Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology

Psychopathology

This course provides an in-depth survey and understanding of the range of mental disorders. The overall objective of the course is to enable students to appropriately diagnose psychopathology for purposes of efficacious treatment and the facilitation of clear clinical dialogue and agreement with fellow professionals. The course emphasizes research as it pertains to empirically-based treatments for a variety of mental health disorders. Additionally, issues of culture and gender as it relates to mental health diagnoses are discussed. Diagnostic criteria are drawn primarily from the DSM-V-TR with some contribution from other sources considered as appropriate.

Forensic Assessment

This course introduces students to basic concepts of forensic mental health assessment. Emphasis is placed on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of the major forensic assessment instruments, including the Hare PCL-R, ECST-R, MacCAT-CA, MAYSI-2, VIP, PSI, TSI.

Violence and Risk Assessment

This course provides students with the fundamental aspects of conducting violence and risk assessment evaluations and the manner in which opinions are communicated. Students gain an understanding of empirically-based risk factors and assessment tools used to conduct violence and risk evaluations, as well as management strategies employed to ameliorate risk/risk conditions. Practical exercises drawn from actual cases are used to illustrate key concepts.

For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/.

The practicum is an integral component of clinical training. It provides a closely supervised clinical experience in which students use the knowledge obtained in the classroom to understand their clients and to develop skills in assessment, psychotherapy, and other discipline related areas. As such, the practicum serves to integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of the education of the professional psychologist. It allows students to become familiar with professional collaboration and consultation in a clinical setting. All students are required to take six semester hours each of Assessment and Therapy practicum.

Dissertation

The dissertation is an essential aspect of a student’s academic experience and clinical training. The purpose of the dissertation is two-fold: 1) to provide evidence of a student’s mastery of the program’s required research and content competencies; and 2) to provide faculty with a measurement of program effectiveness. The student uses the dissertation to demonstrate mastery of four critical research objectives: 1) professionalism, 2) methodological rigor, 3) conceptual rigor, and 4) contribution to the field of clinical forensic psychology. These objectives form a rubric for dissertation evaluation. The student’s dissertation committee is responsible for assessing the student’s abilities and giving final approval to the dissertation.

Internship

All students are required to complete an internship following the completion of all course work, practicum, and dissertation requirements. In internship, students integrate academic knowledge with clinical skills and demonstrate the effective and ethical use of these skills in clinical practice. Through intensive supervised training, students gain direct experience in applying their knowledge with a clinical or clinical forensic population.

More specific information is located in the Program Guidebook.

Application to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology program is open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Students applying to the Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology program must submit the following:

• Application
  • Apply Online
• Application Fee: $50
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Essay – Please answer the following question within three double-spaced, typed pages (approximately 500-750 words).
  • The field of Forensic Psychology focuses on psychology as it relates to the law and the legal system. In forensic settings you will likely assist individuals with diverse backgrounds in a variety of different contexts. Please tell us reasons why you want to become a Forensic Psychologist. Include your career aspirations and some of the challenges you might encounter when working with diverse individuals.
• Official College/University Transcripts
  • Students must submit official transcripts from all schools where degrees have been earned. Official transcripts may be sent directly from the institution or with your application for admission as long as they are official, sealed, and signed across the envelope flap when they arrive.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Appropriate recommendations are from professors and/or supervisors from significant work or volunteer experiences, who can appraise your academic or professional performance. If you are mailing in your letters, they should arrive in a sealed envelope, signed across the seal. You can also submit the letters online via the applicant portal.
• Previous Coursework

• • 15 semester hours of psychology (or related field) credit at the undergraduate or graduate level, including a course in Abnormal Psychology with a grade earned of “C: or better in the course.  The course in Abnormal Psychology must be completed in accordance with the policies outlined in the Preparatory Coursework section below.

• • Applicants who otherwise meet the admissions requirements of the program, but who have not previously successfully completed at least one (1) course in abnormal psychology, will be required to fulfill this requirement prior to enrolling in this program through the completion of Preparatory Coursework.

The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.

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