Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Specialization

PSY 5100 Assessment - 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 5200 Child & Adolescent Psychopathology & Treatment I (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. 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.

PSY 5210 Adult Psychopathology & Treatment I (3 credits)**

This course focuses on the etiology and diagnosis of adult psychopathological disorders. Students develop skills in case conceptualization and addressing adult disorders, and differential diagnosis. 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.

PSY 5250 Child & Adolescent Psychopathology & Treatment II (3 credits)**

The Treatment I-B course explores 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. Prerequisite: PSY 5200 or the equivalent. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution.

PSY 5260 Adult Psychopathology & Treatment II (3 credits)**

This course examines the methods and techniques employed to assist adult clients in the change process with specific reference to problem diagnosis, case conceptualization, 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. Prerequisite: PSY 5210 or equivalent. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution.

PSY 5300 Child & Adolescent Development (3 credits)

This course surveys the major theoretical perspectives on life span development from conception through adolescence. Developmental processes related to physical, cognitive, moral, and emotional functions are reviewed as well as societal and cultural aspects of development. In addition, applications to the counseling psychology therapeutic approach are covered.

PSY 5400 Statistics & Psychometrics (3 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 testing. 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. Emphasis is placed on the role quantitative methodologies play in the quest to discover what the world is like.

PSY 5500 History & Systems 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 5510 Biological 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 5600 Family Systems (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 5961 Clinical Practicum I (Not less than 350 Hours, 1 credit per term, 5 Terms)

Students conduct intake telephone interviews, learn record keeping procedures, explore legal and ethical issues, observe live psychotherapy sessions, view clinical supervision sessions, and co-lead groups. This course is preparation for Clinical Practicum II.

PSY 6100 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 5100 or equivalent.

PSY 6270 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. Prerequisites: PSY 5210 and PSY 5260, or equivalent.

PSY 6280 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 6300 Adult Development (3 credits)

This course explores the major theories of adult development related to emotions, personality, cognitive functioning, social and family influences, and physical functioning. Current theoretical approaches and research related to adult development are emphasized as well as practical applications in the therapy setting. Prerequisite (for clinical programs only): PSY 5300 or equivalent.

PSY 6400 Quantitative Research & Development (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. Prerequisite: PSY 5400 or equivalent.

PSY 6410 Qualitative Research & Development (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. Prerequisite: PSY 6400 or equivalent.

PSY 6510 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 6520 Professional Ethics, Standards of Practice, & Law (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.

PSY 6530 Theories and 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.

PSY 6600 Theories & Techniques of Marriage & Family Therapy I (3 credits)

This course is a didactic integration designed to introduce the student to the foundations of marriage and family therapy. It provides an overview of the major theoretical approaches to marriage and family therapy. Assessment techniques and intervention strategies are presented for all of the schools of thought, with an emphasis on intergenerational, communication, experiential, structural, and behavioral approaches.

PSY 6961 Clinical Practicum II (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 Switzer Community Counseling Center. Prerequisites: PSY 5960 or equivalent.

PSY 7021 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. Prerequisite: PSY 6400 or equivalent.

PSY 7100 Objective Assessment of Personality (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 7500 Theories of Personality (3 credits)

This course explores, in depth, the major theories of personality to include Psychodynamic, Behavioral/Cognitive/Trait-Factor, and Existential / Humanistic approaches. Students examine individual theorists and compare and contrast these theoretical positions in terms of current research. In addition, students explore the relevance and application of personality theories to the profession of psychology.

PSY 7520 Social Psychology (3 credits)

This course is an overview of the theories of social psychology. It helps the student explore how other people affect the feelings, thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors of an individual. Constructs of social psychology, such as social influence, social thinking, and attitude formation are examined in reference to social/psychological research.

PSY 7700 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 7800 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. Prerequisite: PSY 6510 or equivalent.

PSY 7950 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 7961 Clinical Practicum III (500 Hours, 1 credit per term, 5 Terms)

A continuation of Clinical Practicum II, students can obtain direct clinical experience during 300 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 Practicum is done in the Switzer Community Counseling Center. Prerequisite: PSY 6960 or equivalent.

PSY 8800 Psychopharmacology (3 credits)

This is a required course that all students must complete at UoR or satisfy 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. Prerequisites: PSY 5510, PSY 6510 and PSY 7800, or equivalents.

Three (3) 3-credit elective courses

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 UoR, 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.

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

Students begin the Dissertation process in Professional Issues II and III; however, they must subsequently enroll for 1 credit hour each term for 5 total credits, which is coordinated by their Dissertation advisor on a tutorial basis.