Clinical Psychology

The UMass Amherst Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program invites prospective graduate students to our
Fall 2024 Virtual Open House
Oct 28th 5:00-7:00pm ET. 

Come learn about the program, the faculty, and our amazing students. We especially encourage individuals coming from underrepresented backgrounds and those who share our values of diversifying psychology to join us for this informational event.

Register here: 

https://forms.gle/CrtV8sSKgCyJdCAy6

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Clinical Psychology Program offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology and espouses the clinical science model of training. We prepare students for careers in clinical research. Faculty and students engage in basic and applied studies of psychopathology, development, emotion, cognition, psychotherapy, neuropsychology, and family systems. Students who are interested in research and academic careers will thrive in our program. Our program is a proud member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.

Consistent with our clinical science model, we train all of our students to engage in empirically supported clinical practice. As a result, our program may not be appropriate for students interested in full-time practice with a minimal research commitment. Students have the opportunity to engage in psychotherapy and neuropsychological assessments with clients from across the lifespan, from diverse backgrounds, and in a wide variety of settings. In research and practice, we appreciate and consider issues of diversity in terms of culture, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and other individual differences. Please see our Statement of Support for Cultural Diversity and for a Community Process that Affirms Diversity. More information on our commitment to diversity can be found in the Diversity section.

The Clinical Psychology Program operates the Psychological Services Center, which provides evidence-based mental health services to the university and surrounding communities and engages in naturalistic psychotherapy and neuropsychological research.

Within our doctoral program we offer a major area of study in Clinical Child Psychology, an emphasis in Family Psychology and exposure to Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology.  The clinical program is also the home of the Rudd Adoption Research Program which conducts research on adoption and connects adoption research with policy and practice.  We also maintain a strong relationship with the Center for Research on Families.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Clinical Psychology Program has been continuously accredited since 1957 by the American Psychological Association. For information about our accreditation status, you can contact the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, located at 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC, 20002-4242 and can be reached by calling (202) 336-5979.

APA required information regarding students time to completion, program cost, internship rate, attrition rate, and licensure percentage can be found here. Graduate students receive funding from a variety of sources and this funding is sufficient to cover some living expenses. Graduate students who work as teaching or research assistants can earn a full tuition waiver. You can learn more about UMass tuition and fees.

For additional information about our program, please see our FAQ page, Student Handbook, and current faculty. Another useful resource is a CUDCP information sheet on selecting a graduate program. As a member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP), the Clinical Psychology program at UMass Amherst adheres to CUDCP’s policies and guidelines for graduate school admissions, offers, and acceptance.  More information about clinical programs and tips on submitting your applications can be found at clinicalpsychgradschool.org, a resource provided by CUDCP.

Questions about the Clinical Psychology Program can be directed to our program email  or to Katherine Dixon-Gordon, PhD (e-mail), the Director of Clinical Training/Area Head.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Clinical Psychology Program uses a mentor-model for the education of students. This means that individual faculty members select students to work with them. The criteria used for selection depends to a large extent on the compatibility of research interests between student and faculty member.