The program trains psychologists to meet the mental health needs of individuals and families, primarily of color, from stressed and urban backgrounds, frequently with histories of trauma. This program prepares students to deliver direct services, and for leadership roles directing the delivery of services and providing training to others.
The program has four major tracks: Adult, Child, Correctional/Forensic (prison-based), ans School. Goals for students are development of competence in: 1) diagnosis, assessment, and psychotherapy; 2) work with diverse individuals; 3) work with multiple systems; 4) outcome assessment/program development; 5) multi-disciplinary collaboration; 6) conveying psychological knowledge to others; 7) ethical practice and professionalism and an understanding of the impact of legal, governmental, and funding systems on psychological practice; 8) ongoing professional self-development and self-assessment.
Training includes a dual emphasis: First, students are expected to achieve core competencies in the delivery of direct psychological services to individuals with a wide range of presenting problems within the particular developmental track. Second, students are provided with opportunities to develop particular interests and specializations, both through core and wide-ranging elective placements. All competencies are informed by an evidence-based model.
The model of training used is based on the following principles:
-Core requirements reflect core competencies, with a focus on the underserved
-An individualized elective program to fit a student's needs and interests
-Plentiful and diversified supervision
-Strong didactic component, with strong emphasis on addressing diversity issues
-Integration of interns within a professional community that respects their work, fosters clinical and research skills, and enhances personal development
-Diverse competencies equip interns for pre-licensure readiness and marketplace flexibility
-Utilization of program development and outcome measurement skills to design and implement system-level interventions that improve the quality of services.