Program in Clinical Psychology

Objectives of the Clinical Program

The primary objective of the clinical psychology program is to provide doctoral level training that prepares students for careers as professional psychologists competent in psychological assessment, intervention, research and evaluation in teaching, and practice settings.  The program adopts the scientist-practitioner model with an emphasis on individualized training within a generalist educational framework.  Because of the high rural to urban ratio in New Brunswick, students are expected to obtain core knowledge in both child and adult clinical psychology as well as basic assessment and intervention skills applicable to a broad age range.  This generalist orientation is intended to provide students with generic skills that will equip them for professional practice in rural as well as urban settings.  The program is also designed to provide students with the academic and professional training necessary to meet the requirements for licensing with the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick. The doctoral program in clinical psychology is fully accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association.^[1]

Following from the scientist-practitioner model, the program places strong emphasis on research training and experience through formal course work, research projects, and the doctoral dissertation.  A balance between research and professional training is obtained by the provision of clinical skills courses taught either by core clinical faculty or, on occasion, by clinical associates. The general theoretical orientation of the program falls within the cognitive-social-learning perspective, although faculty interests span a number of content domains, including adult psychopathology, child and adolescent clinical psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, sex and couple therapy,  and women’s issues.