The Wright Institute's Clinical Psychology curriculum is carefully designed so that students systematically acquire progressively more sophisticated knowledge and clinical capabilities. This developmental approach to learning builds on a solid foundation of research, assessment techniques, and theoretical knowledge. The orientation in all cases is toward applying what students have learned to the clinical realm.

This innovative Clinical program immerses students in the broad body of psychological science and asks them to think critically while using subjective and objective sources of knowledge in their clinical work. The Clinical Psychology curriculum at the Wright Institute emphasizes the interdependence of observer and observed, of clinician and client. Throughout the Clinical Psychology coursework, from the study of lifespan development, research, and psychological testing to the clinical process, even the learning process itself – the student is asked to sharpen her/his awareness of the complex system of interpersonal forces that come into play in the clinical setting.

The Wright Institute Clinical Psychology curriculum continues the school's long tradition of rigorous, in-depth clinical education. Students get a broad exposure to both theory and research. Respect for a wide range of theoretical approaches is highly valued at the Wright Institute; faculty have special strengths in the areas of contemporary psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioral, family systems, social justice, brief treatment and relational approaches. They hold the conviction that theory and research are intimately interrelated elements that are most useful to the practitioner when taught in a clinically relevant way.

The Clinical Psychology coursework at the Wright spans three years of study. The fall and winter trimesters last 13 weeks; the spring trimester is ten weeks long. The Wright student is engaged in clinical practica in all three years. All academic coursework relates to this practice base through the Case Conference/Professional Development Seminar Sequence, which spans the three years of academic residency. These small classes provide a home base where each student's professional identity can be developed and supported.

The Wright Institute's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation^*. In its most recent review, the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation awarded the Clinical program ten years of continued accreditation. Our next site visit will occur in 2027.

^* Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE. Washington, DC 20002-4242. Telephone: 202-336-5979. www.apa.org/ed/accreditation