Clinical Psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. These range from short-term crises, such as difficulties resulting from adolescent rebellion, to more severe, chronic conditions such as schizophrenia. Some clinical psychologists treat specific problems exclusively, such as phobias or clinical depression. Others focus on specific populations: youngsters, ethnic minority groups, gays and lesbians, and the elderly, for instance. They also consult with physicians on physical problems that have underlying psychological causes.

Clinical Psychologists work throughout the United States in a variety of settings including individual practice, mental health service units, managed healthcare organizations, hospitals, schools, universities, industries, legal systems, medical systems, counseling centers, governmental agencies, and military services.

Employment of psychologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014, because of increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms, and private companies. Clinical and counseling psychologists will be needed to help people deal with depression and other mental disorders, marriage and family problems, job stress, and addiction. The rise in health care costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, alcoholism, and obesity, has made prevention and treatment more critical. An increase in the number of employee assistance programs, which help workers deal with personal problems, also should spur job growth in clinical and counseling specialties.

An earned doctorate from a Clinical Psychology program represents the basic entry level for the provision of Clinical Psychology services. Unique to Clinical Psychology training is the requirement of substantial course work in the areas of personality and psychopathology, resulting in comprehensive understanding of normal and abnormal adjustment and maladjustment across the life span. The American Psychological Association sets the standards for Clinical Psychology graduate programs and recognizes programs meeting these standards through an accreditation process. All states require a license to practice Clinical Psychology.

Psychology / Clinical - PhD
The Clinical Psychology specialization prepares individuals to practice as licensed psychologists in health care settings, community mental health centers, group practice settings, inpatient psychiatric settings, and private practice. Clinical psychologists promote psychological well-being, engage in prevention and early intervention of psychological difficulties, and provide treatment to clients experiencing severe psychopathology.

Psychology / Clinical - MS
This online MS degree program is designed for learners interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. You will develop the theoretical understanding, research, and assessment skills applicable to a clinical setting. While some learners may pursue licensure as psychology assistants or technicians, learners should know that this specialization does not prepare graduates for licensure as an independent, professional counselor or psychologist.

Psychology / Clinical - PsyD
The PsyD specialization in clinical psychology provides learners with comprehensive clinical training including psychopathology, psychological testing, and psychotherapy. Because this area is designed to prepare learners for state licensure eligibility as a clinical psychologist, it is a very rigorous program that requires online course work, residency, and field training experiences. Doctoral graduates typically pursue careers as independent clinical psychologists, but may also pursue careers in teaching, research, program administration, or consulting.

Clinical Psychology - MA
(Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Hawaii, Phoenix, San Francisco, Schamburg, Seattle, Tampa, Twin Cities, Washington DC)

The Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology program is designed to meet the needs of students seeking a terminal degree at the master's level and those who eventually plan to pursue a doctoral degree. The master's degree provides students a s trong clinical orientation as well as an emphasis on psychological assessment.

Clinical Psychology - PsyD
(Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Hawaii, Orange County, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Schamburg, Seattle, Tampa, Twin Cities, Washington DC)

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program has been designed to educate and train students so that they may eventually be able to function effectively as clinical psychologists. To ensure that students are prepared adequately, the curriculum provides for the meaningful integration of theory, training, and practice.

• Child & Family Psychology
• Diversity & Multicultural Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Health & Neuropsychology

Behavioral Intervention in Autism - Certificate
UMass Online's Behavioral Intervention in Autism Certificate is a four course certificate is designed to provide professionals in psychology, education, child care, and human services with an understanding of autism and related developmental disorders. It introduces behavioral methods and details how such methods can be used and evaluated. The certificate was developed in partnership with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, a pioneer for over three decades in research, education, and service for people with developmental disabilities and their families, the University of Massachusetts Medical School who formed a partnership with the Shriver Center in 2001, and UMass Lowell, to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth in an effort to reduce the impact of disease and disability, address inequalities in health and human service systems, and educate and develop compassionate healthcare and human service professionals. All courses BACB approved.