Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology
Clinical Practice Courses
The Clinical Practice courses provide a broad
foundation for the development of a generalist
practitioner, with diverse training in multiple
psychotherapeutic orientations, assessment,
consulting, and empirically-validated approaches.
History and Systems of Psychology
CP 700................2 Units
Students explore the organizing perspectives and therapeutic
approaches which have shaped contemporary Western
psychology. The philosophical principles of psychological
models from antiquity to the present era are examined,
including those associated with religious traditions, medicine,
and the schools of psychoanalysis, behaviorism, gestalt, and
humanistic psychology, and “fourth force” or multicultural and
cross-cultural psychology.
The course includes a discussion
of the history and development of psychology as a scientific
discipline and clinical psychology as a profession.
Psychological Assessment I
CP 930................2 Units
The psychological assessment course series begins with
the study of general principles of assessment and test
construction, including standardization, validity, reliability, and
the appropriate and ethical use of assessment for individuals
from diverse backgrounds. The administration, scoring, and
interpretation of the Wechsler intelligence scales, Wechsler
Memory Scales-IV, Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, and the
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological
Status are highlighted with special emphasis on integrating
the results with clinical judgment, report writing, and
communication of assessment results. The course will focus
on cognitive assessment and be taught with an emphasis on
providing practical, skills-based knowledge.
Psychological Assessment II
CP 931................2 Units
Students will learn the principles of personality assessment.
They will become familiar with and learn how to administer,
score, and interpret the MMPI-2, MCMI-III, CPI, PAI, MBTI, and
BDI-II. There will be a focus on integrating results into user
friendly, case focused, problem oriented reports. Emphasis
will also be given on how to do assessments in psychological,
medical, vocational, forensic, and academic contexts.
Prerequisite: CP 930
Psychological Assessment III
CL 938................2 Units
This course will focus on developing theoretical and practical
skills in projective assessment including the Rorschach,
TAT, sentence completion techniques, projective drawings,
and dreams. Students will become familiar with both
sides of the controversies surrounding projective tests.
Information derived from projective techniques will be
integrated with other forms of assessment data to develop
clear, user friendly, case focused reports that answer the
referral question. There will also be an emphasis on using
assessment results to enhance the therapeutic process.
Prerequisites: CP 930, CP 931
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
CP 832................2 Units
The ethical and legal considerations involved in the practice
of clinical and scientific psychology are reviewed, with
an emphasis on the American Psychological Association’s
ethical guidelines. The course features discussion of key
issues involved in academic work, research, and professional
practice with a view towards the development of ethical and
professional judgment. Topics include: forensic psychology,
cultural competence, malpractice, and legal responsibilities.
Advanced Psychopathology I
CP 730................2 Units
In the context of the historical and cross-cultural
perspectives of psychopathology, students focus on the
diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and prognosis of disturbed
behavior. The multi-axial system of the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the central
organizing structure of the course. Emphasis is on major
Axis I disorders.
Biological Foundations of Human Behavior
CP 735................2 Units
Students review the current research and theories about
the biological bases of behavior and psychotherapy. Specific
topics include: the organization of the nervous system, sleepwake
patterns, eating disorders, stress, and various brain
pathologies and their electrochemical aspects. Individual and
cultural differences are discussed.
Alcohol, Chemical Dependency, and Addictive Behaviors
CL 900................2 Units
CP 747, 748, 749 Prerequisite
This course covers the theory and treatment of addictive
behaviors. Areas covered in this course include: current
theories of etiology, physiological and medical aspects,
dual-diagnosis, cultural and ethnic considerations, iatrogenic
dependency, treatment approaches, family issues, prevention
and education, and ethical and legal issues. The course
meets the criteria set forth by the California Board of
Psychology for training in Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency
Detection and Treatment required for licensure.
Principles of Psychopharmacology
CP 873................2 Units
This course covers the general principles of
psychopharmacology, as well as an overview of the pertinent
neurochemistry. The indications and side effects of common
psychoactive medications will be discussed. The impact of
medications on psychotherapy process and working with a
prescribing psychiatrist will be examined.
Prerequisite: CP 735
Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy
CL 835................2 Units
This course presents the theory and practice of cognitivebehavioral
psychotherapy. Theories and techniques common
to cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment are
discussed. The integration of context, cognition, affect,
behavior, biology, and spirituality are considered. Evidencebased
interventions are presented and the role of cognitivebehavioral
approaches within the overall multidimensional
therapeutic process is examined.
Cognitive-Affective Foundations
of Human Behavior
CL 836................3 Units
This class examines the interdependence of cognition and
emotion in psychological experience. Discussion of the cognitive
processes include: creative thinking, conscious and unconscious
processing, and problem solving. Related areas are also covered:
sensation, perception, memory, learning, cognition, emotion,
motivation, and psychophysiological processes. Discussion of
emotion involves the biological and social bases of emotion, its
cognitive correlates, and the impact of emotional states.
Advanced Psychopathology II
CP 731................2 Units
Building on Advanced Psychopathology I, this course
examines major syndromes included in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, with an emphasis
on Axis II disorders. Other classification systems, multiaxial
diagnosis, the role of society, culture, and biology, as well
as meta-issues surrounding the diagnostic enterprise are
explored. Prerequisite: CP730.
Evidence-Based Best Practices
CL 912................2 Units
This course is an overview of clinical treatments that are
supported by scientific study and data. The latest findings
in outcome research regarding therapeutic interventions
are presented. Optimal interventions or combinations
of interventions for the major disorders are discussed,
as well as the integration of individual, group, and
psychopharmacological therapy.
Principles of Group Dynamics
CL 751................2 Unit
This class provides a critical overview of principles, theories,
and practical applications of various techniques in group
psychotherapy, as well as issues in group process, including:
stages in group formation and development, cohesiveness,
transference and countertransference, cross-cultural dynamics,
strategies and specific interventions. The curative forces
operating in a group setting are illuminated through roleplaying,
case discussions, readings, experiential exercises, and
intensive group participation.
Psychotherapy with Diverse Populations
CP 845................2 Units
Cultural competency or the knowledge, skills, and attitudes
necessary to work effectively as a diversity-sensitive clinician
is an ethical responsibility in a multicultural society. This course
examines the role of culture in counseling, psychotherapy,
and assessment, as well as key issues in the provision of
psychological services to under-represented populations. Biases
in traditional clinical theory and practice are discussed, while
appropriate intervention strategies with individuals of different
cultural backgrounds are introduced. Depth psychological
concepts in relation to culture, such as the notion of an ethnic or
minority unconscious, are also explored.
Developmental Psychology Through Adolescence
CP 830................2 Unit
This course studies developmental theories, constructs,
research, and methods as they contribute to understanding
normative human development and its variants. Emphasis
is on the psychological and neurological development
from conception through infancy and attachment issues to
adolescence. Clinical implications, cultural considerations,
and contemporary trends are discussed.
Social Foundations of Human Behavior
CL 800................2 Units
This course reviews the development and functions of social
motives and examines research and theory in areas such
as: interpersonal behavior, cross-cultural psychology, group
dynamics, attitude/value formation and change, aggression,
altruism, sex and gender roles. Discussion also includes
clinical relevance of social psychological research.
Principles of Clinical Supervision and
Consultation
CL 752................2 Units
This course provides an exposure to the professional
role of psychologists as supervisors and consultants.
Approaches to clinical supervision and consultation are
examined with special attention paid to the interpersonal
and psychodynamic aspects of the supervisor-supervisee
interaction. The goal is ultimately for students to develop an
“internal supervisor.” Ethics, diversity, and other professional
issues are discussed.
Personal Psychotherapy
CP 950................No Units Assigned (Degree Requirement)
During the program, students must take part in a total of 80
hours of personal psychotherapy (preferably with a depth
orientation) with a licensed psychotherapist or a certified
analyst of their choice.
