Clinical psychology incorporates the scientific research and practice of psychology to understand, prevent and relieve individuals suffering from psychological distress. The objective of clinical psychology is to promote a more healthful well-being in distressed individuals. Clinical psychologists frequently practice in independent or group therapy settings, hospitals and counseling centers.
To become a clinical psychologist, the individual must be certified with a Ph.D. or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). To obtain this degree, she must complete five to seven years of graduate study and a dissertation. Courses involving research strategies are a critical aspect of the graduate program; the student is incapable of completing the dissertation without them. A dissertation can sometimes be substituted for practical assignments and examinations. To obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology the individual must also complete an internship of at least one year.
Psychologists who wish to practice independently or include patient care in their services must satisfy their state's licensing and certification requirements. Although licensing laws vary by state, licensed and certified clinical psychologists are generally required to restrict their practice to the areas in which they have received satisfactory training and experience. Basic licensing requirements include a psychology doctorate degree, one to two years of related experience, and an approved internship. Applicants are also required to pass a standard test, or pass oral and essay exams.
Psychology is a competitive field and admissions into the doctoral program come with great competition. To be admitted, applicants must have sufficient test scores and grades. The application process usually involves completing application forms, along with providing an academic resume and personal statement, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation and transcripts. Applicants must follow the application instructions closely to avoid a delay or rejection from the program.
The Social Psychology Network has compiled a list of the universities offering psychology doctoral programs. This data was derived from the Princeton Review's "Gourman Report of Graduate Programs"---8th edition. Included in this list is the ranking for 40 psychology Ph.D. programs based on students' success rate. The top five schools are Stanford University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.