Why Earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology?
Built on a foundation that fuses compassionate care and thoughtful research, the PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Pacific prepares the next generation of mental health professionals for a lifelong career improving the lives of others. Informed by robust coursework in research methodology, clinical skills and patient assessment, the expert faculty and staff of Pacific’s PhD program strive to help all students explore new facets of clinical psychology as it relates to innovations in treatment and groundbreaking discoveries in the science of human behavior.
Supporting this coursework are abundant practicum and internship opportunities, each of which is seamlessly integrated into your degree pathway and provide many hundreds of hours refining your research skills and interacting directly with patients in a hands-on setting. While Pacific’s PhD in Clinical Psychology emphasizes all-around healthcare training, these practicum settings empower you to explore specializations through Pacific’s close connection with regional organizations in everything from pediatrics to veteran’s services to clinical trials.
Complementing the dynamic external practicum placements are several well-supported research labs on Pacific’s campus. Conducting real-world research in a variety of relevant clinical psychology subject areas — including aging and cognitive issues, mindfulness and neuropsychology — these labs provide a unique setting for you to partner with renowned faculty and develop in-demand skills suited for a rewarding career in clinical psychology.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Clinical Psychology?
Pacific’s PhD in Clinical Psychology highlights a versatile generalist skillset, meaning that you can find opportunities to perform research or interact with patients in a wide range of settings after graduation. The demand for those pursuing advanced degrees in clinical psychology is high, and PhD Â鶹ӰÊÓs who can adapt to a variety of both research and healthcare environments have the potential to earn highly throughout their career. Pacific’s interdisciplinary College of Health Professions equips psychologists with an adaptable expertise through collaborative service and healthcare projects. Discovering ways to combine your passion for psychology with disciplines like OT, athletic training, optometry and more are at the core of Pacific’s missions, and prepare you to make an impact in many potential fields.
Few advanced degrees provide as much clinical job training as the PhD in Clinical Psychology, meaning that you will Â鶹ӰÊÓ with a professional resume loaded with healthcare and research experience at the highest level. Paired with Pacific’s focus on equitable care, you will enter the psychology job market prepared to not just make an impact, but to place social justice at the core of your work. From supporting healthcare professionals to human service workers, the important research, pedagogy and patient interactions you undertake — whether as a generalist or through a specialization you’re passionate about — have the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for many people.
Doctoral Internship
Pacific’s PhD in Clinical Psychology culminates in a year-long on-site internship which allows you to put the skills and training you’ve received throughout your coursework and practicum into practice, developing a professional expertise that will last throughout your career. Taking place on campus, throughout the Northwest or even across the country, the full-time internship experience provides a truly unique opportunity to explore areas of clinical psychology that match your interests. Exiting the internship, you will have the beginnings of a strong clinical resume, with a research focus primed to kickstart a lifetime of thoughtful healthcare innovation. Learn more about throughout the program.
Psychology & Comprehensive Health Clinic
The School of Graduate Psychology operates the Pacific Psychology & Comprehensive Health Clinic, a training clinic with sites in Portland and Hillsboro.
Pacific Psychology & Comprehensive Health Clinic provides outpatient assessment, therapy, medication management and speech language pathology services to children, adults, and families at our clinics in downtown Portland and Hillsboro. Our providers are advanced level Â鶹ӰÊÓ students working under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists.
These clinics offer a wide range of psychological services to the community. Most students gain some practicum experience at the program's own training clinics; other community sites in the Portland area are also available, allowing for exposure to varied sites and populations.
Research Labs
All students in the PhD program in clinical psychology receive a $5,000 research assistantship stipend during their first two years in the program. Additional opportunities for subsequent research and teaching assistantships are available. Students have the opportunity to study and conduct research with expert faculty in the School of Graduate Psychology. Faculty research interests are wide reaching, with specific campus labs dedicated to the study of behavioral health and aging and the study of mindful health and resilience.
Interprofessional Concentration
Pacific’s School of Graduate Psychology provides opportunities for students to explore models of person-centered healthcare and gain the skills to practice in a changing healthcare environment. Students who choose to pursue interprofessional experiences beyond what is required by their degree program can earn the Concentration in Interprofessional Education, offered by the College of Health Professions. This formal recognition is documented on transcripts as a specialization, indicating that students have gained specific competencies in interprofessional education.
School of Graduate Psychology
503-352-7277 | 503-352-7320 (fax)
190 SE 8th Ave., Ste. 260
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Jenni Gottschalk | Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Admissions
800-933-9308 Ext 7225 or 503-352-7225 | PsychDoctorate@pacificu.edu
Â鶹ӰÊÓ’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA). The Phd is designed to meet the educational requirements for applying for licensure in these states. Student outcome data is available here. Student learning outcomes and additional curriculum information is available in the .