Meet the Columbian Distinguished Fellows
Across disciplines and research fields, these Columbian College PhD fellows are leading scholarly studies and making real-world impacts.
Accredited by the American Psychological Association, the clinical psychology PhD program follows a scientist-practitioner model. Students are trained as applied researchers and scientists, developing skills in research and practical methods used to advance knowledge of the causes, prevention and treatment of emotional, behavioral and physical health problems within diverse communities.
We embrace a community psychology orientation that emphasizes multiple influences on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities and values engaging communities in all aspects of the work that we do.
Our training is grounded in developmental and social-ecological perspectives that attend to the intersection of multiple forms of diversity and recognize the impacts of systemic oppression on individuals and communities. We aspire to train behavioral scientists who are able to identify, implement and evaluate strategies to promote equity and social justice and to reduce health and mental health disparities in a variety of settings.
Faculty subscribe to a range of theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral, family systems, social-ecological and community frameworks. These perspectives enable students to develop a broad base of knowledge and the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of research and evidence-based application.
The clinical program follows a mentorship model. Qualified applicants are chosen based on how their interests fit with the overall goals of the program and with the research interests of specific faculty members. These faculty will be available to mentor students beginning in the 2025-26 academic year: Dr. Sarah Calabrese, Dr. Fallon Goodman, Dr. Dave Huebner and Dr. Sharon Lambert.
Applicants should review bios for these core faculty and indicate their ranking on the online application for the PhD program in clinical psychology.
Faculty Preference Ranking (PDF)
The clinical psychology program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (COA) since 1970. COA is part of the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (OPCA).
View Student Outcomes and Other Data (PDF)
Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
The clinical psychology program is also recognized by the Society for Community Research and Action as a doctoral clinical-community training program.
To build real-world clinical experience, students in the PhD program complete a minimum of two assessment practica and two therapy practica in the Meltzer Psychological and Community-Based Services Center.
Additionally, students complete two externship placements in community settings. Clinical practice is supervised by licensed faculty members and clinicians at field placements.
Finally, as part of the PhD program in Clinical Psychology, students are also required to complete a one-year Psychology Internship Training Program. In almost all cases this will be an APA- approved pre-doctoral internship program.
Our Clinical Psychology program trains graduates who are successfully licensed in many states. No graduate from our program has been turned down for licensure due to insufficiencies in our program’s education and training. However, the practice of psychology (licensure) is regulated at the state level. State licensing authorities, commonly referred to as “State Boards,” determine the specific educational and training requirements for licensure in their State. Licensure requires more training than our degree’s educational requirements and may vary by state. Most states have post-doctoral clinical supervision requirements, and some states have specific training requirements that may not be automatically covered in GWU’s program. For a general description of the licensing processes in clinical psychology and a state by state listing of our recent understanding of educational requirements and how GWU’s program aligns with the requirements of each state, please review our Consumer Disclosure Information report (PDF).
The program develops students into well-rounded, confident professionals in several roles:
The George Washington University is offering full doctoral scholarships* to prepare the next generation of community-engaged researchers to develop and lead social-structural and intersectional approaches to promote equity and improve HIV and related health outcomes. The training program is supported by 18 multi-disciplinary faculty conducting both global and domestic research on HIV, mental health, substance use, and violence.
Trainees will receive instruction and mentorship in:
Trainees must apply and be accepted to the PhD program. Individuals from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. To learn more about TASHI, visit the website or email [email protected].
*Full scholarships include tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
"Through class discussion, research and clinical experiences, I learned that the symptom is never bigger than the story. This has been a cornerstone of my work as a clinician."
Henry Prempeh
PhD '13
Meet the Columbian Distinguished Fellows
Across disciplines and research fields, these Columbian College PhD fellows are leading scholarly studies and making real-world impacts.
Alumnus Doctor Takes Care Abroad
For more than 45 years, Dr. Bill Goldman, BA ’72, MD ’75, has brought care and kindness to his patients. After retiring from his pediatric practice, he found a new home for his passion:...
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The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
The requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Program.
72 credits, including 54 credits in required courses, at least 6 credits in dissertation courses, and 15 credits in dissertation or elective courses. Students also take five 0-credit courses and successfully complete a comprehensive examination.
In addition, students are required to obtain clinical training, including a minimum of two assessment practica and two therapy practica in the Meltzer Center’s Psychological and Community-Based Services, and to complete a one-year psychology internship training program. In almost all cases this will be an APA- approved pre-doctoral internship program.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required | ||
Methods/Statistics | ||
PSYC 8205 | Multiple Regression Analysis in Psychological and Social Sciences | |
PSYC 8206 | Multivariate Analysis and Modeling | |
PSYC 8202 | Psychological Research Methods and Procedures | |
Breadth | ||
PSYC 8210 | Developmental Theories and Issues | |
PSYC 8250 | Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience | |
PSYC 8253 | Social Cognition | |
Clinical core | ||
PSYC 8207 | Psychological Assessment I | |
PSYC 8208 | Psychological Assessment II | |
PSYC 8211 | Community Psychology I | |
PSYC 8212 | Community Psychology II | |
PSYC 8218 | Evidence-Based Interventions | |
PSYC 8220 | Ethics and Professional Issues | |
PSYC 8236 | Ethnic and Racial Diversity in Psychology | |
PSYC 8237 | The Practice of General Psychology I | |
PSYC 8238 | The Practice of General Psychology II | |
PSYC 8239 | Lifespan Developmental Psychopathology I | |
PSYC 8240 | Lifespan Developmental Psychopathology II | |
Required 0-credit courses | ||
PSYC 8280 | Theories and Practice of Clinical Supervision | |
PSYC 8283 | First Year Seminar I: Motivational Interviewing | |
PSYC 8284 | First Year Seminar II: Introduction to Therapy | |
PSYC 8285 | History and Systems of Psychology | |
PSYC 8286 | Clinical Psychology Externship | |
Dissertation courses | ||
At least 6 credits total taken in the following courses: | ||
PSYC 8998 | Advanced Reading and Research | |
PSYC 8999 | Dissertation Research | |
Dissertation or elective courses | ||
15 credits to be taken in dissertation or elective courses. | ||
Comprehensive examination | ||
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required. |