Clinical Psychology
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Training Objectives | Training Facilities | Research Training | Participation in Clinical ActivitiesTraining Objectives - A research approach
In designing a program of study for graduate students interested in clinical psychology, the traditional model of training scientist-practitioners has been followed. Training of students and the needs of society in general are best served by following a research approach to clinical problems. The development of research skills and attitudes is regarded as a basic and distinguishing feature in the training of clinical psychologists. By bringing a research orientation to both scholarly and applied endeavors, the clinical psychologist is distinguishable from the many other professionals who also are concerned with understanding and alleviating personal and interpersonal problems.
A variety of possibilities for clinical psychologists
Graduates with training in clinical psychology are likely to choose a variety of functions in fulfilling the role of clinical psychologist, including teaching and research as well as consultative, diagnostic and therapeutic activities. The trend toward psychologists working in diverse social settings such as the community, schools, and industry points to a continued broadening of the applied function and the need for flexibility in the job definition of the clinical psychologist.
Our belief is that we can best prepare the clinical psychologist for diversity, and at the same time promote a distinct identity, by a training emphasis which integrates a scientific orientation with an interest in application. The clinician oriented toward conducting and utilizing research will be able to apply knowledge and skills to varied content areas in a variety of settings. Thus, the competence students attain in graduate training should enable them to function effectively in roles currently identified with clinical psychology as well as those that become associated with the field in the future. Students who find research uninteresting or aversive are unlikely to find this area of study satisfying and are not encouraged to apply.
Goals of study in clinical psychology
In light of this orientation the area of study in clinical psychology is designed to provide students with:
- a thorough background in the literature of general and clinical psychology
- experience in professional roles in a variety of settings where psychological knowledge can be applied to human problems
- the ability to design and execute research which will contribute to basic knowledge, the evolution of theories, and intervention strategies in the area of clinical psychology.
To accomplish these aims, the student receives:
- a broad background in theory and research in general psychology
- extensive exposure to theory and research in the areas of psychopathology, assessment, and behavior change
- training in the use of the tools and techniques of clinical psychology
- a central emphasis on the development of skills in conducting and evaluating research
Opportunities for direct experience in applied settings are available in our on-site practica, externships, and in a required clinical internship. An underlying feature of all aspects of the training is practice in conceptualizing issues in ways that lend themselves to problem-solving and continued study. Toward this end, clinical techniques are presented as a means of investigating hypotheses and developing increased understanding and control of human behavior.
Those techniques and methods which are widely accepted in the field are examined in terms of their theoretical rationale, the research which has been conducted on them, their utility, and possible modifications and improvements. While this area of study does assist the students in developing a broad range of techniques, those individuals who wish to develop high levels of proficiency in applied skills realistically should expect to attain this level after receiving the doctorate.
Student input into required courses and training
While the doctoral program in psychology is structured with respect to course content and sequence, the specific courses and training experiences are continually evolving. Conducting an ongoing evaluation as to the degree of success in training students to be successful in the field is viewed as an essential component. To promote student input in this process, students are actively involved in all aspects of decision-making concerning the clinical area.
Students are involved in recruiting and orienting incoming clinical students, evaluation of candidates for positions on the clinical faculty, providing input to the clinical faculty regarding area revisions, and attending clinical faculty meetings.
Training in clinical psychology is offered at universities throughout the country, with varying emphases on research and professional practice. Students applying for graduate training should carefully evaluate the nature of the programs to which they are applying in an attempt to determine whether or not a given program is consistent with the student's own commitments and goals.
Questions on accreditation of the NIU program
Our doctoral area of study in clinical psychology at NIU initially received full APA accreditation in 1972 and in 1997 we again received full accreditation.
Any questions on the accreditation of the program should be addressed to the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation Office at APA, 750 First St. NE, Washington DC 20002-4242; 202-336-5979.