Specialized training in APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs: Findings from a review of program websites.

Abstract

The current study examined the websites of the 231 clinical psychology doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2007 and found that more than half described themselves as offering a track, emphasis, certificate, or degree in a specialized training area. About 18% of programs required students to enroll in a specialized training stream. The most common areas of specialized training were clinical child, clinical health, forensic, family, and clinical neuropsychology. The most common format for specialized training was a track within a general clinical training program. A greater percentage of PsyD programs than PhD programs offered specialized training, and PsyD programs offered more areas of specialization than PhD programs. Overall, results indicate that specialized training is common among APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs.