Clinical Psychology

The Clinical Psychology Concentration at SIU is designed to develop clinical psychologists who will demonstrate competence as health service providers and the skill set necessary for adapting to the changing roles and opportunities in the field. Accordingly, our goal is to provide a broad education in a wide variety of professional skills within an environment that focuses on the integration of science and practice.

Our training facilitates the development of researchers who address questions of clinical significance, practitioners who think critically and who actively use the evolving scientific bases of psychology, and professionals who are skilled in teaching and supervision. Philosophically, our goals therefore involve breadth, flexibility, and balance. Regardless of their ultimate career paths, we train our graduates to be ethical, culturally sensitive and knowledgeable, critical in their thinking, and open to consideration of future developments in the discipline.

Learn more about:

Accreditation

We have been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1961. For verification, contact the Commission on Accreditation or visit the website:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / Email: apaacred@apa.org
Web: https://accreditation.apa.org/

Student Admissions, Outcomes & Other Data

Specializations & Affiliations

We offer a specializations in Adult and Child Clinical psychology (pdf). The two areas have dedicated faculty and distinct curricula. We are members of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) and the Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Training Council (CCaPPTC).

Features of Clinical Psychology

Scientist-Practitioner Model: We adhere to the Boulder scientist-practitioner model that equally emphasizes clinical and research training.
Graduated Clinical Training: Practicum training begins immediately during the first semester of the first year at the SIU Clinical Center. Students participate in weekly team meetings and individual supervision. As training progresses, client caseloads and levels of responsibility increase while students concurrently pursue external practicum or field placements in a variety of agency settings.
Advanced Clinical Field Placement: We provide many and varied opportunities, occurring through elective clinical practica, summer field placements, specialty practice, and clinical training assignments. Training sites include the SIU Counseling Center (CAPS) for college students, regional community mental health centers, hospital settings for children/adolescents and adult psychiatric patients, and rehabilitation centers for clients with substance use disorders and clients with traumatic brain injuries.
Research Training: We operate on a flexible mentor system; students may choose to work primarily with one faculty member or with multiple faculty members throughout their graduate careers. Students are expected to present research at conferences and to become involved in the publication process.
Multicultural Training: We require all students to complete a cross-cultural psychology course and also integrates training in diversity and multicultural issues throughout the curriculum in the profession-wide competencies. There are opportunities to work with diverse clients (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, SES, geography [rural], sexuality/gender, learning differences, religion). We have a Clinical Psychology and a college diversity committee with active graduate student representation, involvement and leadership opportunities. Learn more about our diversity committee.

Teaching: Students have a variety of opportunities to develop teaching and presentation skills and most students will have at least one training assignment as a teaching assistant. Advanced students (those who have completed the M.A.) may choose to become instructors of record under the supervision of a faculty member.
Supportive Climate: Faculty and students are proud of the collegial and supportive atmosphere. We seek to maintain high academic and professional standards while being responsive to the goals, strengths, and needs of individual students. In general, students report that we are highly facilitative of their professional development. We have a long history of peer mentorship and opportunities to work with alumni mentors. Our university strives to provide a respectful, positive environment free from racism and intimidation.
Financial Assistance: We offer substantial support, guaranteed to all first-year students and historically available throughout a student’s four years on campus. Students in good standing can anticipate receiving a stipend and a tuition waiver, and all students complete training assignments as teaching or research assistants or in an externship.
Beautiful Environment: This is our state’s best kept secret. Southern Illinois is a lovely and affordable area surrounded by forests, lakes, and canyons. There are many options for boating, camping, hiking, and biking, and there are a growing number of breweries and wineries scattered throughout the region. Students from all over the country report having a high quality of life and a low cost of living in Carbondale with convenient access to St. Louis, MO and Nashville, TN, each just 2 and 3 hours away, respectively.

Compass Icon View the general psychology Ph.D. degree requirements and check out a complete list of our psychology courses and specialized curriculum to help you outline what courses you should take.

Applying to Clinical Psychology

As a member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Training (CUDCP), Clinical Psychology at SIU adheres to CUDCP’s policies and guidelines for graduate school admissions, offers and acceptance. View a pdf with additional information about these policies.

More information about clinical psychology and application tips also can be found at clinicalpsychgradschool.org, offered by CUDCP.

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