The Chicago School started with a single program: The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. As its flagship program, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is integral to The Chicago School—and now found at all seven of its campuses across the country.
In this series, we spotlight clinical psychology faculty at three campuses: Dallas, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. These experts have a trove of experience and insights, and we’re proud to showcase them.
For our second spotlight, we hear from Laura Prescott, Psy.D., from the Los Angeles Campus.
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is The Chicago School’s flagship program. What separates it from other universities that offer it?
Dr. Prescott: Our faculty members provide a level of assistance to students that is unparalleled at other institutions. We prepare students extensively for the dissertation process, practicum application process, internship application process, and comprehensive exams. We are involved, accessible, and care deeply about our students.
Why did you choose to work at The Chicago School?
When I interviewed at The Chicago School, I noticed that the faculty members genuinely liked each other, were comfortable with one another, and even engaged in good-natured jesting with each other. I wanted to be part of that group. Now that I have been here for years, I have come to rely upon and treasure the friendships I formed with the other faculty members in this department.
What is your favorite thing about teaching clinical psychology at The Chicago School?
My favorite thing about teaching here is the energy boost I get when I interact with my students in the classroom. Their boisterous personalities and enthusiasm for learning excite me. We have a wonderfully diverse group of students, and each one teaches me something new. The students seem to tolerate and even enjoy my weird, geeky sense of humor. I like that I can be myself around them.
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Do most people get a Psy.D. to work in private practice? Or for larger agencies? Why did you choose to get yours?
Most people who get a Psy.D. want to focus on seeing clients more than producing research. This could take the form of having a private practice, but it could also involve working in such places as community mental health agencies, college counseling centers, general hospitals, VA hospitals, prisons, or other settings. A Psy.D. can also prepare one to be a clinical supervisor, clinic administrator, or program developer.
I obtained a Psy.D. because the degree aligned with my preference to be primarily a clinician rather than a researcher. It aligned with my initial career goal, which was to give therapy to clients and supervise doctoral students. My path diverged from the typical Psy.D. after I fell in love with teaching and came to The Chicago School, but it still prepared me to teach the next generation of Psy.D. students how to be effective clinicians.
What research have you focused on? What area of psychology do you like to focus on?
Though I have occasionally presented research at local and national conferences, I am more known for other things, such as my podcast, “Let’s Talk About Sex.” Human sexuality is currently my main focus area, and I am grateful to The Chicago School for inviting me to create a podcast on this topic. Other areas of interest include clinical training and supervision, teaching pedagogy, the psychology of creativity and the arts, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, geropsychology, and college students.
What is the key takeaway you hope students have when graduating from The Chicago School?
I hope students understand that graduation means they are beginning their professional journey rather than ending it. Nobody can become an expert in every area of psychology. There is always something new to learn, something outdated to unlearn, or some new way to grow personally. The path to being a wise, mature psychologist never ends. Maintaining that growth mindset is key to becoming competent rather than complacent.
Learn more about the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
The Chicago School’s Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs prepare students for careers in a wide range of settings, including nonprofit, health care, community, and the government. Building upon a strong base of coursework, theory, science, and practice, and guided by our practitioner-scholar faculty, our graduates are well-prepared to provide assessment, intervention, and consultation to meet the needs of diverse populations. Learn more by visiting our clinical psychology program page at the Los Angeles Campus or complete the form below to request more information.