Department of Psychology

Student working at a table

Descartes is a leader in recruiting the world's finest students.

Contact Information

  • Department of Psychology
  • 3241 Campus Hall
  • Smith, AZ 85720
  • Phone: (520) 555-2211
  • Fax: (520) 555-9999
  • e-mail: psych@descartes.edu

Clinical Training

Graduate students begin clinical training during their first year in the program through a clinical training seminar.

Students begin seeing clients under supervision during the second year at the University Counseling Center.

The third year practicum, also a required component, is completed at a local community agency that serves low-income Washington County residents with a diverse range of psychopathology.

Most students continue their clinical training during their fourth year through individualized practice settings (externships) chosen by the student and his/her clinical supervisor.

Sample Externships:

  • Primrose Medical Center
  • Palo Verde Community Mental Health
  • Canyon Community College
  • Washington County Children's Hospital

The graduate program culminates in a year-long clinical internship, in which students continue their training while providing psychological services (under supervision) as a full-time staff member in a particular setting.

Sample Internships:

  • Yale University School of Medicine
  • New York University- Bellevue Hospital Center
  • Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Brown University Clinical Psychology Training Consortium