Psy.D. Clinical Psychology – Los Angeles

The Chicago School Admissions Committee employs a holistic, structured evaluation process to identify applicants who are, by aptitude and prior achievement, appropriate for the program.

Application to The Chicago School’s Clinical Psychology program is open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants must demonstrate an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher for consideration.

Students applying to the Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program must submit the following:

• Application
• Application Fee: $50
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Interview
• Two Essays
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Official College/University Transcripts
  • Transcripts must reflect 18 hours of psychology credit with an earned grade of C or better, including one course in Child/Human Development or Lifespan, Abnormal Psychology, and Statistics.

Send materials to:

Admissions Operations
c/o The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60601

Accreditation

The Clinical Psy.D. program at the Los Angeles Campus is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

The American Psychological Association
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002-4242
202.336.5979

Licensure

For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.

Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Major Area of Study)

Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology is a specialized area within clinical psychology that includes pediatric psychology. This field focuses on evaluating, conceptualizing, and treating psychological and developmental concerns in children and adolescents while considering their broader social and environmental contexts. Professionals in this area conduct research and provide psychological services to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and their families, addressing emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental challenges.

Child and adolescent clinical psychologists are licensed professionals who work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, community agencies, and private practice. They typically hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, often with a specialization in child and adolescent psychology, and are trained to provide assessment, intervention, consultation, and research in diverse clinical and educational environments.

The Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Major Area of Study prepares students for internship and postdoctoral training in clinical child and adolescent psychology. Students specializing in this area and working with a child and adolescent psychology faculty member for their dissertation must complete 14 course credits in the specialty. This includes two required courses: PY5027L Psychopathology-Child and Adolescent (2 credits), PY6002L Introduction to Child and Adolescent Treatment (3 credits), and three additional electives in child and adolescent psychology (9 credit hours total).

Students in this Major Area of Study will also complete at least two practica and conduct a dissertation on a topic relevant to child and adolescent psychology under the supervision of a faculty expert in the field. This training equips students for clinical internships specializing in child and adolescent or pediatric psychology, as well as postdoctoral opportunities in diverse settings.

Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Electives:

PY7005L Advanced Child and Adolescent Therapy (3 credit hours)
PY7004L Advanced Assessment of Children and Adolescents (3 credit hours)
PY7006L Childhood Trauma and Resilience: Assessment, Treatment, and Recovery (3 credit hours)

*Students may select alternative electives within the specialized area as course substitutions, pending approval from their academic advisor.

**Prior to graduation, students completing a Major Area of Study in Child and Adolescent Psychology will have their coursework, practicum experiences, and doctoral dissertation reviewed by the Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) Program administration to ensure that they have completed all requirements.

Clinical Neuropsychology (Major Area of Study)

Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialized field within clinical psychology that focuses on the connection between brain function and behavior. This discipline applies neuropsychological principles to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals across the lifespan who experience neurological conditions, including acquired brain injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other central nervous system dysfunctions. Clinical neuropsychologists conduct comprehensive evaluations of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning to guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and rehabilitation strategies.

The Clinical Neuropsychology Major Area of Study, structured according to the Houston Conference Guidelines, is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical experience necessary for competitive internships and postdoctoral training in neuropsychology. Students who pursue this specialization will complete at least nine (9) course credits in neuropsychology, engage in two (2) supervised neuropsychology-focused assessment practicums, and conduct a dissertation on a neuropsychology-related topic under the mentorship of a neuropsychologist.

This specialization prepares students for clinical internships in neuropsychology and postdoctoral training. The curriculum provides a strong foundation, covering neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropathology, followed by lifespan neuropsychological assessment, ethical considerations, and neuropsychological interventions.

Clinical Neuropsychology Electives:

PY7007L Advanced Applications in Neuropsychology (3 credits)
PY7008L Cognitive Rehabilitation: Adult and Pediatric (3 credits)
PY7009L Functional Neuroanatomy (3 credits)

*Students may select alternative electives within the specialized area as course substitutions, pending approval from their academic advisor.

**Prior to graduation, students completing a Major Area of Study in Clinical Neuropsychology will have their coursework, practicum experiences, and doctoral dissertation reviewed by the Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) Program administration to ensure that they have completed all requirements.

Clinical Health Psychology (Major Area of Study)

Clinical Health Psychology focuses on applying psychological theories and methods to health-related challenges, particularly in individuals whose behaviors and circumstances affect their overall well-being. Professionals in this field evaluate the role of psychosocial factors in the development, progression, and management of physical illnesses, medical conditions, and disabilities. They utilize a range of interventions designed to promote disease prevention, support recovery, and enhance the quality of life for individuals managing chronic health conditions. Training in health psychology, including relevant coursework, prepares students for roles in primary care, behavioral medicine, and interdisciplinary healthcare settings, where they collaborate with medical professionals to provide integrated patient care.

Students in this Major Area of Study will complete nine credit hours of Clinical Health Psychology coursework, along with two practica, and conduct a dissertation on a topic relevant to Clinical Health Psychology under the supervision of a faculty expert in the field. This training prepares students for clinical internships specializing in Clinical Health Psychology, as well as postdoctoral opportunities in a variety of healthcare and academic settings.

Clinical Health Psychology Electives:

PY7010L Biopsychosocial Aspects of Medical Disorders (3 credits)
PY7011L Health Promotion, Wellness, and Stress Management (3 credits)
PY7012L Pediatric Health Psychology: Assessment and Intervention (3 credits)

*Students may select alternative electives within the specialized area as course substitutions, pending approval from their academic advisor.

**Prior to graduation, students completing a Major Area of Study in Clinical Health Psychology will have their coursework, practicum experiences, and doctoral dissertation reviewed by the Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) Program administration to ensure that they have completed all requirements.

Practicum

The practicum is an integral component of clinical training. It provides a closely supervised clinical experience in which students use the knowledge obtained in the classroom to understand their clients and to develop skills in assessment, psychotherapy, and other discipline related areas. As such, the practicum serves to integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of the education of the professional psychologist. It allows students to become familiar with professional collaboration and consultation in a clinical setting.

All students are required to take four semester hours each of Basic and Advanced Practica, and six semester hours of Intermediate Practicum coursework. Additionally, students participate in three years of organized, sequential, and well-supervised practicum experiences that increasingly expose them to the range of roles and responsibilities of a clinical psychologist.

Sample placement sites include hospitals, community mental health clinics, college counseling centers, and forensic settings.

The practicum requirements include:

• Year 2: 600-hour basic practicum
• Year 3: 600-hour intermediate practicum
• Year 4: 600-hour advanced practicum

Internship

All students are required to complete an internship—consisting of a minimum of 2,000 hours of training over a 12-24 month period—following the completion of all course work, practica, and dissertation requirements. On internship, students integrate academic knowledge with clinical skills and demonstrate the effective and ethical use of these skills in clinical practice. Through intensive supervised training, students gain direct experience in applying their knowledge to a clinical population. The internship is a vital component of the educational experience and is never waived or transferred. Students are required to register for Internship on a semesterly basis during their training.

Comprehensive Examination & Dissertation

Students are required to pass a comprehensive exam, which evaluates the student’s knowledge of the theory, research, and practice of a chosen theory of intervention, as well as competency to practice that theory in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner.

Additionally, the dissertation is an essential aspect of a student’s academic experience and clinical education, and should clearly and concisely demonstrate the student’s command of the body of knowledge in a chosen area, as well as the ability to critically evaluate and synthesize this knowledge.

Introduction to Human Neuropsychology

Major systems and structures of the brain are reviewed. Specific domains of cognition are studied (e.g., perception, attention, memory, language, processing speed, executive functioning) and associated with related brain structures and systems. Students are introduced to various neuropsychological tests used to evaluate cognitive abilities. Common cognitive impairments associated with neurologic syndromes such as head injury, stroke, and other neurocognitive disorders are examined.

Supervision, Consultation & Professional Practice

This course introduces models of supervision and consultation applicable to the work and training of Health Service Psychologists in their work with other Health Service Professionals and other allied health professionals in interprofessional care teams. Supervision theory and techniques are considered to monitor performance, facilitate supervised growth, and improve the quality of therapeutic and assessment services. Consultation theory and techniques as informed by the empirical literature are reviewed for work with both individuals and organizations, including in a “consultee-centered” approach. Ethical issues and legal obligations will also be addressed.

Wellness, Health, and Prevention

This course provides an overview of the professional roles, activities and contexts for psychologists focusing on physical and medical conditions. The major concepts of traditional health and rehabilitation are presented. The course also covers primary prevention activities through control of lifestyle related habits involving substances and dysfunctional habits in diet and exercise. A holistic biopsychosocial approach is used as a unifying framework.

The Chicago School’s Psy.D. Clinical Psychology at the Los Angeles Campus equips graduates with the skills necessary to work in a variety of professional settings, such as:

• Clinics
• Private practice
• Hospitals
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit agencies
• Educational institutions

After completing the program, graduates will be able to:

• Offer evidence-based assessment and effective interventions at the individual, group, organization, and community level.
• Mentor future practitioners and teach responsibly.
• Serve diverse populations with skill and ample cultural competence.
• Adhere to legal, psychological, business, and personal ethical standards while building rapport with clients and peers alike.
• Critically create and evaluate knowledge and disseminate ideas beyond the field of psychology.

The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our academic programs accessible to anyone, regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.

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