Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Pre-Clinical Psychology

erin.sullivan — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:09:45 +0000

Pre-Clinical Psychology erin.sullivan

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 16:09

Undergraduate (BA) + Doctoral (PsyD)

9 Year

Begin a Journey that Transforms Lives

Turn your passion for understanding people into a meaningful career helping them thrive. The Pre-Clinical Psychology Pathway at D’Youville University is an undergraduate pre-health route designed to prepare students for advanced study in psychology and direct entry into the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. Students build a strong foundation in behavioral science, mental health, and human development—gaining the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to support individuals across diverse populations and settings.

Job Titles to Explore

Clinical Psychologist
Health Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Child & Adolescent Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
School Psychologist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Community Mental Health Specialist
Research or Academic Psychologist

Employment Settings to Explore

Hospitals and Medical Centers
Community Mental Health Clinics
Private Practice
Schools and Universities
Rehabilitation and Wellness Centers
Correctional Facilities and Forensic Settings
Government and Military Health Services
Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations
Academic and Research Institutions

$94,310

Median National Annual Wage in 2024
6%

National Job Growth Projected by 2034 (Faster Than Average)
54%

Increase in positions to work with older adults
Hybrid

Requires some online and some in person instruction

Learn About Pre-Clinical Psychology Pathway Degrees

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Why D'Youville

Hands-On Experience: Gain real-world insight through research, labs, and community-based learning focused on behavioral health and human development.

Interprofessional Collaboration: Learn alongside students in nursing, counseling, public health, and other healthcare programs—mirroring the teamwork found in clinical practice.

Holistic Focus: Embrace D’Youville’s whole-person approach to wellness, addressing the mind, body, and spirit in every aspect of care.

Mission-Driven Learning: Become part of a compassionate community committed to improving mental health outcomes and advancing social equity.

Career and Graduate Readiness: Build the academic foundation and practical skills needed to succeed in graduate study or entry-level behavioral health roles.

Pre-Health Pathways

Pathway Options

You can choose to apply to enter the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Clinical Psychology Pathways to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed:

Psychology (BA)
Communication Science & Disorders (BS)
Mental Health Counseling (MS)

There are two tracks recommended to set yourself up for applying to the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program. These options allow completion of the undergraduate and doctoral program in 9-11 years.

Pre-PsyD Undergrad Advisory Track:

There is currently no early assurance pathway available for direct entry into the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program. We encourage students that are interested in pursuing Clinical Psychology to enrolled in the Psychology (BA) or Communication Science & Disorders (BS) program.

Pre-PsyD Masters Advisory Track:

Students may also apply for entrance into the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program after completing the Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS).

Careers

The Pre-Clinical Psychology Pathway provides the foundational studies in psychology, neuroscience, and research methods needed to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and build a meaningful career assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders to promote lifelong psychological health and well-being.

A Clinical Psychologist’s Role

Clinical Psychologists are highly trained professionals who specialize in understanding human behavior and mental processes to help individuals manage emotional distress, psychological disorders, and life challenges. They use evidence-based assessment and treatment methods—such as psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and psychological testing—to guide patients toward healing and personal growth.

Grounded in the sciences of psychology, biology, and social behavior, clinical psychologists blend research and practice to improve mental health outcomes. They work closely with individuals, couples, and groups to build coping strategies, enhance resilience, and promote lasting well-being. Many also conduct research, train future clinicians, and influence public policy related to mental health and wellness.

Industries & Settings

Clinical Psychologists are employed in a wide range of healthcare, educational, and research settings, including:

Hospitals & Medical Centers – Collaborating with physicians and care teams to evaluate and treat patients coping with mental or physical health conditions.

Private Practice – Providing individualized therapy and psychological testing for clients of all ages.

Community Mental Health Clinics – Offering counseling, crisis intervention, and support for diverse populations.

Schools & Universities – Supporting student well-being and academic success through counseling and educational assessments.

Research & Academia – Conducting studies on mental health, cognition, and behavior, and teaching future psychologists.

Job Outlook

Clinical Psychologists continue to be in high demand as the need for qualified mental health professionals grows nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists was $96,100 in May 2023, with employment projected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth reflects the increasing recognition of mental health as a vital component of overall wellness and the expanding role of psychologists in integrated healthcare, education, and community programs.

For more information about the job outlook for Clinical Psychologists, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Contact Admissions

Request Info

Apply Now

James Sherwood

erin.sullivan — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:53:35 +0000

James Sherwood erin.sullivan

Wed, 10/04/2023 - 10:53

James Sherwood, PhD

Director of Mental Health Services at Thrive

(516) 587-1340

sherwoodj@dyc.edu

DAC 135

Biography

Dr. Sherwood has been a licensed psychologist for 30 years. Experiences include the assessment/evaluation of children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Dr. Sherwood has also taught graduate students, medical students and internal medicine/family practice residents in the social medicine field at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and other academic institutions.

Education & Training

PhD, Clinical Psychology with a Proficiency in Child & Family, The California School of Professional Psychology, 1991
MA, Clinical Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1986
BA, Psychology & Biology, Lycoming College, 1983

Research Interests

Anxiety Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence

Awards & Honors

Departmental Honors in Psychology, Lycoming College, 1983

Publications

Sherwood, J. V., O'Connor, K. J. (1991) "Anxiety Disorders in Children." Clinical Psychology Review, 11, no 4: 487-488.
Sherwood, J.V., Potash, H.M. (1988) Induced anxiety, defensive style and performance of the TAT. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 44 (5), 817.
Sherwood, J.V. (1987) Facilitative effects of gaze on learning. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 64, 1275.

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Julie Baker

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:50:13 +0000

Julie Baker api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:50

Julie Baker, PhD

Assistant Professor

bakerj@dyu.edu

DAC 122

Biography

Dr. Baker teaches graduate (PsyD, M.A. Psychology) and undergraduate (Psychology, Neuroscience majors) courses in physiological psychology, neuropsychology, clinical psychopharmacology, psychometrics, health psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive and affective processes, psychopathology, counseling & psychotherapy, stress, trauma throughout the lifespan, personality and individual differences, research methods & design, and statistics. Dr. Baker is also a part-time instructor at Brock University in the Department of Psychology since 2010, is faculty of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA), and is an affiliate member of the Neuropsychology Cognitive Research Lab at Brock University.

Dr. Baker has held a variety of scholarships and research grants (e.g., SSHRC; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, OGS; Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and the APF; American Psychological Foundation) with her research focusing on neuroemotional and neurocognitive sequelae in persons with neurological compromise, particularly traumatic brain injury, including indices of atypical indices of sympathetic nervous system and/or neuroendocrine reactivity in response to stress; neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD); and, the impact of stress and/or trauma on psychological functioning including trauma and stressor-related disorders (e.g., PTSD). This research has been presented at a variety of national and international conferences (e.g., International Brain Injury Association; American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine; North American Brain Injury Society; Canadian Psychological Association). Her expertise in the neurobiological, affective and cognitive underpinnings of behaviour across the lifespan (paediatric to geriatric) is emphasized in her teaching, research, and experiences in neuropsychology.

Education & Training

Ph.D., Psychology (Behavioural Neuroscience), Brock University, Canada (2015)
Doctoral Internship in Clinical Neuropsychology, Niagara Health System Department of Mental Health & Addictions (2015)
M.A. Psychology (Behavioural Neuroscience), Brock University, Canada (2010)
B.A. Psychology, Honours, Brock University, Canada (2007)

Research Interests

Neuroemotional and neurocognitive sequelae in persons with neurological compromise, particularly traumatic brain injury, including indices of atypical indices of sympathetic nervous system and/or neuroendocrine reactivity in response to stress neurocognitive (e.g., mild cognitive impairment; TBI) and/or neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD) and the impact of stress and/or trauma on psychological functioning including trauma and stressor-related disorders; neurobiological, affective and cognitive underpinnings of behavior across the lifespan (pediatric to geriatric).

Publications

Baker, J. M., & Good, D. E. (2014). Physiological emotional underarousal in individuals with mild head injury. Brain Injury, 28(1): 51–65. doi:10.3109/02699052.2013.857787
Baker, J., & Good, D. (March 2016). Emotional functioning and reactivity of university students to emotionally-evocative stimuli as a function of a history of mild head injury. Paper presented at the International Brain Injury Association 11th World Congress on Brain Injury, The Hague, Netherlands [abstract]. Brain Injury.
Baker, J., & Good, D. (April 2016). Post-concussive symptom report profiles of university students with and without self-reported mild head injury. Paper presented at the Annual North American Brain Injury Society Conference on Brain Injury, Tampa, Florida [Abstract]. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
Baker, J., Dzyundzyak, A., & Good, D. (June 2015). Emotional intelligence as a predictor of socially unacceptable behaviour for persons with self-reported mild head injury. Accepted Abstracts from the Canadian Psychological Association Convention, Ottawa, Ontario. Canadian Psychology.
Baker, J. & Good, D. (May 2015). Blunted cortisol awakening response of persons with mild head injury and moderate traumatic brain injury relative to persons without a history of head injury. Paper presented at the [Abstract] Annual North American Brain Injury Society Conference on Brain Injury, Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
Baker, J. & Good, D. (October 2014). Traumatic head injury severity uniquely predicts ability to recognize emotional expressions. Paper presented at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 91st Annual Conference: Progress in Rehabilitation Research. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Baker, J., Dzyundzyak, A., & Good, D. (March, 2014). Classification of self-reported history of head trauma of university students as predicted by psychosocial, emotional, and physical health indices [Abstract]. Accepted Abstracts from the International Brain Injury Association’s (IBIA) 10th World Congress on Brain Injury. Brain Injury.
van Noordt, S., Dzyundzyak, A., Baker, J., Chiappetta, K., Debono, T., & Good, D. (March, 2014). Examining the association between injury severity and neuropsychological and behavioural functioning in self-reported mild head injury (oral presentation – presenter). Accepted Abstracts from the International Brain Injury Association’s (IBIA) 10th World Congress on Brain Injury. Brain Injury.
Baker, J. & Good. D. (Sept. 2012). Emotional underarousal of university students with self-reported mild head injury (oral presentation). [Abstract] 10th Annual North American Brain Injury Society Conference on Brain Injury, Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 27 (5), E1-41.
Baker, J., Dzyundzyiak, A., & Good, D. (March, 2012). Individual differences in psychosocial and emotional functioning in university students with and without self-reported mild head injury. [Abstract]. Accepted Abstracts from the International Brain Injury Association’s (IBIA) Ninth World Congress on Brain Injury. Brain Injury, April-May, 26 (4-5), p. 713.
Baker, J., & Good, D. (2010). Physiological and affective underarousal as a function of mild head injury in university students. [Abstract]. Proceedings of the 20th Annual Rotman Research Institute Conference, The Frontal Lobes, Toronto, ON. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
Baker, J., & Good, D. (2010). Affective and physiological underarousal in persons with mild head injury. [Abstract]. Accepted abstracts from the IBIA Eighth World Congress on Brain Injury (Oral presentation). Brain Injury, 24 (3), 106-107.

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Colleague ID

0105694

Kelly Coleman

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:50:08 +0000

Kelly Coleman api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:50

Kelly Coleman, PsyD

Clinical Training Director
Assistant Professor

(716) 829-7523

colemank@dyc.edu

DAC 122A

Biography

Dr. Coleman serves as core faculty and Director of Clinical Training for ��ӰԺ's Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology/Medaille University Teach-Out. She teaches courses in child & adolescent assessment/treatment, cognitive assessment, objective personality assessment, integrative assessment, and professional ethics. Additionally, she supervises graduate students in their clinical training and serves/served in leadership roles for regional psychology organizations. She is currently a member of APA, NCSPP, PAWNY & NYASP Chapter C.

Dr. Coleman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and NYS Certified School Psychologist who specializes in the therapeutic treatment of children through young adults. Her two+ decades of experience have included work within Pre-K to 12 and higher education, agency, private clinical, and both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. She previously provided clinical coordination for the Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology Department of the University at Buffalo; conducted neurodevelopmental evaluations through the Neonatology Division of UBMD Pediatrics; and administered comprehensive evaluations for students referred through the Committees on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) & Special Education (CSE), and pre-adoption evaluations for children in foster care referred through the Erie County Department of Social Services (ECDSS).

Dr. Coleman completed her pre-doctoral internship at Oishei Children's Hospital Division of Hematology & Oncology and Oishei Children's Psychiatry Clinic. Her doctoral dissertation was titled "Caregiver Perceptions of Psychosocial Service Provision During Pediatric Oncology Treatment."

Education & Training

Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Medaille College, 2017
M.A., School Psychology, University at Buffalo, 2002
B.A., Psychology, Niagara University,1998

Research Interests

Treatment/research interests include anxiety, depression, pediatric medical trauma, attachment disorders, adjustment problems/life transitions (e.g. divorce, school concerns, college transition), and sexual/gender identity concerns.

Awards & Honors

Medaille Doctoral Scholarship (2012-2016)
Margaret Kafka ’90 Women Aspire Scholarship (2015)
Anna Illuzi Palano Memorial Scholarship (2015)

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Colleague ID

0105665

David Castro-Blanco

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:50:07 +0000

David Castro-Blanco api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:50

David Castro-Blanco

Program Director
Clinical Associate Professor

castrod@dyc.edu

D'Youville Academic Center (DAC) 124

Biography

I am Chair of the Research and Evaluation Committee of the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP), as well as a Licensed Psychologist in New York State. I specialize in anxiety and mood disorders treatment research and clinical supervision.

Education & Training

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, St. John's University (NY) 1990
Diploma in Clinical Psychology (Board Certification) American Board of Professional Psychology 1999

Research Interests

Child and Adolescent psychopathology and psychotherapy.
Anxiety disorders in children and adults.
Suicidology and Suicide Prevention.

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Colleague ID

0105659

Todd Walter

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:45:47 +0000

Todd Walter api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:45

Todd Walter, PhD

Associate Professor

(716) 829-7838

waltert@dyc.edu

SASE 243

Biography

My teaching interests include social, forensic, and clinical/counseling psychology. I have served as Psychology/Social Sciences Internship Coordinator since 2001. I am a licensed psychologist with interests in assessing and treating adjustment, anxiety, mood, substance use, sexual, and personality disorders. I have experience in individual, couples, and group therapy and using motivational interviewing. I'm an ardent advocate of holistic healthcare and a certified master trainer in TeamSTEPPS. In the community, I have coached miscellaneous youth sports across 4 decades and am the proud father of my sons, Josh and Jake, and grateful husband to my wife Lora.

Education & Training

PhD, Counseling Psychology, University of Florida, 2001
MA, Psychology, SUNY at Buffalo, 1995
BA, Psychology, Niagara University, 1992

Research Interests

My research interests include the areas of undergraduate internship experiences and student outcomes, substance use, reducing childhood obesity, the accuracy of self-predictions and depression, earwitness accuracy, the provision of culturally competent care, stress management, nd health psychology.

Awards & Honors

Department of Social Sciences Faculty Member of the Year (2022)
Robert M. Nielsen Research Fellow. D’Youville College. (2011)
Liberal Arts Department Faculty Member of the Year. D’Youville College (2009)

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-walter-70557b15/

Humanities & Social Sciences

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Colleague ID

0057999

Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

rachel — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:30:19 +0000

Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) rachel

Thu, 12/22/2022 - 15:30

5-year

95 Credits

About Clinical Psychology

D'Youville offers a comprehensive and supportive PsyD program that prepares students for successful practice as a Licensed Psychologist. The program's focus on clinical training, faculty mentorship, social responsiveness, and ethical practice makes it an attractive choice for aspiring psychologists.

Training includes more than 1,000 hours of supervised practicum experience, a one-year pre-doctoral internship, and a clinical dissertation. Students may develop their expertise by selecting one of our optional concentrations.

The PsyD program will take a minimum of 5 years to complete.

Accreditation and Licensure:

The PsyD program is designed to meet accreditation standards and prepares graduates for licensure in New York. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry requirements.

MEET OUR FACULTY

11.9%

Growth by 2030 in Western New York
Settings

Private practice, medical, forensic, mental health
54%

Increase in positions to work with older adults
24%

Increase in positions to work with minority patients

Simulation Center

Learn with standardized clients in our simulation center. Trained actors portray clients and students practice under the supervision of experienced faculty to learn basic therapy and interviewing skills, crisis management, and culturally competent practice.

Steven Pierpaoli

Clinical Psychology

My DYU experience in one word: FULFILLING. Professors balance the challenging work with attentive support, and my classmates will be lifelong friends. The PsyD program has nurtured a 'clinical mindset' - competence with perspective and an person-first attitude of service - and I've always felt prepared to meaningfully contribute at every step of my training.

Admissions Requirements

Minimum undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.80 (based on a 4.0 system) or a graduate grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system)
It is preferred that students have a bachelor's degree in psychology from an accredited college or university. If your degree is not in psychology, studies in other fields may apply. Contact the Director of Clinical Training before submitting the application.
��ӰԺ is a GRE, GRE SUBJECT TEST and TOEFL optional institution.

Required Materials

Please upload the following materials to the graduate admissions office for review.

A completed doctoral application
All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
A personal statement about your desire to become a psychologist
A curriculum vita or resume

Center for Doctoral Studies and Research

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Student researcher administering cognitive tests

Comprehensive Curriculum

Use psychological assessment tools to address needs of children and adults

Become a psychotherapist using evidence based and culturally sensitive interventions

Consult within medical and mental health teams to provide interdisciplinary care

Be a leader in clinical settings

Apply ethical principles to provide the highest quality of care

Doctoral Programs

Nursing, Health, Wellness

Why Choose ��ӰԺ?

PsyD holders typically go into professional practice with medical, forensic, and mental health populations and can work in a variety of government, private, or nonprofit settings.

Program Features:

Practitioner-Oriented: gain hands-on skills to provide ethical and culturally competent psychological care
Strong Faculty Mentorship and Supervision: close guidance and support from faculty mentors and supervisors
Holistic Experience: grow as a professional and as a person.
SIM Center: amass experience using state-of-the art simulation technology
Put it into practice: up to 1,500 hours of supervised work in the field

Optional Emphasis

Health Psychology Emphasis
Students in the health psychology emphasis will gain additional knowledge and experience for providing assessment and intervention within healthcare settings and interprofessional teams.

Child and Family Emphasis
Students choosing the child and family emphasis explore the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families within a variety of settings.

Relevant Skills and Purposeful Degrees

PsyD Affiliated Training Sites

Buffalo Area

Thrive Rehab & Wellness @ D’Youville Health Professions HUB
Erie County Medical Center
Erie County Forensic Mental Health Services
Harmonia Collaborative Care, Hamburg, NY
Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Buffalo, NY
People Inc. Behavioral Health Department
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
University at Buffalo Counseling Services
UBMD Neurology at Conventus
Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center

Western New York

RIT Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) Training Program, Rochester, NY
Rochester Regional Health Neuroscience Institute, Rochester, NY
Harmonia Collaborative Care, Derby, NY
Newfane Central School District, Lockport, NY

Ontario Sites

Brookside Therapy, St. Catharines & Burlington ON
Center for Interpersonal Relationships, St. Catharines & Toronto, ON
Hillcrest Psychology, St. Catharines, ON
West Niagara Psychology Centre, Beamsville, ON

Current Student Materials

Manuals and Other Documents

PsyD Program Manual (PDF)

Contact Admissions

Request Info

Apply Now

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Pre-Clinical Psychology

Begin a Journey that Transforms Lives

Job Titles to Explore

Employment Settings to Explore

Learn About Pre-Clinical Psychology Pathway Degrees

Pathway Options

Pre-PsyD Undergrad Advisory Track:

Pre-PsyD Masters Advisory Track:

Careers

Contact Admissions

James Sherwood

Biography

Education & Training

Research Interests

Awards & Honors

Publications

Julie Baker

Biography

Education & Training

Research Interests

Publications

Kelly Coleman

Biography

Education & Training

Research Interests

Awards & Honors

David Castro-Blanco

Biography

Education & Training

Research Interests

Todd Walter

Biography

Education & Training

Research Interests

Awards & Honors

Links

Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

About Clinical Psychology

Accreditation and Licensure:

Simulation Center

Admissions Requirements

Why Choose ���ӰԺ?

Program Features:

Optional Emphasis

Relevant Skills and Purposeful Degrees

PsyD Affiliated Training Sites

Current Student Materials

Contact Admissions

Why Choose ��ӰԺ?