Student Groups

The Safe Zone Project is a diversity training program that was adapted by LIU Post Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program to increase the doctoral students’ sensitivity, awareness and knowledge of important issues that concern lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. In an effort to provide clinical doctoral students with training that will help foster LGBT–affirmative attitudes and engender LGBT–sensitive psychologists, the LIU. Post Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program provides a Safe Zone training that is mandatory for all entering students enrolled in the program. By bearing some of the responsibility of training individuals to competently and ethically work with LGBT individuals and related issues, the Safe Zone Project is an integral part of the program’s effort to respond to the American Psychological Association’s call to clinical training programs for the promotion of knowledge and training in human diversity. Although the Safe Zone Project does not provide comprehensive clinical training for treating those with LGBT–specific problems, or sexual and gender identity/orientation issues, the training does prepare a new generation of students to be more informed, sensitive, and ultimately better clinicians to the LGBT community. The Safe Zone Project offers the opportunity for a dialogue about diversity and endorses the program’s provision of an atmosphere that respects all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, ethnic background, age, ability, and gender.

The Safe Zone Project is comprised of three training sessions, two that occur during the fall semester, and the third during the spring. Attendance at both sessions is mandatory for all entering students. For more information about similar Safe Zone programs at other universities, see the Safe Zone Project website.

Students for Multicultural Advancement in Research and Training (SMART)

SMART is an organization maintained and run by the program's doctoral students. Its primary aim is to promote and advocate for continued education and training in issues pertaining to diversity and under-served populations within the doctoral program in clinical psychology at LIU Post. Our interests include, but are not limited poverty, ethnic/cultural diversity, race, sexual orientation, identity, and disability, to name a few. 

SMART committee members organize activities and outings to provide an atmosphere for learning and discussion.  Previous activities have included obtaining a grant enabling us to invite renowned psychologists to provide colloquium lectures to the department, movie nights, and international pot luck dinners. The Smart committee aims to meet monthly on campus. Officials are elected on a yearly basis and hold their appointments for one year.  For more information please contact the program secretary to receive appropriate contact information of current officials. 

Objectives:

• To provide a supportive network of students who share a common interest in diversity. 
• To promote an awareness of cultural and minority issues within the program. 
• To disseminate academic information in our areas of interest.
• To promote program activities within the department whereby students can engage in active learning and discussion regarding issues pertaining to diversity. 
• To work with program faculty to increase a minority presence in both our student and faculty body.
• To work with program faculty to address current curriculum as it pertains to issues regarding diversity.  
• To develop and promote networking by inviting professionals from the community to discuss their experiences and knowledge in our areas of interest.

SMART Mission Statement

Students for Multicultural Awareness in Research and Training (SMART) is a student organization comprised of clinical psychology doctoral students at Long Island University, CW Post who are committed to promoting an awareness and respect of multiculturalism. Our goal is to provide future psychologists with an understanding of how social inequalities may contribute to the problems our clients face, and gain a fuller appreciation for the multiple and complex identities that shape their experiences. By means of fostering an open dialogue among students and faculty we strive to create culturally-informed clinicians and researchers. Doctoral Student Association (DSA)

The DSA is a student organization for the program that works to address the needs, concerns, and interests of the doctoral students. This group plans several social events during the year including student/faculty picnics, Doctoberfest, and holiday parties. 

Peer Mentor Program

All first-year students are assigned to a second year student mentor to assist them with their transition into graduate school. Oftentimes, students find this to be so helpful that these mentorship pairings surpass the first and second year of school, and continue throughout the program.

Spanish for Mental Health Professionals

Spanish for Mental Health Professionals (SMHP) consists of a collective of clinical psychology doctoral students whose main goals are to provide assistance and champion the support afforded to individuals who identify as Spanish and Hispanic within the context of mental health services. We're a student-created, student-run organization at LIU's PsyD program that's dedicated to research, advocacy, and service for Latinx/Spanish-speaking folks. Every year the students of SMHP have brought in guest speakers, presented posters at conferences and supported each other when providing clinical care to Spanish-speaking patients at the Psychological Services Center. Looking towards the future, we are interested in providing support to immigrants by offering a variety of services, including but not limited to coping skills, psychoeducation, and advocacy on relevant issues. The members of SMHP have been working to establish SAFE Mission Center to accomplish these goals. To learn more please feel free to reach out!

 Mission Statement

We, the students of Spanish for Mental Health Professionals (SMHP) of the Long Island University Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, believe that service to Latinx/Hispanic communities fulfills our program mission to serve the underserved; that developing resources and programs to meet the needs of Latinx/Hispanic communities are necessary and worthwhile endeavors; that considering, honoring, and embracing cultural differences within psychological practices enhance therapeutic relationships; and that through participating in SMHP each student will gain further understanding and appreciation of Latinx/Hispanic needs in mental health.

1. To promote the existence and welfare of Latinx/Hispanic individuals, families, and communities within the scope of mental health.
2. To stimulate psychoeducation, discussion, and movement on mental health within Latinx/Hispanic communities.
3. To abolish the stigmatization of mental health within Latinx/Hispanic culture.
4. To foster close relationships and cooperate with other Latinx/Hispanic-serving community organizations to promote positive psychoeducation and provide resources.
5. To honor and embrace cultural difference.