Psy.D. Curriculum

PSC Overview

The LIU-Post Psychological Services Center (PSC) provides a year long (September – July) practicum training experience for all students in their second year of the LIU-Post Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (terminal degree Psy.D.). The PSC practicum distinguishes itself, from those at other institutions and doctoral programs in clinical psychology, in a number of ways. These distinguishing factors – indeed advantages – fall under several domains:

• A high degree of integration with the LIU-Post doctoral program – facilitating the translation of theory and coursework to application and intervention;
• Physical proximity to the academic seat of the LIU-Post doctoral program – facilitating the continuation of coursework and the transition to field work;
• A wealth of diversity in clinical, research and consultation training experiences;
• An abundance of supervision of all forms of practicum work; and,
• Numerous opportunities for collaboration with and service to the LIU-Post community (including undergraduates, staff and administration) and communities locally and worldwide.

The following details many of the specific activities, and advantages these activities provide for PSC practicum students (who are also known as Graduate Student Therapists or GSTs – the terms will be used interchangeably in this report).

Integration with the LIU-Post Doctoral Program
The PSC offers doctoral students training that complements and adds to the academic instruction they receive within the doctoral program. While all courses prepare the doctoral students for functioning as a psychologist, there are some intersections of academic coursework and PSC practicum work that warrant particular mention.

Assessment –Under the supervision of Dr. Orly Calderon, Director of Assessments, students fulfill their requirements of the administration of at least two complete assessment batteries. These batteries must entail multiple domains of functioning (i.e., cognitive, personality, etc…) to ensure that the practicum student can consolidate the often complex and extensive information a psychological assessment can produce.

During the first year of graduate training doctoral students take a number of assessment courses. These include: Psy 803 (Cognitive and Neuropsychological Assessment), Psy 826 (Clinical Interviewing), Psy 804 (Personality Assessment) and Psy 851 (Assessment of Children).

During their practicum at the PSC students apply what they have learned during their first year in the application of numerous assessment tools that include, but are not limited to those that measure:

• Cognitive functioning (e.g., the WISC);
• Academic achievement (e.g., the WIAT);
• Personality dynamics (e.g., the Rorschach); and/or,
• Neuropsychological functioning.

Faculty and supervisors at the PSC supplement the first year course work with training in the use of additional assessment materials including:

• The Multi-Modal Life History Survey (Lazarus) to supplement data obtained during clinical interviewing;
• The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III to provide further information for diagnostic and personality assessment;
• Evidence-based, nationally used, computer assisted surveys such as Lambert’s Outcomes Quotient (OQ) to assess symptom level and progress in therapy; and,
• Measures assessing therapeutic process and outcomes such as the Assessment for Signal Clients (ASC).

In their second year, graduate students take Psy 805 (Integrating Test Findings and Report Writing) during their PSC practicum. Their experiences conducting assessments at the PSC brings this area of their training “to life.” The strategic scheduling of this course allows the students to apply academic knowledge immediately to interventions they are providing.

Theoretical Orientation – the LIU-Post Doctoral Psychology program emphasizes the mastery of two major theoretical orientations: Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) and Psychodynamic theories and techniques of clinical intervention. Of course clients coming in for service do not present with specifically “CBT” or “psychodynamic” concerns. Intervention may require a combination or integration of theoretical concepts and techniques. The PSC practicum experience helps the second year graduate student apply concepts learned in coursework and how what they have learned is applied in the actual clinical setting. This application requires a certain level of mastery of distinct theoretical orientations as well as thoughtful, ethical and strategic ways the concepts and techniques of different orientations could be integrated in actual intervention. There are unique aspects of the PSC that complements this focus on mastery and integration:

• While both the PSC Director and the Assistant Director are fluent in their mastery of theory and technique in CBT, psychodynamic and other theories and techniques, each of these leaders’ particular interests and strengths are more grounded by one or the other schools. Specifically, the PSC Director, a LIU PsyD graduate, specializes in psychodynamic, and integrative psychotherapy interventions. The Director of Assessment, a graduate of the Hofstra University, specializes in CBT approaches. The professional, and sometimes humorous, interactions between these two leaders brings to the training a healthy conversation of the comparison and combination of CBT and psychodynamic approaches.
  
  
• Client assignment at the PSC includes careful consideration of the appropriate theoretical orientation(s) that will guide treatment interventions. While this does not preclude a practicum student from exploring and utilizing techniques from other schools of thought, the focus on mastering CBT and psychodynamic theory within intervention is highlighted.
• During PSC team meetings practicum students are required to present 2 clients (one each academic semester) they are working with to the PSC faculty and their peers. This case conference challenges all trainees to conceptualize and integrate their clinical work from multiple theoretical orientations and multi-modal intervention strategies. Trainees also evaluate and respond to consultation questions their peers raise (during the latter’s case presentations).

Practice-Specific Education – in addition to academic courses on such larger domains as Developmental Psychology and/or Psychopathology, GSTs receive training at the PSC in more specialized topics that include:

• Taking a sexual history;
• Psychiatric Mental Status Examination;
• Formulating treatment goals and objectives;
• Determining level of care with clients with substance abuse; and
• Case conceptualization from different theoretical orientations.

These trainings are offered during weekly inservices as well as specially scheduled trainings (when needed).

As a part of their second year curriculum in the Doctoral Program, the GSTs also take a Professional Development Seminar. Instructors of this course include core and community faculty and assist the GSTs in their understanding of larger professional issues as well as issues that arise during their practicum placement. It is a course ideally scheduled for trainees who are often facing new professional issues for the first time.

Multi-Disciplinary Consultation – finally, GSTs benefit from training from interactions with experts from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. These have included:

• Psychiatric consultation from staff psychiatrists at Nassau University Medical Center  NUMC; and,
• Local school psychologists and counselors.

Experiences for Advanced Doctoral Work – GSTs at the PSC, with administrative and supervisory approvals, may sometimes provide longer term interventions for clients they have begun work with in their PSC practicum.

• Training, guidance and experiences at the PSC are also informed and guided by the fact that GSTs are required to complete and pass their Clinical Competency Exam (CCE) during their 3rd year in the doctoral program. Therefore, GSTs are encouraged to videotape sessions and review these during supervision for this purpose as well.
• More recently, the Doctoral program and PSC administration determined that GSTs would benefit from more formal evaluation of their administrative and clinical performance during the PSC practicum. As such, a grading system was developed and implemented.
• Advanced doctoral students (typically in their 4th year of the graduate program) provide peer mentoring for 2nd year students during their PSC practicum placement. This added support from more senior students has been well received and enriches both the mentor and mentee.

Proximity is a Plus
The building that houses the PSC is located on the LIU Post Campus.  This advantageous location presents a number of benefits for a practicum student. Specifically, it:

• Decreases the burden of travel and commute – leaving more time for the actually work and experience of their graduate program and practicum;
• Facilitates the continuation of coursework while the GST begins their first clinical experience as a ‘psychologist’ in training – GSTs can see a client, take a class and see another client afterwards;
• Helps maintain access to professors and advisors for academic and clinical work. Many of these faculty also serve as PSC supervisors;  and,
• All of the above helps to smooth the transition from student to clinician – an often daunting change for a trainee.

Diverse Clinical Training Experiences
PSC practicum students benefit from a variety of clinical training experiences that is comprised of a diversity of clientele and interventions.

Clientele - Located on the campus of LIU-Post, the PSC serves clientele from both LIU and the surrounding geographic area. In short it is a community clinic on a university campus. This presents some unique benefits for both populations.

Clients from LIU benefit from:

• Quality psychological services that are free of charge;
• The availability of low-cost, high-quality psychological services if students wish to continue treatment after graduation;
• Multiple locations and depth of service provision. Students can seek assistance from the Student Health & Counseling Center; however, should their struggles be of a more chronic nature, transfer to the PSC can be made quickly and efficiently. Sometimes a student can be seen in one location and walk (or be escorted) to the PSC for enhanced services. It should be noted that, as a free-standing community clinic, privacy and HIPAA regulations, enable LIU students to receive services at the PSC without fear of those services negatively impacting their academic experience and progress.
• The close collaboration of these two service providers also offers opportunities for joint larger scale interventions (e.g., workshops, presentations and the like).

Clients from outside of LIU benefit from:

• Location on a major thoroughfare, with accessibility to public transportation, the PSC offers individuals from the surrounding geographic area another resource for psychological services.
• The LIU-Post campus is located in the affluent town of Brookville, Long Island an area in close proximity to communities comprised of individuals of more modest means. For example, many of the inhabitants of Westbury, Long Island can be categorized as the ‘working poor’ (individuals with income sufficient to cover basic needs and little else). In fact, GSTs at the PSC see from all areas of Nassau County and some from western Queens and eastern Suffolk counties. This variety of clientele provides GSTs the opportunity to provide service to individuals from a range of economic situations.
• As GSTs are the direct service providers, and licensed faculty provide supervision, PSC clientele receive high-quality, low-cost service provision that is often less expensive than most insurance co-pays. Given the recent economic crises in our country, individuals from all economic strata have reported their relief at learning of the sliding scale, need basis fee determination in which no client is turned away for lack of resources. 
• A number of clients from the larger community report less anxiety –regarding continued stigma regarding mental health needs and services - when coming to the PSC. The PSC’s location, on an academic campus, provides an extra level of privacy as the client’s destination can be for a variety of reasons.

Client Diversity - PSC practicum trainees provide services to individuals varying in:

• Age – clients include those ages 3 years and older;
• Ethnicity/Race – the LIU student and larger geographic area is comprised of individuals representing all possible ethnicities.
• Educational background and status;
• Economic status (see section above);
• Religious affiliation and level of observance; and,
• Sexual and gender identity and expression.

These characteristics represent a few examples, not a comprehensive list, of a larger range of diversity in clientele that the practicum students serve.

Intervention Modality – PSC practicum students benefit from a wide range of diverse experiences in which they can intervene and serve their clientele and the public. These include:

• Screenings – GSTs have provided voluntary screenings for LIU undergraduate students such as LIU-Post Student Wellness Days and LIU-Post V-Day (Against Violence towards Women).
• Intake Assessments – with structured and unstructured tools;
• Treatment Planning – required for all ongoing therapy interventions;
• Individual Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults and geriatric clients – in emergency, short and long term basis;
• Marital & Couples therapy for heterosexual or same sex couples;
• Family therapy with a specialized supervision group which focuses on this particular mode of intervention;
• Group therapy (support, psycho-educational and psychotherapy) for individuals of all ages, specific types of issues (e.g., anger management) and range of disorders (e.g., affective, spectrum, etc.) and specialized supervision is available for group interventions.
• Assessment and Psychological Testing – for individuals of a variety of ages and differing assessment needs. Specialized testing experiences (e.g., for gifted students) is also available.
• Case Management – while not the focus of training, practicum students are given guidance, education and participate in projects (e.g., collaborative development of referral resources) that enhance their abilities as clinicians to assist their clients meeting a variety of needs.
• Training/Psycho-education Workshops – practicum students can develop and lead or co-lead workshops for clients on a variety of topics such as interpersonal effectiveness, anger management and sexual assault prevention (RAVE - Rape & Violence Education).

Integration with Faculty/Student Research
PSC practicum trainees are encouraged and supported in their endeavors to develop as researchers as well as clinicians. They have a variety of opportunities to conduct, assist with and present (locally and nationally) research on numerous topics such as:

• Psychotherapy Process Research;
• Supervisory Processes involved in Doctoral Training;
• Impact of Theoretical Orientation on Treatment Outcomes;
• Identification of factors (e.g. trauma history, attachment style) influencing treatment; and
• Impact of theoretical orientation on therapy process and outcome.

Supervision Opportunities
GSTs in the PSC practicum are provided with a wealth of guidance and support in the form of supervision. The PSC is fortunate to be able to provide a significant amount of supervision time with professionals who have a variety of experience and training.

Each week all GSTs participate in the following required supervision:

• 1.5 hours of faculty and peer supervision during the PSC Team meeting;
• 2 hours total (1 hour each) of individual supervision from a CBT and a psychodynamic framework;
• 1 – 3 hours (depending on need) of supervision for psychological assessment/testing; and,
• Either Family Therapy (1 hour) or Group Therapy (1 hour) supervision

The combination of a supervisor grounded in the department and one working in the field/community provides the GST with at least two views of the life of a psychologist.

Leadership of Supervisors
Oversight of all supervision provided to PSC Practicum students falls to the PSC Director, Dr. Fran Dalis and Dr. Orly Calderon, Director of Assessment.

Dr. Fran Dalis brings a particular set of experiences and skills to this work including:

• Years of direct clinical work in multiple settings and modalities;
• Extensive administrative oversight experience (e.g.,Former Director of Clinical Training for LIU PsyD Program)
• Specialization in Integrated Psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and families.  Registered Play Therapist, RPT-S.
• Provides the specialized Play Therapy Supervision;
• Conducts and supervises research on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Assessment and Intervention
• Administers Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments (ADOS-2 and ADI)
• Is an active member, and attends meetings held by, the Association of Directors of Training Clinics (ADPTC)

 Dr. Orly Calderon brings a particular set of experiences and skills to this work including:

 • Orly Calderon, PsyD., an associate professor at Clinical Psychology Program, Long Island University, is the Director of Assessment at the PSC.
• She has more than 20 years clinical and research experience in the area of psychological assessment.
• She specializes in assessment of ADHD and Learning Disorders

PSC Supervisors collaboration - PSC practicum supervisors work together to monitor, check the quality of and further develop the PSC practicum training process and supervision. To ensure the best practicum experience possible for the GSTs:

• Community supervisors meet on - a minimum of - an annual basis with the PSC Director for any particular issues needing resolution;
• All supervisors conduct their work of training, monitoring and guiding students based on the PSC Supervisor manual. This manual – developed by a subcommittee of PSC supervisors provides guidance and consistency between supervisors.
• Meetings and events can be scheduled at any time should the need arise.

Integration, Collaboration and Service to the LIU- Post Community
In addition to the aforementioned integration with the LIU-Post Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, the PSC also enjoys a healthy and active working relationship with many offices and services in the LIU-Post community. These collaborations ensure a fuller integration into the LIU-Post community which enhances both the PSC and LIU-Post as a whole. Current collaborations include PSC work with:

• The LIU Student Health & Counseling Center A respectful and effective working relationship between the PSC and the Student Health & Counseling Center enables each entity to direct their resources in the most effective manner possible. The Student Health & Counseling Center is able to serve a higher volume of students and address broader public health issues. The GSTs at the PSC are able to work with individuals with more chronic or debilitating issues and disorders. Together the PSC and the Student Health & Counseling Center ensure appropriate referral, triage and follow-up care for LIU students at no cost.
• The LIU Global College Program The PSC Director and select GSTs provide consultation to members of the LIU Global College to assist students who have been victimized in other parts of the world including China and Australia.

Collaboration and Service to the Larger Community
The LIU-Post PSC provides a wealth of experiences for practicum students through service opportunities beyond the borders of the LIU-Post community and campus. Giving back while getting specialized training and experiences create a unique experience that can impact a professional long after their graduate training is complete. Current projects and collaborations include:

• Outreach and collaboration with community school districts (e.g., North Shore schools and BOCES) for provision of assessment and clinical services;
• Community resource identification and evaluation of services offered through direct contact with the community agencies. Psychological services are provided at community-based locations such as Grenville-Baker Boys and Girls Club, North Shore School Administration and PTA.

Typical Weekly Schedule of Students

The following represents a typical fall and spring schedule for the week that includes courses, program requirements (lectures and externship/practicum). The program follows the Fall and Spring semester schedules listed on LIU’s academic calendar.  In addition to what is listed here, students also schedule academic advisement, dissertation supervision, and other meetings as necessary throughout the program.

*2nd Year students see clients by appointment in the PSC
** 3rd year externships require 16 hours at an externship, hours vary but cannot exceed 16 hours
** 4th year externships require 16-20 hours at an externship, hours vary but cannot exceed 20 hours
Summers: The summer session typically begins in mid-May until the end of June or first week in July. 2nd year students must maintain clients in the clinic until the end of July.

• In years 1 and 2, summer courses are typically scheduled one or two days a week between Mondays-Thursdays between the hours of 9am-5pm
• In year 3, students take the Internship Seminar Prep course. Dates and times vary, but typically begin in late May, meet every other week in June, and then periodically throughout the rest of the summer and early fall.

Course Descriptions

PSY 801: Psychological Statistics I

This is the first course in a two-course sequence on research and statistical methods. The curriculum includes basic information about research design, and about descriptive and inferential statistics.
Spring, Year 2, 3 credits

PSY 802 Psychological Statistics II

This course is the continuation of the study of research and statistics that was begun in PSY 801. We cover multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis, meta analysis, and ANCOVA.
Summer, Year 2, 2 credits

PSY 803/803L Cognitive and Neuropsychological Assessment

This course consists of three principal areas: 1) professional standards and test theory in psychological assessment; 2) preparation for administration, scoring and interpretation of objective test instruments (emphasizing intellectual assessment); and 3) a general introduction to clinical neuropsychology. Lectures, demonstrations, and supervised practice in administration/interpretation of select testing instruments are included.
Laboratory session: 2 ½ hours weekly. Fall, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 804/804L Personality Assessment

This course emphasizes the administration and clinical interpretation of both projective tests and self-report inventories of personality and psychopathology. Supervised practice in administration and analysis of test findings supplements lecture and in-depth examination of select case studies. Another major focus is the integration of findings from several tests and communication of results in preparing coherent reports.
Laboratory session: 2 ½ hours weekly. Spring, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 805/805L Integrating Test Findings and Report Writing

This course focuses on advances clinical interpretations of psychological tests of intelligence, cognitive functioning and personality. Attention is directed toward integrating findings from test batteries, formulating clinical interferences about adaptive functioning, and describing personality functioning in depth.
Laboratory session: 2 ½ hours weekly. Fall or Spring, Year 2, 3 credits

PSY 806 Advanced Adult Psychopathology

This course introduces the student to concepts of normality and abnormality. It covers basic theoretical models in conceptualizing how and why symptoms are formed and maintained, as well as the different etiological pictures entailed in various diagnostic categories (neuroses, character disorders, mood disorders, psychoses, trauma, psychosomatic disorders and perversions). Psychopathology is considered from an historical perspective (what has changed over time) as well as a cultural perspective (ways in which different cultures define mental health and foster specific defensive structures, and how cultural factors enter into diagnosis and misdiagnosis of pathology).
Spring, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 807 Behavioral Assessment

This course provides both theoretical and practical knowledge of behavioral assessment. Distinctions between traditional and behavioral assessment, psychometric principles, diagnostic considerations and treatment evaluation issues are included. Major behavioral assessment methods are reviewed and practiced.
Fall, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 810 Preparation for Clinical Work

This course encompasses a broad range of information relevant to beginning clinical practice in the psychological services center. Practical topics include protocols and procedures, such as specific forms and paperwork used to document provision of therapeutic services. Clinical topics include case conceptualization and managing crisis situations. These clinical aspects are conducted via a dual orientation approach, including both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy principles. All aspects of this course integrate best practices regarding cultural competence and ethics. This course will enable students to develop the knowledge base to understand and comply with expectations and requirements in the clinic and to complete accurate and functional documentation. It will also provide opportunities to improve professional and empirical skills, and prepare students to provide adequate and ethical clinical services to adults, children, and families in the PSC.   

Fall, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 811 Ethical Practice in Clinical Psychology

This course is devoted to the development of ethical and responsible clinical practice. Students learn to be sensitive to ethical decision-making models in the normal course of professional practice, and are exposed to various ethical decision-making models. General ethical principles, such as nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity and autonomy, through processing of ethical dilemmas, are a central part of the course. Comparisons are made between ethical, regulatory, civil and criminal issues and violations. Learning how to integrate ethical guidelines with good clinical practice is the basic objectives of the course.
Spring Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 820 Behavior Analysis

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory, principles and research strategies in the study of animal and human learning as well as the application of behavioral analysis in clinical practice.
Spring, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 821 Cognition, Perception and Cognitive Therapy

The course will review basic findings, theories and methodologies in the study of perception, cognition, and emotions in normal and abnormal behavior. Students will also be introduced to cognitive therapy conceptualization and the practice of empirically supported cognitive therapies.
Fall, Year 2, 3 credits

PSY 822 Individual Intervention: Psychodynamic

This course is designed to educate students in the theory and practice of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Basic concepts, such as transference, resistance, coutertransference, working alliance, termination and interpretation, are examined through readings, presentations and examinations. Students are introduced to object relational, interpersonal and self-psychology approaches to Freudian treatment. Modification due to patient psychopathology and time limitations are also considered.
Spring, Year 2, 3 units

PSY 824 Developmental Psychology: Lifespan

Provides students with both theoretical and practical knowledge about the human lifespan including an in-depth understanding of the bio-psycho-social contributions in the development of the self. The course will familiarize students with the many challenges and opportunities that individuals confront at various ages in the lifespan and provide sensitivity training about the contributions that an individual’s multicultural identity has on their unique personal development. Students will be prepared to conduct interviews utilizing developmental theories and research, which are appropriate to the developmental level and stage of life of the individual, through supervised case presentations.
Fall, Year 1, 3 credits

This course introduces the beginning doctoral student to the basic elements of the psychological interview. The course begins with topics such as the first meetings, listening, note-taking and establishing rapport. Later topics include history taking, mental status exams, special patients, recommendations and communicating findings.
Fall, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 830 Professional Development Seminar: Case Supervision I

This seminar will aim to facilitate candidate confidence and skill as clinicians. It uses lecturing, reading materials, case materials from formal student presentations and informal student participation to accomplish its goals. The seminar demonstrates the use of a psychoanalytic lens or a cognitive behavorial lens in the conceptualization of clinical issues, the formulation of treatment process, and the recognition of therapy as an intrapsychic/interactive process between patient and therapist. In the spring semester students take PSY 840 through the other lens (CBT or psychodynamic) that they did not receive in PSY 830.
Fall, Year 2, 3 credits

PSY 837 Introduction to Clinical Research

In this course students apply the critical thinking and rigorous methodologies of science to the practice of clinical psychology. The course will focus on research design as well as research strategies relevant to practitioners, and will provide a foundation of research and evaluation competencies that will help prepare students to complete the doctoral dissertation, as well as to consume and conduct research as psychologists. The course will cover both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Spring, Year 3, 3 credits

PSY 838 Doctoral Dissertation I

Student must have dissertation committee chair chosen.
Spring, Year 3, 3 credits

PSY 839 Doctoral Dissertation II

Student must have dissertation topic and dissertation committee members (two) chosen.
Fall, Year 4, 3 credits

PSY 840 Professional Development Seminar: Case Supervision II

Same course description as PSY 830. Student switches to the other theoretical lens (CBT or psychodynamic) that they did not receive in PSY 830.
Spring, year 2, 3 credits

PSY 841 Full-Time, Year-Long Internship

The fifth year of the program is spent at a full-year, full-time clinical internship. Various sites are available and most often students choose a site in their concentration area. Students must apply to internship sites, which vary in deadline and acceptance rate. Students must be accepted to and complete an internship program accredited by the American Psychological Association or listed as a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). PSY 841 is a requirement for completion of the program and receipt of the degree. Internships generally begin in June of the fourth year or September of the fifth year.
Special Fee, $200, 0 credits

PSY 842 Dissertation Supervision Continuation

During the fall and spring of the fifth year, students are required to register for dissertation supervision continuation. If a student successfully defends their dissertation before the fall semester of their fifth year, this course will be waived. A bound copy of the dissertation must be submitted to the program.
Year 4 Spring & Year 5 Fall course. This course has a special fee.

PSY 843 Dissertation Supervision Maintenance

If a student has not successfully defended his/her dissertation by the end of the fifth year and all other program requirements are completed, he/she must register for dissertation completion maintenance in each subsequent fall and spring semester. 
Spring Year 5 and Fall Year 6 course.
Can be repeated into Spring Year 6 and Year 7 if needed. This course has a special fee.

PSY 844 Biological Basis of Behavior

The purpose of this course is to study the brain through the examination of the nerve cell. Structure and function of the nervous system will be covered, along with neurotransmission and clinically relevant brain anatomy. Methods and techniques are used in the investigation of neural correlates. Contemporary disorders and issues are discussed with particular emphasis on pharmacological aspects of mental health practice.
Fall, Year 3, 3 credits

PSY 846 Elective: Interventions with High-Risk Families

This course will cover theory, research, prevention, and treatment approaches for families “high risk”. The course will begin with an overview and introduce assessment issues and methods, and then will examine victims and perpetrators and a range of “at risk” conditions including physical abuse, sexual abuse, child neglect, child psychological maltreatment, child witness to domestic violence, dating violence, and sibling violence. We will also cover special topics such as intergenerational transmission of aggression, issues of diversity in family violence (e.g., age, gender, race), exposure to trauma and loss and bereavement issues for families.
Fall, Year 3, 3 credits

This course is designed to provide a link between the doctoral program and the first semester for external field placement experiences (externships). Structured exercises and assignments are designed to produce productive discussions about the externship experience including adjusting to new work environments, new administrative structures and requirements, new patient populations, and new supervisory styles. Students are also guided through the process of selecting potential clients to be the focus of their Clinical Competency Evaluation (CCE).
Fall, Year 3, 3 credits

PSY 851/851L Assessment of Children

This course will cover theory and application in child assessment. In a combination of classroom and laboratory (applied) settings, students learn the principles of assessment with children, and become familiar with the content and administration of techniques of a range of standard child assessment tools. Students will administer, score and write a report for one child testing case.
Spring, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 852 Social and Community Psychology

An examination of small group processes and social problems in contexts that include issues of gender, disability, racism, homelessness, health psychology, adoption, terror management, environmental psychology, and media influences on aggression, race, and the psychotherapeutic profession. Theory and its application are emphasized.
Fall, Year 3 or 4, 3 credits

PSY 853 Group Psychotherapy

This course presents a psycho-historical orientation to group psychotherapy. The student will learn about large and small group dynamics – both within the clinic and in society at large. Concepts of group-as-a whole, containment, holding, cohesiveness, leadership (and co-leadership), prejudice and scapegoating, identification and individuation, etc. are covered.
Fall, Year 3, 3 credits

This course outlines approaches to diagnosis, assessment, and treatment for substance use disorders.  Several theoretical views of the etiology and maintenance of substance use disorders will be covered.  Students will be familiarized with the evolution of diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders along with a variety of methods for assessing these disorders.  A number of treatment approaches will be covered, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the transtheoretical approach to therapy.

PSY 860 Professional Development Seminar: Preparation for the Clinical Competency Exam (CCE)

This semester is a continuation of PSY 850 culminating in a written and oral case presentation to a panel of three professional psychologists (including on full-time faculty member). Students are evaluated on such factors as treatment plans and progress, ethical issues, difficulties with the case and sensitivity to human diversity.
Spring, Year 3, 3 credits

PSY 861 Child & Adolescent Psychopathology

Provides a historical perspective and conceptual models of child and adolescent psychopathology and emphasizes an integration of major developmental issues. The course focuses on specific diagnostic classifications pertinent to children and adolescents and covers clinical symptomatology, epidemiology, etiologic considerations, course and prognosis, familial patterns and influences and differential diagnosis.
Fall, Year 1, 3 credits

PSY 862 History and Systems of Psychology

This course covers the philosophical and historical roots of contemporary psychology. Topics include: 1) the question of psychology as science, 2) examples of myths that have permeated our discipline, 3) the prominent schools and systems of psychology, 4) the history of clinical psychology, 5) the role of gender, ethnicity and social issues in the history of psychology and 6) major ethical issues that are part of the history of psychology. Primary readings and letters exchanged by prominent philosophers and psychologists are discussed.
Spring, Year 2 or 3, 3 credits

PSY 863 Family Therapy (Elective)

This course provides a survey of a wide range of issues related to families. Basic theories regarding family functioning are discussed and a review of major family therapy modalities is presented. Throughout the course, attention is paid on the impact of social class, race, gender, ethnicity, physical disability and sexual orientation on the structure and function of families. Students have the opportunity to conceptualize the use of family therapy in their own concentration, to focus on a topic of particular interest, and to being to evaluate the impact of their own family experiences on their development and their work.
Spring, Years 1 and 2, 3 credits

PSY 864 Cultural Issues in Psychology and Psychotherapy

This course is designed to help students work more effectively with clients from different racial, ethnic or cultural backgrounds. The lectures and readings provide an introduction to aspects of non-European cultures especially African American, Asian American and Latino in order to help students to better understand their clients’ experiences, values and world view. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to clinical concepts that are central to the challenges of cross-cultural client work.
Spring, Year 3 or Fall, Year 4, 3 credits

PSY 865 Treatment of Children and Adolescents

Examines the psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches to dealing with various childhood disorders. Developmental psychopathology, childhood assessment and diagnosis, and consultation with school and families are included.
Fall, Year 2, 3 credits

PSY 870 Internship Preparation

The Professional Development Seminar is one of the series of courses designed to help students achieve a more advanced level of competence in professional psychology. This Seminar is designed to support students through the internship application process, as well as to strengthen competency in self-assessment, consultation, and self-care. The Seminar addresses the practical aspects of the internship process, including enrollment in the National Matching Services and online APPI portal, completion of the APPI application (essay development, calculating hours, categorizing clinical data, writing a C.V., writing cover letters, selecting supplementary materials), interviewing, ranking sites, the matching algorithm, Match Day, and Match II. The seminar also supports students to clarify their advanced training needs and goals to support a match that furthers professional development.

PSY 871/872 Clinical Issues in Psychology I & II (various topics)

This course covers advanced treatment of current issues in psychology chosen by the instructor. Registration by permission of the instructor and program director only. Hours arranged, 1, 2, or 3 credits Past topics have included: Self Psychology; and Personality Disorders. The workshop addresses site selection, essay development, calculating hours, categorizing clinical data, writing a C.V., selecting supplementary materials, interviews, ranking sites, the matching algorithm, match day, and the Clearing House. The format of the class is an open discussion, in which students will have the opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of applying to internship.
Offered Summer/Fall, Year 4

PSY 876/877 Special Topic Electives

Consideration of a topic in clinical psychology not covered in other courses such as neuropsychological testing, psychopharmacology, relational approaches to personality development, autism, language and thought disorders, feminist psychology, psychotherapy with difficult patients, psychology and law, psychology of addictions, DBT, etc.
Topics selected each year, examples and descriptions are listed below.

Object Relations Theories (Elective)

This course will provide a historical perspective and conceptual models of object relations theories and focus on the role of object relations in the etiology, development, and expression of psychopathology from childhood to adulthood. The course will survey the object relations theories of everyone from Melanie Klein to Peter Fonagy and the relational theorists, paying particular attention to the conceptual differences and similarities among these various theories. Empirical justification of object relations theories and the assessment of object relations as well as controversies and critiques of these theories will be considered. Case formulation using object relations models will also be covered. Finally, the course will introduce students to new directions in object relations theories offered by contemporary object relations theorists.
On Occasion, Pass/Fail, 3 credits

Unconscious Fantasies, Dreams, Free Association, and Creativity (Elective)

This course addresses the multiple roles and manifestations of one of the giant pillars of psychoanalysis: the unconscious. Unconscious fantasies, dreams, free associations, and the creative process are studied from a theoretical, clinical, and applied perspective. Abundant case material will be presented to enhance techniques with which to recognize and work with material from the unconscious.
On Occasion, Pass/Fail, 1, 2, or 3 credits

Couples Therapy (Elective)

Relationship discord and dissolution are widely prevalent and take an enormous psychological toll on partners, their children and their extended families. This course will cover the assessment and treatment of couple discord, detailing cognitive behavioral and more recent acceptance-based, integrative approaches. Course components will include experiential elements, exercises, and role-plays as well as discussion and didactics. Other treatments covered may include emotion-focused couples therapy and insight-oriented couples therapy.
On Occasion, Graded, 1, 2, or 3 credits

Psychopharmacology (Elective)

This course will cover basic concepts associated with the major categories of psychoactive medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotic meds, stimulants and depressants). Knowledge of drug-dosing, therapeutic index, cross-tolerance, substance-dependence and withdrawal will be covered, as well as drug-seeking behavior and the potential for misuse and abuse of medications. Emphasis will be placed on general principles of pharmacokinetics, including routes of administration, contraindications and mechanism of action.
On Occasion, Pass/Fail, 1 credit

PSY 878/PSY 879 Group Intervention Supervision I & II

All clinical psychology doctoral students are required to develop and lead two time-limited psychoeducational or psychotherapeutic groups during their second year in the doctoral program. This course provides for supervision of the first group leadership experience by faculty who are licensed psychologists. Students will meet weekly with co-leader(s) and faculty supervisor for the duration of the groups.
Fall & Spring, Year 2, 3 credits each

PSY 880 Supervision and Management of Mental Health Professionals

Focuses upon supporting advanced students in developing their skills as clinical supervisors and managers of psychologists as well as of professional and administrative staff in mental health and other disciplines. The structure includes a combination of didactic and experiential learning with readings encompassing issues of specific technique, interpersonal relatedness, authority and responsibility, ethics and organizational development.
Spring, Year 4, 3 credits

PSY 891, 892, 893 Psychological Clinic Practicum I, II, III

Offers the opportunity for Graduate Student Therapists (GST) at the C.W. Post Psychological Services Center (PSC) to receive supervised experience in the delivery of a variety of psychological services including individual and group psychotherapies, marital and family therapy, psychoeducation, prevention and wellness counseling and psychological assessment. In addition to weekly individual supervision by both faculty and community licensed psychologists, the GST participate in weekly group therapy supervision, clinic administrative meetings and educational seminars.
Year 2, 1 unit each

PSY 894, 895, 896 Clinical Externship

Supervised training in clinical psychology at program-approved externship sites for two days per week. Students meet bi-weekly with department faculty from group supervision of cases and issues from the training site.
Year 3, 1 credit each

PSY 897, 898 Clinical Externship

Supervised training in clinical psychology at program-approved externship sites for two days per week. Students meet bi-weekly with department faculty from group supervision of cases and issues from the training site.
Fall & Spring, Year 4, 1 credit each

PSY 899 Clinical Externship Continuation

For students continuing externship beyond requirement and before internship: Supervised training in clinical psychology at program-approved externship sites for two days per week. Students meet bi-weekly with department faculty from group supervision of cases and issues from the training site.
As needed, Year 5, 1 credit

Dissertation Requirement

Objective of the Dissertation Component of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program:

The Research Core (adapted from the NCSPP Competency-Based Training & APA Benchmark Training Guidelines)
In the research core a student develops sufficient knowledge and skills to create and conduct research related to the evaluation and improvement of clinical practice. This core consists of the successful completion of two semesters of Statistics, one Clinical Research Seminar, two independent courses developing and conducting the Doctoral Dissertation, and orally presenting the completed Doctoral Dissertation.

Completion of the doctoral training program is the culmination of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be a clinician developed throughout coursework, extern field experiences, assistantships, and research experiences.  Students who successfully defend their dissertations will have developed the following competencies, including the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to act as competent practitioner-scholars in the field of clinical psychology:

Knowledge Base:

Research Evaluation

• Understanding of different epistemologies, including an understanding of western science in its cultural context.
• Maintenance and expansion of breadth and depth of knowledge statistics and research design

Conducting and Using Research in Applied Settings

• Understanding of how to build new practice methods and adjust interventions based on evidence

Ethics and Professional Competence

• Inclusion of diversity issues in the development, implementation, and interpretation of research

Skills:

Research Evaluation

• Ability to critically evaluate research literature in terms of applicability to specific clinical questions
• Ability to smoothly explain relevant professional research literature to a client
• Ability to critically evaluate different epistemologies

Conducting and Using Research in Applied Settings

• Ability to design and conduct outcome research (individual client and/or larger participant group) in an applied setting
• Ability to functions as a peer consultant in research design and evaluation
• Completion of a major scholarly research project
• Dissemination of scholarly findings to the professional community.
• Ability to identify and attempt to control for personal biases that impact the design and implementation of research and the application of research findings in clinical settings
• Application of research in local clinical settings

Ethics and Professional Competence

• Ability to conduct research according to accepted ethical principles and standards
• Ability to function as a “local clinical scientist” in an applied setting

Attitude:

Research Evaluation

• Incorporation of scientific attitudes and values in work as a psychologist

Conducting and Using Research in Applied Settings

• Assumption of a leadership role as an evaluator and/or researcher in applied settings
• Investment in the application of research findings in local clinical settings

Ethics and Professional Competence

• Commitment to the importance of research and evaluation in ongoing inquiry and lifelong learning

The dissertation process includes the following steps:

• Research or advisement from a faculty member.  Students should proactively seek out discussions about possible research ideas and/or working with a faculty member on their research projects within the first two years of the program.
• Attendance at professional conferences and/or affiliation with professional organizations which will provide you with ideas about presentations, writing for publications, and research
• Your 2nd year research course may provide you with useful assignments for preparing the beginnings of your dissertation project
• Your 3rd year spring semester pre-proposal dissertation presentation.  Each student presents a less than 10-minute presentation of their dissertation topic thus far.  The presentation should be advised by the chair (which students choose in their 3rd year).  The presentation should include at least the following:

-General topic knowledge
-background
-proposed methods (qualitative or quantitative)
-theoretical framework
-Orientation information
-Research hypotheses

In the summer before your 4th year, you must have two additional committee members selected.  The extent to which these members are involved in your study will depend largely on the project, your relationship with them, and your chair. 

Method for Assessing Student Progress & Attainment of Objectives

Dissertation Evaluation:  There are several distinct written evaluations that are provided to students from start to finish of their dissertation projects. Please consult the dissertation roadmap and the Individual Timeline to Dissertation Completion templates.

• Individualized Dissertation Timeline to Completion:  (IDTCP): All students will begin making a dissertation plan at the start of their time in the program.  At first this will include informal discussions with faculty they have an interest in working with and/or discussing topics with.  By the spring of their second year, students will work on a topic in their research course (which typically becomes their dissertation topic).  All students should review the timeline plan and discuss the process with their advisors and (later) chairs.   

• Pre-dissertation Proposal Presentation Form: Prior to the formal dissertation proposal meeting, third year students are scheduled to present their dissertation ideas to the entire doctoral community. Each attendee completes an anonymous review form and the presenters receive all of this informal written feedback.
• Dissertation Continuation Evaluation: Every semester from a student’s fourth year and on, the dissertation advisor will complete a dissertation continuation form.  These evaluations help to show continual progress on a students’ dissertation and/or help remediation a student’s progress when necessary. 

• Dissertation Proposal Evaluation and Self-Evaluation: After the formal dissertation proposal to the student’s three committee members, this form is completed and the student receives these along with a feedback discussion from their chair.  The self-evaluation portion of the form should be completed by the student prior to the proposal meeting.  Committee members will give the student feedback and required revisions.  After the proposal meeting, the student should meet with their chair to discuss the feedback and complete the revisions roadmap section of the form. 
• Dissertation Defense Evaluation: Once the formal oral dissertation defense is held, each of the three committee members completes this written evaluation form and when the doctoral candidate returns to the presentation room, this written feedback is reviewed.  Note that the Dissertation Proposal Revisions form will be reviewed at the defense by your committee.  It would be best to send your committee copies of these forms when you submit your final draft to your committee before the defense. 

Dissertation Course Sequence / Pre-Requisites:

• Pre-requisites:
  -PSY 801, Statistics I
  -PSY 802, Statistics II
  -PSY 837, Clinical Research
• PSY 838: Spring 3rd Year (must have committee chair)
• PSY 839: Fall 4th Year (must have 2 additional committee members)
• PSY 842: (Registered for twice, Spring 4th year & fall 5th Year
• PSY 843: Ever semester after Fall of 5th Year (If student has not defended by the start of the spring semester of their 5th year, must register for 843 every semester until successful defense

The Dissertation Defense
Each student is required to submit in writing and orally present the results of a Doctoral
Dissertation. This will demonstrate the student's ability to apply psychological principles to clinical problems. The dissertation is a culminating activity that requires students to demonstrate mastery of an area of professional interest and to make a meaningful contribution to the definition or solution of a problem or question or elucidation of an area of clinical interest.

The doctoral dissertation in the Psy.D. Program is usually practice related research. Students will master the literature in the area of the chosen topic as well as design and carry out a research project. Students will work closely with the Dissertation Committee Chair in designing the study and in deciding on procedures for analysis of the results. Committee members will serve as consultants when appropriate and work with the student and chairperson toward approval of the final proposal. The final product must demonstrate that the student can critically examine a problem, integrate information, operationalize concepts, implement a research project and communicate the essential aspects of the study. The project aids the Psy.D. student in developing the critical thinking skills and the writing skills essential for professional practice in a manner consistent with the traditions of psychology.

There are some students who decide, in consultation with their faculty advisor or another member of the full time faculty, to pursue a theoretical or non-empirical dissertation. In such situations the student will also be required to have a formal proposal meeting and formal approval by a dissertation committee.

Other Program Requirements

The program has additional requirements beyond that of coursework and clinical experiences. These are listed by year below and described in further detail below. Some requirements are offered by the program and included in our schedule of events. Others (SAVE and Child Abuse Reporting) are offered by the continuing education office at LIU Post.

Year One: Other Requirements

Attendance at Program Lectures (Wednesday and Thursdays lunchtime)
SafeZone (monthly)
Child Abuse Reporting Workshop
Project SAVE

Year Two: Other Requirements

Attendance at Program Lectures (Wednesday and Thursdays lunchtime)
Psychological Services Center Practicum and related requirements

Year Three: Other Requirements

Attendance at Program Lectures (Wednesday and Thursdays lunchtime)
Completion of 16-20 Hour per Week External Externship
Completion of Clinical Competency Evaluation (CCE)
Completion of successful dissertation proposal

Year Four: Other Requirements

Completion of 16-20 Hour per Week External Externship
Continued Work (or completion) of Dissertation
Year Five: Other Requirements
Completion of Full-time Internship
Completion of Successful Dissertation Defense

OTHER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING

Colloquium and Concentration Meetings
In the first, second and third years, students are required to attend events scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the fall and summer semesters, typically 12:30 pm to 1:50 pm.  These lectures are sponsored by the programs’ student groups, concentration coordinators, and/or the program colloquium series.  A schedule of events is posted at the beginning of every academic semester. Attendance at all concentration meetings, colloquium, and S.M.A.R.T. events is mandatory for all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students.(Information on S.M.A.R.T. can be found in the “Student Groups” section of the website).

4th year students must attend their concentration lectures every semester.

Requirements Offered by the Program:

SafeZone Training
All first year students attend monthly trainings with student-staffed SafeZone leaders in the fall and spring semesters.  These are typically schedule for the first Thursday of every month from 12:30 pm to 1:50 pm.

H.I.V. Workshop for Psychologists
Offered every 2-3 years by the LIU Post Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program OR taken in another setting by the student (often offered online by providers approved by New York State).

Requirements Offered by LIU Post’s Continuing Education Office:

Project S.A.V.E.
Students must complete before beginning PSC Practicum Placement. Available through LIU Post’s School of Continuing Education.

Child Abuse Identification & Reporting
Available through LIU Post’s School of Continuing Education.

Other Program Requirements (tied to coursework)

Clinical Competency Evaluation (CCE)
In PSY 860, taken during the spring of the third year, students begin preparing for their Clinical Competency Evaluation (CCE).  Work on this case presentation  continues in the summer of third year when the student is assigned a chair and two additional panel members.  Students present their case to the panel, along with a paper.

The date for the CCE must be scheduled by the student by June 15 of his/her third year. The CCE scheduled date can occur after the June 15 date. Students must pass their CCE before applying in their fourth year for internship for the following academic year (fifth year).

Dissertation Proposal
Completed, generally, in the fall of student’s fourth year. Students must propose by October 15 of their fourth year in order to be approved to apply for internship. A final draft of their proposal must be to their dissertation committee chair by August 1. Once the proposal has been passed, students must complete their Institutional Review Board (IRB) application before moving forward with data collection.

Dissertation Defense (associated courses: PSY 838, 839, 842, 843) 
Students must defend their dissertations and hand in a bound copy, with the signatures of their dissertation committee members, to the program in order have this requirement considered complete.