Ph.D in Clinical Psychology

The Child and Family Emphasis provides the opportunity for select students to develop specialized knowledge and skills in the understanding and treatment of children, adolescents, and families within a psychological and developmental framework. Students acquire knowledge and experience through additional coursework, clinical practicum placements, and research. Students can also participate in regularly scheduled Child and Family meetings and discussion groups.

Students who participate in the Child and Family emphasis complete the core courses required of all clinical students. In addition, they complete a series of five advanced courses that focus on child, adolescent, and family psychology. All clinical students may take child-clinical courses and acquire child-related experiences. However, students can only report that they have received additional child and family experience and training if they complete the following requirements:

1. In addition to the basic program course requirements, students in this emphasis must take at least five of the following elective courses: Psychological Disorders of Childhood, Child and Adolescent Treatment II, Child Assessment; Family Therapy; Select Topics in Child and Family Psychology; Pediatric/Chronic Medical Illness & Bereavement.
2. Students in the Child and Family emphasis are required to complete at least one year of field placement in a setting specialized in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and/or and families.
3. Students are encouraged to participate in quarterly meetings/discussion groups.
4. Students must complete a dissertation directly related to child, adolescent, or family issues.
5. Students are required to complete an internship where at least 33% of one's time is spent working with child, adolescent, or family clients.

The Child and Family Emphasis is directed by Sandra Macias, Ph.D. For more information regarding the program please contact Dr. Macias at smacias@paloaltou.edu.