Clinical Psychology

Area Coordinator: Dr. Laura Pittman

The American Psychological Association-Accredited doctoral area of study in clinical psychology prepares students for careers in teaching, research, and clinical practice.

In addition to the basic curriculum, study in the clinical area consists of didactic and practicum experiences focusing on abnormal behavior, assessment, and methods of therapeutic intervention.

Clinical students are introduced to clinical work through a first year pre-practicum course. Clinical work is continued in a variety of practica and externships throughout students' graduate training. Supervision is provided primarily by clinical faculty members, all of whom maintain an investment in clinical as well as teaching and research activities.

Research interests represented by the faculty include:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Family violence and child abuse
• Developmental psychopathology
• Parent-child relationships
• Adult perceptions of children's behavior problems
• Risk and resilience
• Emotion regulation and temperament

The clinical psychology program at NIU first received full APA accreditation in 1972. We completed our most recent accreditation cycle in 2011, receiving full accreditation, and our next accreditation site-visit will occur in 2018.  Any questions on the accreditation of the program should be addressed to the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation of the American Psychological Association; Address: 750 First St. NE, Washington DC 20002-4242; Phone: 202-336-5979.