About
This clinical psychology doctoral program, located in Louisville, Kentucky, was among the first PsyD programs in the U.S. and has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)* since 1989. Engage in generalist training in clinical psychology using a scholar-practitioner model based on scientific principles, grounded in evidence-based practice, and learn in a collaborative and cooperative setting. Choose to specialize in adult psychology, child/adolescent/family psychology, forensic psychology or health psychology. Become a trained and licensed professional prepared to practice with a diverse range of clients.
Program Aims
Spalding University’s clinical psychology doctoral program’s aim is to educate and train generalist clinical psychologists who demonstrate mastery of profession-wide competencies, and who can conceptualize human behavior using a biopsychosocial perspective. The program utilizes a local clinical scientist model that emphasizes the ability to balance and integrate research and clinical practice using high-level critical thinking skills. Within these professional goals is the overarching aim to train ethical psychologists who demonstrate a high level of professional integrity and a commitment to the promotion of social justice.
Features
- Carry with you an emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making and the promotion of social justice
- Complete four years of practicum training focused on psychological assessment and the delivery of evidenced-based psychological treatments to a diverse range of clients
- Provide services through the Center for Behavioral Health, Spalding’s community-based psychological services center and gain clinical experience
- Provide assessment and treatment to under-served populations as part of your curriculum
- Develop data-driven research and critical thinking skills during your dissertation that can be applied to future practice
- Participate in faculty-led Research Interest Groups (RIGs), where you can earn authorship on publications and presentations
- The Collaborative Care Center opened in 2017 to provide psychological services and supports to individuals who have experienced race-based trauma and stress. The Center is under the direction of Dr. Steven Kniffley.
Facts
You may be eligible to transfer up to 30 hours of master’s level courses from another university.
Our internship match rate is consistently above the national average for PsyD programs:
- In 2018, 100% of doctoral students matched in the first round of national match process, all of them to APA-accredited (or soon to be APA-accredited) sites.
- In 2017, 100% of our doctoral students have matched to APA-accredited sites
Our program is a recipient of two HRSA-sponsored grants:
- a $2.6 million federal grant that provides a large number of students with 50 percent tuition scholarships.
- a $1.15 million federal grant that provides stipend support to students who complete final practicums in primary care settings serving vulnerable and medically underserved populations.
We’ve been named one of 50 Best PsyD Programs by PsyDPrograms.org.
We are a member of National Council of the Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Steve Katsikas, Program Chair, has been elected to be the President of the Kentucky Psychological Association for 2020.
Student admissions, outcomes, and other data (PDF).
Career Options
This is a degree and training program that will prepare you to work in a wide range of psychological service settings:
- Hospitals
- University counseling centers
- Community mental health centers
- Schools
- Forensic settings
- Private practice
- Primary care settings
See our professional licensure disclosure.
*For further information about the accreditation status of this or any other psychology doctoral program, please contact: APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979; apaaccred@apa.org; www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/
