The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan is a Boulder Model [Scientist-Practitioner] program that offers basic training in clinical psychology. It is a program with three distinctive qualities, each of which is recognized as a special strength of the program.

1. It has an orientation that provides a rich combination of the sociocultural, the family interactional, and the psychodynamic. Neuropsychology and cognitive-behavioral approaches are also represented.
2. It increasingly offers a life-span perspective in its course work, research emphases, and clinical training opportunities: these have been organized into a joint "Developmental Psychopathology" program that is shared by Clinical with the Graduate Program in Developmental Psychology.
3. Its structure features early and ongoing integration of academics, research, and clinical practice. Students begin practica [e.g., psychological testing] during their first year and continue the practicum experience in the second year [usually in local agencies] on a 6-8 hour a week basis; during the same two year period students are engaged in their Master's level research project; students begin half-time clinical work [internships] during their third year of training [again, most likely in one of the local training agencies] and at the same time continue to make progress toward their degree.

Thus, the program is designed to encourage the achievement of a scholarly understanding of the theoretical and empirical foundations upon which clinical applications are based, a mastery of research methodology appropriate for the study of deviant and distressed human behavior, and a professional level of competence in assessing and constructively intervening in personal and interpersonal problems. In the course of training, the student is made aware of significant scientific, professional, and social problems which confront the clinical psychologist.

The clinical psychology program is accredited by the:

American Psychological Association
Commission on Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979
"APA Committee on Accreditation"

The Department of Psychology's Program in Clinical Psychology received the Suinn Achievement Award (2005) from the American Psychological Association (APA). The award is given to university psychology departments that have demonstrated excellence in the recruitment, retention and graduation of ethnic minority students. The award, named after Richard M. Suinn—past president of the APA—was presented in August at the APA's annual meeting in Washington, DC.