PhD in Clinical Psychology
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
The Drexel University doctoral (PhD) program in Clinical Psychology prepares advanced students in the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing clinical research and the application of scientific principles while placing equal significance on the integration of psychological science and practice. Our rigorous program —fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)— expertly qualifies and equips graduates for entry-level practice as clinical psychologists. Doctoral students receive clinical training in cognitive-behavioral approaches to assessment and intervention, as well as a solid foundation in the science and practice of clinical psychology. The PhD in Clinical Psychology program offers students the option to elect one of four concentrations: Clinical Child Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Forensic Psychology and Health Psychology.
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Accreditation
Drexel's doctoral (PhD) program in Clinical Psychology is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association. Please direct any questions about the program’s accredited status to:
American Psychological Association
Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 1st Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.336.5979 | apaaccred@apa.org
apa.org/ed/accreditation
Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data
Program Format
The Clinical Psychology doctoral (PhD) program admits full-time students only and coursework is required in years one through four of the degree program. It is designed to be completed in five years, although students who enter with a master’s degree may be able to complete all requirements within four years. Students are required to work in 12-month practicum placements in years two through three; optional in year four. A pre-doctoral internship is typically conducted in year five. Students earn a Master of Science (MS) degree upon completion of two years of coursework and their master's thesis. The program begins annually in the fall; classes are scheduled for the fall, winter and spring terms only.
Major Areas of Study
In addition to general clinical training, with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral approaches to assessment and intervention, the Drexel doctorate program in Clinical Psychology offers students the option to elect one of four major areas of study. While training in the major area of study is not all that is necessary for individuals to specialize in one of these areas, it does prepare students to continue further training that will eventually facilitate professional specialization.
Clinical-Child Psychology
The clinical child psychology major area of study is designed for students who have strong clinical and/or research interests in working with children and adolescents. Students in this major area of study will complete the required courses taken by all clinical psychology students and will also enroll in child-related elective courses designed to help them develop a greater degree of expertise in working with child and adolescent populations. It is expected that students completing this specialization will develop an appreciation of the research literature in the clinical child area and will possess specialty skills that enable them to function as competent practitioners in the child/adolescent area upon graduation.
- One pediatric / child / or adolescent practicum (800 hours)
- A clinical child psychology-focused thesis and dissertation
- At least two years of research in an area related to clinical child psychology
- Two required courses: Child Psychopathology & Treatment and Pediatric Psychology
- At least two additional electives from the following list: Neuropsychological Case Analysis and Integration, Forensic Assessment I, Behavioral Analysis, Family Therapy, Trauma and the Families
Clinical Neuropsychology
The clinical neuropsychology area of study includes courses, research, and clinical experiences designed to train the students for professional practice in neuropsychology. Clinical neuropsychology involves the application of psychological assessment and intervention to the problems encountered by people with brain injury or illness. The knowledge of brain-behavior functioning and the incorporation of neuropsychological conceptualizations with traditional clinical conceptualizations of functioning are aimed at providing the student with a wider perspective regarding the range of human functioning and disability. The student is able to pursue specific interests in geriatrics, pediatrics, traumatic brain injury, and rehabilitation.
- One neuropsychology practicum (800 hours)
- Neuropsychology-focused thesis and dissertation
- At least two years of research in an area related to clinical neuropsychology
- Five courses from the following list: Neuroanatomy and Behavior, Neuropsychological Assessment, Biological Basis of Behavior and Treatment, Neuropsychological Case Analysis and Integration, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology of Rehabilitation
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology involves the application of assessment and intervention techniques to informing legal decision-makers and attorneys on questions in criminal, civil, and family law. The goal of the forensic psychology area of study is to provide students with advanced training in relevant law, behavioral science research, and assessment and intervention approaches with a particular focus on juvenile and criminal issues.
- One forensic psychology practicum (800 hours)
- Forensic psychology-focused thesis and dissertation
- At least two years of research in an area related to forensic psychology
- Three required courses: Forensic Assessment I (PSY 648) and II (PSY 649), Mental Health Law (T 880).
- At least two forensic psychology electives: Neuropsychological Assessment, Neuropsychological Case Analysis and Integration, Child Psychopathology and Treatment, Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Treatments, Multilevel Regression, Evidence-Based Psychotherapy, Substance Use, Advanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychology of Rehabilitation
Health Psychology
Health psychology adopts a broad-based, bio-psycho-social perspective in order to: (1) better understand the interplay among behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social, and biological factors regarding health, wellness, and physical disease; (2) promote and maintain wellness and positive physical health; (3) prevent, treat, and rehabilitate illness and disability, and (4) improve the health care delivery system. The health psychology area of study aims to provide students with specialty training in order to prepare them for academic, clinical, and/or administrative positions where the primary focus is on medical and physical health problems.
- One clinical health psychology practicum (800 hours)
- A clinical health psychology-focused thesis and dissertation
- At least two years of research in an area related to clinical health psychology
- Two required classes: Health Psychology, Biological Basis of Behavior and Treatment
- At least three electives in health psychology: Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Treatments, Substance Use, Behavioral Stress Management, Weight and Eating Disorders, Advanced Topics in Health Psychology, Advanced CBT, Psychology of Rehabilitation
Faculty Accepting Students: 2025-2026
Consistent with our scientist-practitioner philosophy of training, our department and core adjunct faculty serve as dedicated mentors to our graduate students. Students work under the mentorship of one or two faculty members who serve as the incoming student’s advisors. For students who are admitted to work under two faculty members, one faculty member is established as the student’s major advisor, and the other as the student’s minor advisor.
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Faculty Member |
Expertise |
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Professor; Associate Department Head
Stratton 286
mlb34@drexel.edu
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- Obesity prevention and treatment
- Physical activity promotion
- Lifestyle modification
- Behavioral therapy
- Cancer prevention
For Academic Year 2025-26, Dr. Meghan Butryn is accepting MS in Psychology students jointly with Dr. Charlotte Hagerman and Dr. Erica LaFata. |
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Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Department Head; Interim Director, WELL Center
Stratton 118
brian.daly@drexel.edu
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- School mental health
- Leadership
- Mental health promotion
- Socioemotional learning (SEL)
- Evidence-based practice
- Risk and resilience
- Child and adolescent intervention
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Professor of Psychology, Ob/Gyn and Public Health
Stratton 280
pg27@drexel.edu
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- Clinical and health psychology
- Stressful life events and mental and physical health outcomes particularly in the area of women's reproductive health
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Professor; Director, Reentry Project
334 Stratton Hall
kirk.heilbrun@drexel.edu
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- Forensic mental health assessment
- Violence risk assessment
- Risk-reducing interventions
Accepting Students:
Dr. Heilbrun will not be accepting a student in the MS program, but will be accepting a student in the PhD program –to be co-mentored with Dr. David DeMatteo– for AY 2025-26.
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Associate Professor; Director, Clinical Neuropsychology Major Area of Study
Stratton 290
nancy.raitano.lee@drexel.edu
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- Neuropsychology
- Clinical child psychology
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Brain
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental disorders
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Assistant Professor; Director, MS and Accelerated BS/MS in Psychology Programs; Director, mPOWER Program (WELL Center); Director, Child and Adolescent Program (WELL Center)
Stratton 290
smm522@drexel.edu
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- Eating disorders
- Self-regulation
- Eating behaviors
- Adolescents
- Intervention development
- Ecological momentary assessment
- Inhibitory control
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All Program Faculty
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is actively engaged in vibrant research initiatives to advance the science and practice of psychology. Faculty publish widely in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals; are featured experts in national and international media; and are the recipients of major research awards from prestigious grantors including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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Faculty Member |
Expertise |
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Professor; Associate Department Head
Stratton 286
mlb34@drexel.edu
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- Obesity prevention and treatment
- Physical activity promotion
- Lifestyle modification
- Behavioral therapy
- Cancer prevention
For Academic Year 2025-26, Dr. Meghan Butryn is accepting MS in Psychology students jointly with Dr. Charlotte Hagerman and Dr. Erica LaFata. |
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Associate Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Associate Dean for Research, College of Arts and Sciences; Director, Applied Cognitive & Brain Sciences PhD Program; Co-Leader, B.S. Neuroscience major
Stratton 324
lilachrysikou@drexel.edu
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- Cognitive control
- Creativity
- Semantic memory
- Cognitive and affective regulation
- Design cognition
- Cognitive flexibility
- Noninvasive brain stimulation
- Functional neuroimaging
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Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Department Head; Interim Director, WELL Center
Stratton 118
brian.daly@drexel.edu
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- School mental health
- Leadership
- Mental health promotion
- Socioemotional learning (SEL)
- Evidence-based practice
- Risk and resilience
- Child and adolescent intervention
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Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Professor of Law; Director, JD/PhD Program in Law and Psychology
Stratton 338
David.DeMatteo@drexel.edu
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- Psychopathy
- Forensic Psychology
- Forensic mental health assessment
- Testing in forensic assessment contexts
- Drug policy research
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Professor
Stratton 282
evan.forman@drexel.edu
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- Health behavior change
- Behavioral treatments for health promotion
- Weight control
- Neurocognitive drivers of eating
- Lifestyle modification
- Technology-facilitated behavior change
- Mindfulness and acceptance-based behavioral treatments
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Professor of Psychology, Ob/Gyn and Public Health
Stratton 280
pg27@drexel.edu
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- Clinical and health psychology
- Stressful life events and mental and physical health outcomes particularly in the area of women's reproductive health
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Professor of Psychology; Co-director of the JD/PhD Program in Law and Psychology; Director of the Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab
Stratton 328
neg23@drexel.edu
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- Juvenile justice
- System reform
- Policy and practice
- Adolescent development
- Social science research
- Psychology, criminal justice, and law
- Forensic psychology
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Professor; Director, Reentry Project
334 Stratton Hall
kirk.heilbrun@drexel.edu
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- Forensic mental health assessment
- Violence risk assessment
- Risk-reducing interventions
Accepting Students:
Dr. Heilbrun will not be accepting a student in the MS program, but will be accepting a student in the PhD program –to be co-mentored with Dr. David DeMatteo– for AY 2025-26.
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Director, Practicum Training; Director of Training, Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Sciences Center; Associate Professor
Stratton 288
asj32@drexel.edu
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- Enhancing treatment outcomes for eating disorders and obesity
- Acceptance-based behavioral treatments
- Evaluating mechanisms of action in behavioral treatments
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Professor
Stratton 318
jk342@drexel.edu
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- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Individual Differences
- Brain Aging
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Associate Professor; Director, Clinical Neuropsychology Major Area of Study
Stratton 290
nancy.raitano.lee@drexel.edu
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- Neuropsychology
- Clinical child psychology
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Brain
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental disorders
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Professor
Stratton 284
lowe@drexel.edu
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Please visit the Lowe Lab for more details about the research topics below:
- Obesity
- Set point
- Eating disorders
- Dieting
- Hedonic hunger
- Weight variability
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Assistant Professor; Director, MS and Accelerated BS/MS in Psychology Programs; Director, mPOWER Program (WELL Center); Director, Child and Adolescent Program (WELL Center)
Stratton 290
smm522@drexel.edu
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- Eating disorders
- Self-regulation
- Eating behaviors
- Adolescents
- Intervention development
- Ecological momentary assessment
- Inhibitory control
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Professor, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences; Professor, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine
Stratton Hall, Room 278
cn25@drexel.edu
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- Emotion-Centered Problem Solving Therapy
- Clinical Case Formulation
- Psychotherapy Training & Supervision
- Adaptive Functioning in Adults with Intellectual Disability
- Suicide Risk Reduction
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Distinguished University Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences Professor of Medicine; Professor of Public Health
Stratton 268
amn23@drexel.edu
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- (Emotion-Centered) Problem-Solving Therapy
- Stress and coping
- Depression
- Suicide
- Ethics
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- Autism
- Toddler screening
- Early detection
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Professor of Psychology; Interim Director of Clinical Training
3180 Chestnut Street, Suite 104
schultheis@drexel.edu
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- Neurorehabilitation
- Application of technology to psychology
- Virtual reality technology
- Driving capacity after neurological compromise
- Rehabilitation of functional, everyday activities
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Associate Professor of Psychology; Program Area Leader in Early Detection & Intervention, AJ Drexel Autism Institute
giacomo.vivanti@drexel.edu
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The Doctoral Dissertation in Clinical Psychology
The Drexel PhD program in clinical psychology first requires independent scholarly work in the form of a master’s thesis where students prepare and present a proposal and final defense of their thesis to a committee. Once this requirement is satisfied, students progress to independent scholarly work in the form of a doctoral dissertation, where they prepare and present a proposal and final defense to a dissertation committee.
All dissertations must be based on original research , and must clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to work at the frontiers of the field. A variety of resources are available to all graduate students when conducting research during their training at Drexel University. One important feature of the Clinical Psychology program is that it was established with very close relationships to many supporting hospitals and facilities. There is considerable integration of research capabilities and agendas.
All doctoral dissertation examinations and committee appointments are monitored by the Office of Graduate Studies which approves the committees and the examinations.
Drexel Library: Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Recent Dissertations
We proudly invite prospective student to review recent dissertations authored by our PhD in Clinical Psychology degree recipients.