Ph.D in Clinical Psychology

If you are interested in applying for this program, please contact Dr.Robert Russell.

 

The objectives of this proficiency track are:

1. To introduce a unique field of women’s health; the neuroscience and psychology of women’s health. This field represents an integration of biological, psychological and social science research.

2. To examine in-depth the common psychiatric illnesses in women and to investigate the effects of the female reproductive system on the clinical presentation and course of these disorders.

3. To explore the psychological and sociological issues associated with gender specific presentations of such clinical issues as eating disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse in women.

4. To examine current methods of researching the neuroscience and psychology of women’s health.

 

Neuroscience in Women's Health is a collaborative program between PGSP and Stanford University. This innovative program provides a unique training experience in the psychology and neuroscience of women’s health.   Students will learn about the multiple and complex biological systems which can create, exacerbate or mediate mental illness. In particular- students will learn about how women’s hormonal, and reproductive health affects mental health. In addition to this foundation in the neurosciences students will learn about the sociological and contextual factors affecting women and their health.

 

One of the core goals of PGSP is “to produce culturally competent clinical psychologists.” This proficiency track will provide an expanded opportunity to refine cultural competence skills. Critical thinking skills necessary for a thorough understanding of cultural phenomenon, including research and epidemiology are fundamental to the proficiency track. Focused reading, didactics, research and practicum experiences will supplement the already rich training provided. There are already structural supports in place to help enhance multicultural awareness including the Diversity Committee, the Student Association for Sexual Orientation (SASO) and Students for Ethnic and Cultural Awareness (SECA). In addition to these supports, there will be a Psychology and Women’s Health cohort group with will provide additional training and support of diversity issues and cultural awareness. Issues of cultural competency are addressed within core curricula, and will also be addressed within the women’s health classes. 

 

The students in this proficiency track will get the same foundational didactic, practicum and research experiences found within the Ph.D. program. In addition to these, students will have an additional year of practicum focusing on psychology and women’s health issues, yearly mentoring and research experiences in labs that address these topics and didactic training that will help them develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes specific to this field of psychology. Through their yearly seminars, cohort experiences and research experiences students will have great access to their mentors and track faculty. Through their Psychology and Women’s Health cohort meetings with the proficiency track coordinator they will have an ability to discuss their concerns, questions and seek additional mentorship. This will serve as a supplement to the already rich experiences they will receive through their training in the Ph.D. program. 

 

Students in this track will have their core classes taught by PGSP faculty, their psychology and women’s health courses taught by Stanford faculty. Stanford faculty will also be responsible for the research mentorship and dissertation co-chairs. Program leadership of the Ph.D. program is provided by Director of Clinical Training Robert Russell, PhD; and by Chair of the Faculty, Rowena Gomez, PhD. The Psychology and Women’s Health proficiency track is headed by Natalie Rasgon, M.D. Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. The track coordinator is Robert Russell, Ph.D., Professor at PGSP.  

 

This proficiency track will recruit high achieving and successful students who will be able to handle the rigor of the coursework and clinical expectations. The track will accept approximately 6-10 students each year. This number allows for both small seminar classes, close mentorship relationships and a cohort experience.        

 

Courses to be included in the curriculum:

 

Each year there will be informal but required monthly Psychology and Women’s Health proficiency track meetings which will include professional development topics, communications about the track progress/feedback and further discussion of topics addressed below.

 

Year One

Women’s Wellness Seminar at Stanford Psychiatry and Behavioral Studies Department (0 units)

 

Year Two (one course per term plus a research group each quarter)

The Neuroscience and Psychology of Women’s Health  (3 units)

Neuropsychological Issues in Women’s Health (3 units)

Clinical Research and Analysis (3 units)

Research Group (1 unit per quarter)

 

Year Three (one course per term plus a research group)

Infertility and Women’s Health (3 units)

Perinatal Psychology (3 units)

Epidemiology of Women’s Health (3 units)

Research Group (1 unit per quarter)

 

Year Four

Dissertation (co-chaired by Stanford Psychiatry faculty member and PGSP faculty member) 30 units

 

Robert Russell, Ph.D.
Professor
PGSP at Palo Alto Universit

rrussell@paloaltou.edu

650-433-3821