The APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program at George Mason University is committed to the scientist-practitioner model. The program is unique in approaching clinical psychology from social psychological and community perspectives. A social psychological perspective uses theory and research from social psychology (especially social cognition) to understand emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal functioning. A community perspective stresses the impact of social and cultural factors on the individual and the impact of the individual on the community. These perspectives share the assumption that psychological well-being, adjustment, and dysfunction can only be understood in the context of the individual’s relationships, community, and culture. Most of the faculty members employ cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal approaches to applied clinical activities, but humanistic, existential, and psychodynamic perspectives also are represented in clinical supervision and in the curriculum.

Our goal is to train clinical psychologists who are capable of integrating research and applied clinical activities. Toward this end, we provide rigorous training in scientific methods and clinical activities, with an emphasis on those that are informed by empirical research. This training encourages students to be integrative and innovative while guided by the principles of science and ethics.

We aim to train students who have the flexibility to fill the evolving functions of clinical psychologists, including research, direct provision of clinical services, supervision, program development and evaluation, and consultation. We are interested in students who wish to become leaders and innovators in the profession and in society. Toward this end, we prepare students to work in a diverse and changing society by integrating multicultural perspectives into coursework, clinical training, and research.

We believe that clinical psychologists have a responsibility to have a positive impact on individuals and communities.

Students who are primarily interested in a career in traditional private practice are not a good fit for this program. Nonetheless, our students receive excellent clinical training and are highly competitive for APA-accredited clinical psychology internships.

The clinical program meets the curriculum requirements for licensure as a clinical psychologist in Virginia. Students interested in licensure in other states or provinces should consult the requirements for those jurisdictions.

For information about the accreditation of our clinical psychology program, please contact:

Commission on Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington DC 20002-4242
202-336-5979