Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Specialization

PSY 5000 Introduction to Professional Psychology (1 credit)

This course provides an overview of the roles, relationships, and responsibilities of individuals in the various specialties in applied and professional psychology. Particular attention is given to identifying those specialties for which licensing is required/available, and the distinction between experimental/theoretical psychology and applied/professional psychology.

PSY 5110 Theories of Personality I (2 credits)

This course explores the major theories of personality including Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Biological, Cognitive, Trait-Factor, and Humanistic/Existential approaches. Students study individual theories and compare and contrast these theoretical positions in terms of current research. It is strongly recommended that students take this course concurrently with PSY 5120.

PSY 5120 Theories of Personality II: Applications in Clinical Psychology (1 credit)

In this course, students explore the relevance and application of personality theories to the profession of psychology, particularly clinical psychology and other mental health service provider specialties. It is strongly recommended that students take this course concurrently with PSY 5110.

PSY 5130 Life Span Development (3 credits)

This course surveys the major theoretical perspectives on life span development from conception through late adulthood. Developmental processes related to physical, cognitive, moral, and emotional functions are reviewed as well as societal and cultural aspects of development.

PSY 5230 Relational & Contextual Factors in Psychology (1 credit)

This course includes reviews and study of contemporary literature involving the roles and impacts of relationships and situational variables in behavior and behavior change, particularly in therapeutic relationships.

PSY 5280 Ethics, Laws & Standards of Professional Practice (3 credits)

This course is a study of the ethical and legal issues confronting the practicing psychologist. Topics related to clinical methodology, standards of practice, and inter-professional relations are explored. Students learn principles of ethical decision making, standards for human and animal use in research, and standards of care specified by state and federal laws. Emphasis is placed on exploration of the emotional impact that major ethical and legal dilemmas have on decision making. Students also master the current code of ethics of the American Psychological Association and other professional codes of ethics, such as the code of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy or the code of the American Counseling Association. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution. Cross-listed and equivalent with ORG/PSY 6520.

PSY 5290 Theories & Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy (3 credits)^

This course is an overview of the psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, and existential/humanistic schools of psychology, as well as corresponding models of counseling and frequently used assessment and therapeutic techniques. The primary focus in the course is on the development of both skills and rationale in the application of intervention strategies to treatment and case management. This course may not be transferred in.

PSY 5310 Fundamental Data Analysis & Research Design (2 credits)

This course emphasizes statistical concepts related to distributions and methods most appropriate to data and theories in psychology. The focus is on a quantitative approach to the concepts and methods of statistical inference. Topics include sampling, frequency distributions, estimation, and probability. Statistical techniques in analysis and interpretation of experimental data include estimation and testing, analysis of variance, experimental designs, linear regression, and correlation. Various statistical models are discussed including analyses of variance, covariance, and multiple regression; non-parametric statistics; components of variance; and designs and analyses for multi-factor experiments. Basic research design issues are addressed, with a focus on selecting data analysis techniques to appropriately address research questions. It is highly recommended that this course be taken concurrently with PSY 5320.

PSY 5320 Fundamental Data Analysis & Research Design Lab (1 credits)

This is a laboratory course where students apply the concepts covered in PSY 5310 to various psychological problems and real life situations. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation experiences are heavily emphasized. PSY 5320 is a co-requisite or pre-requisite to this course. It is highly recommended that this course be taken concurrently with PSY 5310. PSY 5310 in conjunction with PSY 5320 comprise the equivalent of PSY 5400.

PSY 5330 History of Psychology (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the theoretical systems, methods of inquiry, and terminologies associated with the history of psychology. The course is grounded in a broad historical understanding that builds a framework for understanding the contemporary field of psychology. The focus is on the major systems of Associationism, Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Existential/Humanistic.

PSY 5410 Physiological Bases of Behavior (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide the student with a foundation of human physiology including the nervous, hormonal, reproductive, and sensory systems, and the attendant functions of digestion, sleep, learning and memory, emotion and other human biological functions. The course provides an essential knowledge base for most other offerings in the field of psychology.

PSY 5420 Principles of Social Psychology (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction and overview of the principles and theories of social psychology. The course includes exploration of behavior in groups, group impacts on individual behavior and the ways in which organizational rules and norms impact behavior. Constructs of social psychology, including social influence, social thinking, and attitude formation are covered and related to sociological and psychological research.

PSY 5530 Cultural Diversity & Individual Differences (3 credits)

This course provides a systematic review of the wide range of cultures and individual differences and the ways in which cultural mores, ethnocentrism, and factors such as matters of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, customs and cultures impact behavior of the individual themselves and of those around them. Through this course, students better understand themselves and others, in terms of perceptions and behaviors.

PSY 5520 Cognitive & Affective Bases of Behavior (3 credits)

This course studies the science of the cognitive and affective bases of behavior. The course reviews the contributions of cognitive psychology and also studies the effect of emotion and motivation on behavior. Cognitive psychology emphasizes perception, attention, memory, reasoning, language, imagery, and problem solving. Affective psychology focuses on emotional arousal, motivation, attribution, and mood. Students are thoroughly acquainted with research and research methods in this area and also focus on how this information applies in clinical practice. Prerequisite: PSY 5510 or equivalent.

PSY 6160 Family Systems & Dynamics (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to the systems approach to intervention with families. It includes a historical perspective on family theory development. The focus is on obtaining knowledge and theory about the nuclear family in traditional and alternative forms. Normal family patterns of interaction, family life cycle, family of origin, family subsystems, and societal influence are explored. Contemporary issues and outcome research literature are reviewed. This course serves as a knowledge base for further study of assessment, treatment, and intervention with families.

PSY 5610 Psychometrics: Tests & Measurements (3 credits)

This course involves the study of the theory and practice of psychological measurement. The focus is on the process of measuring and differentiating variables of psychological interest. Students explore basic concepts of measurement and the principles of test construction. The course familiarizes the prospective professional psychologist with the common tests used in psychological and educational practice. These include intellectual, aptitude, and achievement tests; interest inventories; personality tests; and social measures.

PSY 6961 Clinical Practicum (Not less than 350 Hours, 1 credit per term, 5 Terms)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 350 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. This clinical practicum is conducted in the Counseling Center.

PSY 7210 Psychopathology I: Adults (3 credits)^

This course focuses on the etiology and diagnosis of adult psychopathological disorders. Students develop skills in case conceptualization and addressing adult disorders, differential diagnosis and construction of a systematic treatment plan, emerging treatment revision, assessment of outcome, termination, and ethical issues in the treatment process. While placing treatment within a theoretical context, the real emphasis in this course is on treatment techniques aimed at symptom and problem reduction. Benefits and limitations of the diagnostic process are reviewed. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution. This course may not be transferred in.

PSY 7220 Clinical Personality Assessment: Objective Techniques (3 credits)

This course involves the study of the theory and practice of objective personality assessment. The course focuses on how objective personality assessment is used to provide information in educational, psychiatric, industrial, and medical practice. Primary emphasis is on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - 2nd Edition, and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory - 3rd Edition. Secondary emphasis is on the Personality Assessment Inventory and tests of normal personality functioning. In addition, the student gains familiarity with numerous scales and inventories used to measure functioning in educational, industrial, and psychiatric practice.

PSY 7962 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

PSY 7360 Psychopathology II: Children & Adolescents (3 credits)^

This course focuses on the etiology and diagnosis of child and adolescent psychopathological disorders. Students develop skills in addressing disorders of childhood and adolescence, as well as psychotherapeutic techniques to be employed with children and adolescents with a broad range of psychological problems from stress reactions to psychosis. Treatment modalities include group, family, and individual. The course includes an examination of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence with emphasis on diagnostic classification systems for children, major types of disturbances, assessment techniques, and etiology as related to constitutional, environmental, and familial factors. Benefits and limitations of the diagnostic process are reviewed. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution. This course may not be transferred in.

PSY 7340 Assessment of Intelligence (3 credits)

This course involves the study of the theory and practice of intellectual assessment. The course focuses on how intellectual assessment is used to provide information in educational, psychiatric, industrial, and neurological practice. Primary emphasis is on the assessment instruments developed by David Wechsler, PhD. Secondary emphasis is on the Stanford-Binet and Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children. The student also gains familiarity with numerous intelligence tests and achievement tests used in school and industrial settings and with tests used with non-traditional clients. Prerequisite: PSY 5610 or equivalent. Equivalent to PSY 6100.

PSY 7963 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training. Prerequisites: Completion of practicum application and permission of instructor.

PSY 6470 Theories & Techniques of Group Counseling & Psychotherapy (3 credits)

This course is a study of the history, theory, and practice of group counseling and psychotherapy. Several major contemporary models of group counseling are examined. Instructional methods include both didactic presentations and experiential methods. Students are afforded the opportunity to participate in a training group as a group member and as a leader. A strong emphasis is placed on ethical standards and self-assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses that affect group leadership.

PSY 7490 Integrative Report Writing (2 credits)

This course demonstrates essential components that make up report writing commonly used in the field of mental health, including forensic/criminal/custody, school, traditional psychological, neuropsychological, industrial/organization, and other areas. Common structure of various types of reports will be considered, but with attention also given to more focused mental health venues. Common elements in report writing, integrating report writing, treatment plans and progress notes and summaries, evaluation of treatment outcomes, and documentation will be covered. Practice in writing reports will be a vital part of the course as well as review examples of well constructed reports. Finally, ethical issues of report writing will also be examined.

PSY 7964 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

PSY 6580 Human Sexuality & Sexual Disorders (3 credits)

This course focuses on the sexual response cycle, sexual identity, and the treatment of sexual disorders in clinical practice. The primary emphasis is on the way in which a disturbance in the processes of the sexual response cycle (desire/excitement/orgasm/resolution) leads to sexual dysfunction. The student also becomes familiar with the paraphilias and gender identity disorders.

PSY 7540 Clinical Personality Assessment: Projective Techniques (3 credits)

This course involves the study of the theory and practice of projective personality assessment and the way in which projective assessment is used to provide information in clinical practice. Primary emphasis is on the Comprehensive System for scoring and interpreting the Rorschach Ink Blot Test. In addition, the student gains familiarity with the Holtzman Inkblot Technique, the Thematic Apperception Test, and projective drawings.

PSY 7965 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

Elective (3 credits)

PSY 7620 Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology (3 credits)

This course is focused on the skills necessary to successfully complete a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology and work as a licensed psychologist. This includes completing a dissertation, obtaining an internship, completing post-doctoral hours, securing state licensure and gaining professional employment. The student is prepared to become a positive representative of, and contributor to, the mental health professional community.

PSY 7640 Quantitative Research Design (3 credits)

This course extends a student's knowledge of the principles and procedures involved in complex behavioral sciences research. The goal is to provide the student with an educational experience that allows him or her to become an informed consumer of scholarly psychological research. The course also prepares the student to conduct advanced research. Topics include philosophy of science, advanced research methods, and analysis of variance.

PSY 7971 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

PSY 7740 Qualitative Research Design (3 credits)

Readings and exercises in this course emphasize design, analysis, and research concepts most appropriate to investigating intangibles and common data in psychological modeling. Techniques of methodological design related to observational, evaluative, systemic, psycho-historical, phenomenological, heuristic, mythic, and case methods are emphasized. Other course topics include data collection, reliability, validity, data summary and analysis, data reporting, influences on response rate, techniques of survey sampling (mail, questionnaire, and telephone surveys), and semi-structured interview schedules. Research issues of protection of human subjects, privacy, and confidentiality are also addressed. Students are supervised and share experiences gained while preparing to develop, administer, and analyze qualitative research projects. Emphasis is placed on the role that qualitative methodologies play in the world of research.

PSY 7720 Evidence-Based Practices in Psychotherapy (3 credits)

The recent trend toward empirically-based treatments excludes other, more potent factors responsible for psychotherapy outcome. This course takes a critical look at "business as usual" in mental health, exposes its mythmakers, and translates the latest research findings on what really works in therapy into empirically supported principles for clinical practice. It emphasizes practical skill building over theory by teaching students how to use valid and reliable feedback from clients to deliver effective, efficient, and accountable care.

PSY 7972 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

PSY 8800 Psychopharmacology (3 credits)

This is a required course which all students much complete at University of the Rockies or through transfer credit. This course includes an examination of basic neurobiology, the brain, CNS, and biologic models of major psychiatric illness. Students examine in-depth the clinical uses, mechanisms of action, therapeutic efficacy, side effects, and other practical and clinical issues associated with psychotropic medications. These medications, designed to treat mental illness, include anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety agents, and anti-psychotic medications. This course also examines the match between different clinical subgroups and various psychotropic medications, as well as the complex relationships between substance abusing or chemically dependent patients and psychopharmacologic treatments.

PSY 7870 Substance Abuse & Dependence (3 credits)

This course addresses the basic models and theories of substance abuse/chemical dependency; basic psychopathology and psychodynamics of substance abuse/chemical dependency; assessment, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of substance use disorders (including psychological testing and assessment with the MMPI-2, MAC, AUI, MAST, and others); and treatment models and modalities for substance abusing and chemically dependent clients.

PSY 7973 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

PSY 7940 Advanced & Multivariate Statistical Analysis (3 credits)

This course builds on the foundation covered in PSY 5310 and PSY 5320. The focus is on multivariate techniques commonly used in psychological research, such as factorial analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, repeated measures analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, multiple regression, factor analysis, canonical correlation, and other multivariate techniques. The emphasis is skill-building and conceptual understanding, with exposure to a variety of procedures, so students gain a solid understanding of the reasoning/logic behind statistical procedures. Extensive use of statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, R) will help illustrate techniques and concepts. This course prepares students to analyze and interpret data collected for the dissertation.

PSY 7950 Theories & Models of Supervision & Consultation (3 credits)

This course is designed as an interactive experience including a variety of exercises, group discussions, debates, and observations of supervision. The course prepares participants for a variety of therapy settings including private practice, agencies, and academia. The following critical areas of knowledge and skills are addressed: major models of supervision, development of a personal model of supervision, co-evolving therapist-client and supervisor's relationships, issues in supervision, and ethical and legal considerations related to supervision. Students are also acquainted with best practices for consulting in agency settings.

PSY 7974 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

PSY 7480 Neuropsychology (3 credits)

This course is designed to familiarize the student with language and terms used in neuroanatomy and physiological psychology. The course explores brain-behavior relationships that exist and are diagnostic in the practice of psychology. There is emphasis on the anatomy of the brain and the nervous system. The course also looks at several neurological conditions, including AIDS, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis as well as the psychological and neurological impacts of these diseases.

Elective (3 credits)

PSY 7975 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

PSY 8990 Dissertation (1 credit per term, 5 terms)

Students writing a dissertation must complete a total of five credits by registering for five consecutive terms of dissertation credit, one credit per term. Dissertations are written per the policies, practices and procedures in the Dissertation Handbook. Clinical program students register for dissertation after they complete PSY 7620, Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology.

PSY 7981 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

A continuation of Clinical Practicum III, this course allows advanced students to obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of providing psychological services in the form of psychotherapy, psychological assessment, supervision, and consultation to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the supervision of licensed psychologists. With the approval of the Director of Clinical Training, students may do this Practicum in a setting other than the Counseling Center.

PSY 7982-7985 Clinical Practicum (1 credit)

Students obtain direct clinical experience during 100 hours of participation in the provision of psychological services. Students provide clinical services in the form of psychotherapy and psychological assessment to a broad range of clients in collaboration with, and under the close supervision of, professional psychologists. Students write psychological intake and assessment reports as well as clinical progress notes. They also develop and implement treatment plans and present their work at case conferences. Students receive both individual and group supervision from licensed psychologists. Didactic training is included. Section subtitles listed in the course schedule reflect the topic of didactic training.

Electives (5-6 credits) (5-6 Credits)

PSY 8980 Pre-Doctoral Internship (1500 Hours; 1 credit per term, 5 terms)

The Internship year provides students with an intensive clinical experience building upon coursework, Practicum experiences, and supervision skills obtained during the first three years of coursework. Through their own investigation and with the assistance of the Internship Director at University of the Rockies, students obtain approved Internship sites either locally or at a distance to provide them with an opportunity to exercise clinical skills in their area of specialization or in general psychotherapy. Students are immersed during the Internship experience in a clinical setting that allows them to work full time in the field of psychology and therefore prepares them for a career in psychology. Students may refer to the Internship Handbook for detailed information regarding Internship requirements. All Internships must meet APPIC requirements.