Clinical Psychology Specialization Doctor of Psychology

In this course, learners examine theory and research associated with major psychological disorders, from the most common diagnostic concerns to dual diagnoses, comorbidity, and psycho-medical issues. Learners examine the concepts of psychopathology throughout the lifespan, then transition from studying DSM-5 concepts and terminology to evaluating clinical assessment and treatment situations. In particular, learners familiarize themselves with ways to apply theoretical concepts in a professional clinical setting while displaying sensitivity to ethical and diversity issues. Other course topics include the issues of “empirically validated” versus “evidence based” practice, the interaction of social and biological factors in etiology and treatment, and the interaction between complex Axis I and II disorders. For PsyD, MS Clinical Psychology, and MS Counseling Psychology learners only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. Prerequisite(s): PSY6210. Learners in the PsyD in School Psychology degree program are exempt from this prerequisite.

Learners in this course build upon competencies in assessing intelligence, achievement, and adaptive functioning, and integrate these with assessments of personality and psychopathology. Learners apply theories of personality and models of psychopathology assessment, and focus on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of the MMPI2. Learners further deepen and broaden their skills in interpreting the WAIS-IV and in selecting appropriate assessments to create integrated reports. Learners synthesize information gathered from clinical interviews with assessments of intelligence, achievement, and psychopathology to formulate diagnoses and treatment plans. Throughout the course, learners examine complex issues of diversity and ethics in psychological testing and personality assessment. Test kits are required and are available for loan at psytestkits@capella. edu. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610, PSY8230. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course critically analyze the clinical techniques and intervention methods associated with major psychotherapy approaches. Learners examine the historical context, underlying assumptions, and appropriate applications of each approach and investigate current research associated with the therapeutic effectiveness of psychotherapy. Learners also synthesize course concepts to create an integrated model of psychotherapy and explore legal considerations, empirical support, and personal beliefs and attitudes regarding issues of diversity. For PsyD and PhD in Psychology learners only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners.

In this course, learners examine historical issues and controversies surrounding the development of evidence-based practice in psychology. Learners locate and critically evaluate research defining evidence-based practices, including review of best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values to identify and adopt effective psychological treatments and are introduced to various research designs and methods in psychotherapy research. Learners then explore the ways in which these strategies are incorporated in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and ongoing assessment. Learners also study ethical, legal, and financial issues associated with evidence-based practice. Other course topics include diversity, special populations, and culturally sensitive psychotherapies. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners.

This course provides an overview of the theories, functions, and methods of clinical supervision, consultation, and advocacy. In particular, learners examine various styles of supervision, consultation, and advocacy; supervisory, consultative, and advocacy relationships; contractual issues; and ethical and legal issues associated with providing these services. Learners also review supervision, consultation, and advocacy research; apply their findings to relevant service delivery topics; and develop their own theories and approaches to clinical supervision. For PsyD Clinical Psychology and PsyD School Psychology learners only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners.