The Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Houston has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association since 1959.

The philosophy and goals of our program are consistent with those of HSP and APA accredited programs that are also oriented to a clinical science model of training. Clinical science training models aim to (1) produce health service psychology graduates for careers as clinical scientists - i.e., for careers devoted to making significant contributions to both advancing and applying scientific knowledge regarding the nature, origins, prediction, assessment, prevention and amelioration of psychopathology and health-compromising behaviors; in addition to (2) ensuring broad and general preparation for a career in health service psychology, including professional activities relevant to health promotion, prevention, consultation, assessment and treatment for psychological and other health-related disorders.

We expose students to a range of theoretical, research and clinical approaches to problems. The program offers training in three major areas of study: 1) clinical psychology (adult) 2) clinical child psychology and 3) clinical neuropsychology.

We focus on multiple goals during training, including developing:

• A breadth of knowledge of psychology and related sciences and depth of knowledge in clinical psychology. Student’s curriculum and lab work are designed to gain:
  • breadth of knowledge in psychological science (biological, cognitive, affective, developmental and social aspects of behavior as well as the history of psychology as a scientific discipline and research methodology in psychological sciences)
  • breadth of knowledge in fields related to psychology (e.g. neuroscience, statistics)
  • depth of knowledge in clinical psychology (assessment, diagnosis, clinical research methods and psychometrics, interventions, professional issues, etiology and phenomenology)
  • knowledge of the contextual relevance of scholarship
• Competence in research. Through research activity, individual faculty labs and the academic curriculum, students will gain competence in:
  • study design, assessment and measurement
  • data analyses
  • study management and execution
  • timely dissemination of scientifically sound research
  • critical evaluation of research
  • ethical conduct of research
  • integration of diversity and context into research
• Competence in clinical practice. Through coursework and clinical practica, students will gain competence in using empirically informed:
  • psychological assessment
  • clinical diagnosis and case conceptualization
  • treatment planning, implementation and evaluation of treatments
  • clinical supervision
  • clinical consultation
  • ethical, professional and reflective clinical practice
  • awareness and integration of diversity, context and advocacy into clinical practice (See also Standards.)
  • knowledge and awareness of interdisciplinary systems
• Development of a professional identity as a clinical scientist. Through coursework and relationships with their peers and mentors, students will gain competence in:
  • the ability of identify career goals
  • pursuing a coherent and focused professional development plan
  • establishing professional networks
  • the ability to actively participate in the scholarly and clinical community at the departmental, university and professional levels in an interpersonally effective way

For more information about our training program, please see our 2023-2024 Clinical Student Guide.

The program is designed to be completed in five years, including the internship. The average length of time to completion has averaged 5.4 years. Please see Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data for recent program information.

The clinical program receives more than 400 applications for 10-15 position openings every year. In evaluating applications, our review committee examines GRE scores, undergraduate courses and GPA, letters of recommendation, clinical and research experience, statements of goals and a required personal interview. The statement of goals is viewed as a reflection of the applicant’s fit with the program in terms of orientation to graduate education and research and clinical interests. While most students are accepted directly from undergraduate studies, a number of successful applicants have earned a master’s degree and/or have several years of work experience. 

We encourage applications from those with a diverse individual and/or cultural background. Houston is the most ethnically diverse large city in the country, and UH is the second most diverse Tier 1 Research University. We take great pride in this diversity and the supportive environment it offers to our students. During the last eight years, a third of our successful applicants have contributed to our individual and cultural diversity. 

Additionally, as a member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Training (CUDCP), the clinical psychology program at the University of Houston adheres to CUDCP’s policies and guidelines for graduate school admissions, offers and acceptance. For additional information about these policies, please visit this page.

More information about application tips also is available at clinicalpsychgradschool.org, offered from CUDCP.

Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1^st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.336.5979
E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org