Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Transform Lives Through Evidence-Based Practice at the Crossroads of the Pacific

Earn your Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) at Hawaiʻi Pacific University through a rigorous scientist-practitioner-advocate model that integrates evidence-based clinical training, multicultural competence, and supervised practicum experiences. Located at the crossroads of the Pacific, HPU prepares future psychologists to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals across diverse cultural and healthcare settings while addressing today's growing mental health needs. 

Program Highlights 

• APA Accreditation (On Contingency) with curriculum designed to prepare graduates for the next steps toward psychologist licensure.*  

• Scientist-Practitioner-Advocate Model that combines clinical practice, applied research, and social responsibility.  

• Multicultural Clinical Training emphasizing Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian American, and other culturally diverse populations.  

• Evidence-Based Therapy Training including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care.  

• Integrated Assessment & Behavioral Health Training featuring psychological assessment, behavioral medicine, chronic disease management, and biopsychosocial approaches to care.  

• Technology-Enhanced Clinical Practice through telehealth delivery, digital assessment tools, and virtual supervision experiences.  
• Specialized Clinical Opportunities include forensic assessment and behavioral health applications within healthcare and criminal justice settings. 

Leading the Future of Clinical Psychology

LEARN BY DOING WITH SKILLS-BASED LEARNING

Clinical psychology is learned through experience. HPU's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program combines rigorous classroom instruction with supervised practicum experiences that allow students to apply evidence-based psychological principles in real-world clinical settings. Throughout the program, students develop the knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional competencies needed to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

Faculty bring experience from private practice, hospitals, government behavioral health agencies, community mental health organizations, forensic settings, and academic research. Their diverse professional backgrounds enrich classroom learning while providing mentorship that connects theory with contemporary clinical practice. 

Students complete supervised practicum experiences in a variety of healthcare and community settings, with expected placements including hospitals, community mental health agencies, integrated healthcare systems, schools, private practices, and forensic or correctional environments. These experiences provide opportunities to work with individuals across the lifespan while building competencies in psychological assessment, evidence-based intervention, case conceptualization, ethics, multicultural practice, and interprofessional collaboration. 

Located at the crossroads of the Pacific, HPU provides a distinctive learning environment where students gain experience working with culturally diverse populations, including Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian American, military, veteran, and other underserved communities. Graduates leave the program prepared to address the growing demand for skilled clinical psychologists in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Program Disclosures

Does the program or institution require students, trainees, and/or staff (faculty) to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution’s affiliation or purpose? Such policies or practices may include, but are not limited to, admissions, hiring, retention policies, and/or requirements for completion that express mission and values? NO

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a PsyD and a PhD in Clinical Psychology? 

A: A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) emphasizes clinical practice and the application of psychological research to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. While research remains an important component of the curriculum, PsyD programs focus primarily on preparing graduates for professional practice as licensed clinical psychologists. PhD programs generally place a greater emphasis on research and academic careers. 

Q: Is HPU's PsyD program accredited? 

A: HPU's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program is APA Accredited, on Contingency by the American Psychological Association. Accreditation is an important consideration for students planning to pursue psychologist licensure, as many states require graduation from an APA-accredited program. Students should also review the licensure requirements of the state where they intend to practice. 

Q: How long does it take to complete the PsyD program? 

A: Students typically complete the program in five to six years of full-time study. The curriculum includes academic coursework, supervised practicum experiences, doctoral research, and a full-time clinical internship. 

Q: What types of clinical training will I receive? 

A: Students gain supervised experience in psychological assessment, diagnostic interviewing, evidence-based psychotherapy, ethics, multicultural practice, and professional consultation. Practicum placements provide opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world clinical settings while working with diverse populations. 

Q: Where do students complete practicum experiences? 

A: Practicum experiences are completed in a variety of approved clinical settings that may include hospitals, community mental health agencies, integrated healthcare systems, schools, private practices, and forensic or correctional environments. Placement opportunities are designed to help students develop progressively advanced clinical competencies. 

Q: What therapeutic approaches are taught in the program? 

A: The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches to clinical practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, behavioral medicine, and other interventions supported by current psychological research. 

Q: What makes HPU's PsyD program unique? 

A: HPU's location in Hawaiʻi provides students with opportunities to work with culturally diverse populations in a multicultural clinical environment. The program emphasizes culturally responsive care while preparing students to serve Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian American, military, veteran, and other diverse communities through a scientist-practitioner-advocate model. 

Q: Can I transfer graduate coursework into the PsyD program? 

A: Students who have completed graduate-level psychology coursework at another institution may be eligible to transfer up to 36 credits, subject to program review and approval. Transfer credit decisions are made on an individual basis to ensure previous coursework aligns with HPU's curriculum and program requirements. 

Q: What careers can I pursue with a PsyD degree? 

A: Graduates are prepared for careers as clinical psychologists in hospitals, community mental health agencies, integrated healthcare systems, private practice, schools, government agencies, correctional settings, and other behavioral health organizations, subject to meeting applicable licensure requirements. 

Q: Does HPU support military-affiliated students? 

A: Yes. Hawaiʻi Pacific University has a long history of serving military members, veterans, and military families. Eligible students may use VA education benefits and military tuition programs, and HPU's location provides opportunities to gain experience serving military and veteran populations throughout Hawaiʻi.