Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

About Clinical Psychology

D'Youville offers a comprehensive and supportive PsyD program that prepares students for successful practice as a Licensed Psychologist. The program's focus on clinical training, faculty mentorship, social responsiveness, and ethical practice makes it an attractive choice for aspiring psychologists.

Training includes more than 1,000 hours of supervised practicum experience,  a one-year pre-doctoral internship, and a clinical dissertation. Students may develop their expertise by selecting one of our optional concentrations.

 The PsyD program will take a minimum of 5 years to complete.

Accreditation and Licensure:

The PsyD program is designed to meet accreditation standards and prepares graduates for licensure in New York. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry requirements.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Comprehensive Curriculum

  • Use psychological assessment tools to address needs of children and adults
  • Become a psychotherapist using evidence based and culturally sensitive interventions
  • Consult within medical and mental health teams to provide interdisciplinary care
  • Be a leader in clinical settings
  • Apply ethical principles to provide the highest quality of care
  • 11.9%
    Growth by 2030 in Western New York
  • Settings
    Private practice, medical, forensic, mental health
  • 54%
    Increase in positions to work with older adults
  • 24%
    Increase in positions to work with minority patients

Simulation Center

Three women sit at a table, one is currently speaking to the women seated across from her.

Learn with standardized clients in our simulation center. Trained actors portray clients and students practice under the supervision of experienced faculty to learn basic therapy and interviewing skills, crisis management, and culturally competent practice.

Why Choose D'Youville University?

PsyD holders typically go into professional practice with medical, forensic, and mental health populations and can work in a variety of government, private, or nonprofit settings.

Program Features:

  • Practitioner-Oriented: gain hands-on skills to provide ethical and culturally competent psychological care
  • Strong Faculty Mentorship and Supervision: close guidance and support from faculty mentors and supervisors
  • Holistic Experience:  grow as a professional and as a person.
  • SIM Center: amass experience using state-of-the art simulation technology
  • Put it into practice: up to 1,500 hours of supervised work in the field

Optional Emphasis

Health Psychology Emphasis
Students in the health psychology emphasis will gain additional knowledge and experience for providing assessment and intervention within healthcare settings and interprofessional teams. 

Child and Family Emphasis
Students choosing the child and family emphasis explore the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families within a variety of settings.

Woman points to a paper with many colored squares. You are looking over the shoulder of another woman.
Student researcher administering cognitive tests
man in blue shirt stands smiling at the camera.
Steven Pierpaoli
Clinical Psychology

My DYU experience in one word: FULFILLING. Professors balance the challenging work with attentive support, and my classmates will be lifelong friends. The PsyD program has nurtured a 'clinical mindset' - competence with perspective and an person-first attitude of service - and I've always felt prepared to meaningfully contribute at every step of my training.

Admissions Requirements

  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.80 (based on a 4.0 system) or a graduate grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system)
  • It is preferred that students have a bachelor's degree in psychology from an accredited college or university. If your degree is not in psychology, studies in other fields may apply. Contact the Director of Clinical Training before submitting the application.
  • D'Youville University is a GRE, GRE SUBJECT TEST and TOEFL optional institution.
Required Materials

Please upload the following materials to the graduate admissions office for review.

  1. A completed doctoral application
  2. All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  3. A personal statement about your desire to become a psychologist
  4. A curriculum vita or resume

Relevant Skills and Purposeful Degrees

PsyD Affiliated Training Sites

Buffalo Area
  • Thrive Rehab & Wellness @ D’Youville Health Professions HUB
  • Erie County Medical Center
  • Erie County Forensic Mental Health Services
  • Harmonia Collaborative Care, Hamburg, NY
  • Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
  • Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Buffalo, NY
  • People Inc. Behavioral Health Department
  • Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • University at Buffalo Counseling Services
  • UBMD Neurology at Conventus
  • Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center
Western New York
  • RIT Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) Training Program, Rochester, NY
  • Rochester Regional Health Neuroscience Institute, Rochester, NY
  • Harmonia Collaborative Care, Derby, NY
  • Newfane Central School District, Lockport, NY  
Ontario Sites
  • Brookside Therapy, St. Catharines & Burlington ON
  • Center for Interpersonal Relationships, St. Catharines & Toronto, ON
  • Hillcrest Psychology,  St. Catharines, ON
  • West Niagara Psychology Centre, Beamsville, ON

Current Student Materials

Manuals and Other Documents

Related Programs