultural, and environmental contributors to mental illness, and to diagnose mental disorders using standardized criteria. Students will also study the concept of resilience and its role in contributing to health and well-being.	3
PSY629	Human Development across the Life Span The course explores cognitive, social, emotional and physiological development throughout the life span. While including concentration on the major theoretical approaches to life span development, an equally significant focus will be on practical application of material.	3
PSY658	Evidence-Based Practice This course provides an introduction to evidence-based practice in applied psychology, emphasizing a counseling psychology perspective to understanding human problems. The course focuses on the methodological issues in developing an empirical basis for psychological treatments, and understanding the evidence base for treatment, therapist, client, and therapeutic relationship effects.	3
PSY672	Group Counseling The course explores the theory and practice of group experience from the perspectives of a member and observer. Topics include basic elements of group dynamics, interpersonal styles as they affect or hinder group functioning, role identity, leadership style, and application of group skills in organizations.	3
PSY627	Vocational Career Counseling The course addresses the issues involved in the lifelong process of vocational development, through exploration of theories and assessment approaches in career counseling. Additional topics addressed include self-awareness, career awareness and assessment, career decision making and planning, and career implementation.	3

+Required Discipline Specific and Practice-Related PsyD Courses

PSY674	Foundations of Family Therapy The course focuses on the evaluation and treatment of psychological symptoms from the perspective of the family and systems theory. The history and evolution of the family movement will be presented and multiple family therapy modalities introduced, with an emphasis on selected theories and applications. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: PSY501 Foundations of Counseling Psychology PSY662 Theories and Techniques of Counseling	3
PSY706	History of Psychology This course focuses on contemporary perspectives and historical and philosophical foundations of counseling psychology. The course emphasizes modern theories and practices of counseling psychology as a social science and profession, particularly as related to sustainable health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.	3
PSY707	Social Psychology This course provides an overview of historical and current trends in social psychology. Major theories and research findings relating to group dynamics, attitude change, prejudice, and others are presented. Contemporary critiques of the field and the relevance of social psychology to social change and the helping professions are discussed.	3
PSY708	Cognitive & Affective Bases of Behavior The course addresses empirically supported theories of Cognition and Affect and their influence on human behavior. Cognitive understanding of how humans learn, process and retain information and its role inhuman activities will be examined. Affect will be examined through review of early attachment relationships, emotional regulation, and social-emotional processes.	3
PSY709	Intellectual Assessment The course prepares students to administer tests of cognitive functions. Students will examine theory and clinical assessment of cognitive functioning including basic psychometric principles. Practical experiences are offered in test administration, scoring, interpretation, and professional report writing.	3
PSY711	Multicultural & Diversity Issues in Counseling Psych The course provides an in-depth exploration of cultural differences as they impact the counseling relationship. Identity development theory will be examined, as will multicultural research methods and findings. Finally, the significance of both between-group and within-group differences will be explored for their relative influence on the process of therapeutic change.	3
PSY712	Advanced Research Design This course reviews essential concepts in research design and statistics, with an emphasis on ensuring that students are capable of critically evaluating research studies and drawing reasonable conclusions from those studies. Students will have a strong foundation in research design and proficiency in statistics after having completed this course.	4
PSY714	Personality Theory and Assessment The course covers theories of personality and prepares students to administer, score, interpret, and write reports about commonly used instruments for the assessment of personality. Approaches and instruments included will be interviewing techniques, personality inventories, projective tests.	3
PSY715	Ethical Issues in Counseling Psychology This course will focus on providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to perform ethical practice with clients across the full dimension of human experience, using the APA Ethics Guidelines as a foundation.	3
PSY716	Psychometrics The course offers theories and techniques related to the design, administration, and interpretation of quantitative tests measuring psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits. It does not involve actual test design, administration and interpretation, but does explore theories and techniques related to these activities.	2
PSY780	Professional Seminar in Counseling Psychology This seminar explores the history of counseling psychology, professional identity, professional organizations, diverse populations, research and publishing, training issues, and professional ethics. Students will explore the scientific foundations of the counseling psychology profession and application of that foundational knowledge in counseling interviews.	3
PSY806	Supervision and Leadership This course introduces students to theories, research, roles and activities of supervision, consultation, and leadership in counseling psychology. The course is both didactic and experiential. For all activities, issues of diversity, ethics, and professional practice will be discussed.	3
PSY605	Biopsychology This course focuses on the development of the brain and nervous system, interconnections between the human body's biological systems, and types and mechanisms of psychopharmacological interventions for psychological disorders.	3
PSY810	Advanced Data Analysis This course introduces advanced concepts in data analysis, with an emphasis on ensuring that students are capable of designing research studies and selecting and implementing appropriate methods of data analysis. Students will work on their dissertation proposals in this	4
PSY815	Organizations, Communities, and Consultation This course will address theories and research related to functioning of organizations and communities. The counseling psychologist as consultant will be discussed, along with major principles and strategies for conducting system level assessments, and planning, implementation and evaluation of consultative interventions.	3
PSY816	Health Psychology Practice The course focuses on the interface between psychology and medicine, preparing students to use psychology interventions in the treatment and management of illness and to understand the role of psychologist in the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Theory, research, and practice of health psychology will be presented.	3
Coursework Credits = 49
Additional Degree Requirements
Practicum
PSY746	Practicum I This course is a field placement in which students obtain training in psychological service provision. They work directly under the supervision of a qualified professional and obtain experience interviewing clients and conducting sessions in group and individual formats for 300 hours on site in addition to participating in the weekly group supervision class. Additional fee(s): Clinical fee.	3
Note: Field placements completed at the Masters level cannot be used to meet the requirement for doctoral field placement.
Practicum Credits Total = 12
Dissertation
Required Dissertation = 6 Credits
Required Internship = 3 Credits
Total Credits = 103

+Elective Courses

Students that have entered the program with a master's degree that has fulfilled all foundational and related coursework (PSY627,629,657,658,672) are eligible to accrue up to 5 electives (15 credits) as part of their PsyD degree.

PSY530	Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and intervention techniques of sport and exercise psychology. Topics covered will include motivation theory applied to sport, team dynamics, an introduction to psychological skills training, the psychology of sport injury, and issues pertinent to exercise adoption, adherence, and drop-out.	3
PSY602	Sport and Exercise Psychology Interventions Students in this course will become competent in the understanding and application of the core mental skills of sport and exercise psychology across settings and across the lifespan. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY530 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology	3
PSY621	Advanced Seminar in Diversity Issues The course further develops the multicultural competency of counselors in relation to specific selected topics related to diversity and counseling. This is an elective course.	3
PSY632	Positive Psychology Positive Psychology is the study of how humans do well and flourish. This course is an introduction to positive psychology theories and techniques. Didactic, experiential, and interactive elements will be used to explore concepts, research, interventions, and exercises that positive psychology has contributed to the larger field of psychology.	3
PSY662	Theories and Techniques of Counseling This course explored a variety of counseling theories and techniques to provide a foundation for the practice of professional counseling from a culturally sensitive perspective. The course emphasizes current professional research and practice related to counseling theories and techniques, and provides opportunities for skill practice.	3
PSY665	Addictions Counseling The course addresses a variety of addiction topics, including chemical dependency, eating disorders, sexual addiction, the chemically dependent offender, and women's issues in addiction. Several treatment models are explored, with emphases on effectiveness of treatment approaches and on multicultural sensitivity.	3
PSY668	Crisis, Trauma and Recovery The course is an introduction to the field of psychological trauma, examining the historical development of trauma as a clinical entity and an overview of theories and strategies for treating trauma. Students will learn to identify and work with their own reactions to clients who present trauma issues.	3
PSY671	Mindfulness Counseling This course explores mindfulness and acceptance based approaches to counseling and discusses the integration of art and science when utilizing these approaches. Students will examine current research about efficacy of such approaches, and also develop beginning skills in these approaches.	3
PSY673	Couples Counseling This advanced course covers selected theories and techniques related to couples counseling. The emphasis in the course is on practical application of the theories. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: PSY501 Foundations of Counseling Psychology PSY662 Theories and Techniques of Counseling	3
PSY676	Counseling Children and Adolescents The course focuses on issues and concepts related to counseling children and adolescents with social and/or emotional problems. Topics include significant differences between children/adolescents and adults; theories of normal child development and temperament; and conceptualization and effective treatment of problems.	3
PSY677	Grief Counseling The course introduces students to the techniques, strategies, and treatment modalities counselors use to work with adults, children, and families dealing with bereavement. The class focuses on psychological, somatic, cultural, and spiritual aspects of grief and loss. Other topics included are interventions, community resources, and diverse religious and cultural practices.	3
PSY678	Risk and Resilience in Childhood The course covers child/adolescent psychopathology and psychological assessment of children and adolescents. Specific topics include diagnostic and assessment issues specific to children and adolescents; psychological and developmental disorders specific to children and adolescents; and related social and cultural issues.	3
PSY693	Independent Study Independent Study Pre-requisites Complete the following course: XXX123 Permission of Instructor	3