The Wright Institute was founded in 1968 by the distinguished psychologist Nevitt Sanford, a pioneer in the integration of social issues and clinical psychology. Sanford believed strongly in the capacity of adults to continue to learn and grow throughout their lives. His developmental approach and emphasis on the possibilities of lifelong learning form a key part of the foundation on which the Wright's educational programs are built.
Sanford was also influential in shaping American clinical psychology educational standards. In 1947, he was appointed by the American Psychological Association to the committee that established criteria for accrediting programs in clinical psychology. Under his leadership, the Wright Institute broadened the educational scope of clinical psychology training to include an emphasis on understanding the diverse society in which we live.
Mission
The mission of the Wright Institute is to educate students to be critical thinkers and ethical problem solvers, to address community and societal needs, and to function effectively as professionals in a diverse society. Read more »
Aims & Objectives
The Wright has five institutional student learning objectives: 1) Critical thinking and problem solving; 2) Written and oral communication; 3) Intercultural knowledge and competence; 4) Ethical reasoning and action; and 5) Foundation for lifelong learning. Read more »
Accreditation
The Wright Institute is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Wright Institute's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association's Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation. In its most recent review, the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation awarded the Clinical program ten years of continued accreditation. The Wright Institute's Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). The Counseling program is designed to meet the requirements defined in the Business and Professions (B&P) Code Sections 4980.37 and 4980.40 which cover the statutes and regulations relating to the practice of marriage and family therapy. Read more »
Educational Setting
The San Francisco Bay Area offers a multicultural, cosmopolitan environment that attracts an extraordinary community of psychologists, scholars and other intellectuals from around the world. The Institute is housed in a beautiful three-story English Tudor building that underwent a $3.5 million renovation. Read more »
Administration & Staff
The Wright Institute's administration oversees the strategic direction and plans for academic, financial, organizational, and physical development. Our staff executes the day to day operations of the Institute. Read more »