The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. training program has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1970. (APA’s Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation)

APA:  750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242 | Contact Support | Telephone:  (800) 374-2721; (202) 336-5500 | TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123

2023 - 2024 Admissions Cycle

The Clinical Psychology program will be accepting applications for entry fall of 2024. Dr. Duncan Campbell, Dr. Bryan Cochran, Dr. Caitlin Martin-Wagar, Dr. Julie Olomi, Dr. Hillary Powell, and Dr. Rachel Williamson plan to accept students. Other clinical faculty may also accept students for mentorship; please check back. Faculty webpages contain information on their research plans, projects, etc.  After reviewing the work of those faculty members who are planning to accept a student, all applicants should identify in their Personal Statement the faculty member whose work and interests match their own most closely. If you have an American Indian/Alaska Native identity and are interested in joining the Indians into Psychology (InPsych) Scholars group, please be sure to make this interest known in your Personal Statement.  You can also reach out to the InPsych Co-Directors (Drs. Williamson and Campbell) directly for more information.

Our website has detailed information on applying. Finally, the GRE is no longer a required component of admissions applications.

The Clinical Psychology PhD Program

The Clinical Psychology PhD Program at the University of Montana is dedicated to training psychologists in the scientist-practitioner model. We consider a scientific understanding of human behavior an essential component of training and practice; integrated with critical thinking, it forms the foundation of our program.  Our students are expected to demonstrate an increasing and progressive level of competence in their ability to present an analysis of psychological issues, both orally and in writing.  We seek to train psychologists who will actively integrate science and practice throughout their careers.  Our graduates can fill multiple professional roles, including researchers, educators, practitioners, supervisors, and administrators.

Our program OFFERS:

• Core coursework in social, biological, developmental, and individual bases of behavior, as well as statistics and research methodology
• A focus on the continually developing field through the design, execution, and evaluation of clinical research
• An emphasis on developing students’ independent research skills
• Training in the tools necessary to evaluate and incorporate the latest findings in the field in the context of lifelong learning
• Clinical course offerings that concentrate on the development of interview, evaluation, diagnostic, and treatment skills, with direct experience and supervision through clinical practice
• Didactic training and clinical supervision in a variety of empirically-supported theoretical, therapeutic, and assessment modalities
• A foundation in assessment and case conceptualization
• An eclectic treatment philosophy, allowing for a variety of treatment techniques and interventions for diverse clinical issues
• Exposure & background in the models and practices of Integrated Behavioral Health care
• An on-campus training clinic:  Clinical Psychology Center
• Optional emphasis in Child, Adolescent and Family
• Numerous applied research and community clinical placements
• A commitment to helping students develop a strong professional identity
• Clinical opportunities serving mental health needs in rural and rural minority, under-served communities
• A commitment to ethical conduct, genuine concern for the well-being of others, and a deep respect for cultural diversity and individual difference
• A commitment to providing a supportive, inclusive and collaborative learning environment

Our MENTORSHIP approach to training:

We seek students interested in areas of research that parallel those of the clinical faculty members.

We seek students with a high level of dedication, outstanding intellectual skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Students work collaboratively with their faculty mentors to develop, design, and conduct empirical studies, and report the findings.

Faculty mentors typically chair their students’ thesis, comps and dissertation committees, encourage personal growth, and help prepare students for internship.

Students can work with other faculty as interests develop.

TRAINING AIMS for the Clinical PhD Program

• Aim 1: To create an active and adaptive learning environment that trains students to be health service psychologists.
• Aim 2: To create a scholarly environment that immerses students in diverse research methodologies and trains them to design and implement cutting-edge research.
• Aim 3: To create a training environment that promotes and inspires students’ sensitivity to and appreciation of issues of diversity and difference and fosters emerging skills regarding cultural competence.
• Aim 4: To create experiential learning and didactic opportunities in Child/Family and Clinical Neuropsychology that provide students with optional emphasis and exposure, respectively, and promote students’ abilities to pursue advanced training in emphasis- and exposure-specific careers as health service psychologists.