Notre Dame de Namur University has long been known for the quality of its master's level Clinical Psychology program. Two degree options, either the Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology degree (Option 1) or the Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology/ Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree (Option 2) are offered. Both options prepare students to become either licensed or unlicensed mental health professionals who are qualified to pursue a range of jobs in medical, mental health, administration, social service, educational, geriatric, research, and business settings as well as develop students who are competitive candidates for future doctoral studies.

Out of respect for the whole person, the philosophy of the MS Clinical Psychology and MS Clinical Psychology/MFT program is to combine scientific, theoretical, creative, clinical, practical and real world sources of information into our curriculum to provide a solid broad-based foundation for the prospective clinician-therapist, mental health professional, or future doctoral student.

As of Fall 2008, the department offers enhancement to both degrees via a specialized embedded optional Concentration in Clinical Gerontology (with certificate). This will enable future clinicians to have specialized training in working with our increasing aging population.

NDNU's MS Clinical Psychology/MFT program meets the educational requirements of MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) licensure as defined by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS.) Presently, students pursuing MFT licensure through the BBS are required to complete 3000 hours of field practicum experience, with a maximum of 1300 hours acquired prior to graduation from NDNU.

*As of the Spring 2009 semester, newly admitted/enrolled students in the Clinical Psychology and Gerontology Department will be working toward a master's of science degree. Students that had been previously admitted and enrolled in the department prior to Spring 2009, but have not yet had their degree conferred, may apply to have the master's of science degree name appear on their diploma/transcripts. This change (from a master's of arts degree) is based upon the student meeting academic and professional suitability requirements of the degree program, as determined by the Clinical Psychology and Gerontology Department.

Distinctions of NDNU'S Clinical Psychology Program

• Comprehensive clinical training and a range of innovative courses in psychotherapy and psycho diagnostic assessment(child, adult, geriatric)
• Training in psychoanalysis, brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, addictions, neurophysiology and psychopharmacology
• Courses are offered in the late afternoon, evening, and weekends on NDNU's Belmont campus
• A range of clinically oriented classes, including Advanced Clinical Seminar, which trains students in diverse clinical modalities
• NDNU's MFT Licensure first-time exam pass rate is over 90%
• A Practicum fair, inviting multiple agencies in the community, provides opportunities for competitive practicum and internship placements throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
• The program includes a comprehensive Thesis research project with hands-on mentoring by faculty
• A graduate students’ association,Clinical Psychology and Gerontology Student Association (CPGSA), offers peer networking opportunities
• Optional 8-unit Concentration in Clinical Gerontology provides a competitive edge for our graduates
• Well-respected and sought out clinical program for over 20 years

Curriculum
Two program options are offered:

Option I: Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology

This option prepares students for doctoral studies in the field of psychology, or may serve as a terminal degree for master's level mental health professionals in a broad range of clinical or administrative settings, integrating psychobehavioro-educational interventions, within the healthcare field. See the NDNU General Catalog for specific program and admission requirements and course descriptions.
* Effective Fall 2008, an optional embedded Concentration in Clinical Gerontology (with certificate) is available.

Option II: Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

This program meets the educational requirements for MFT licensure as defined by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Once licensure is successfully obtained, the individual is qualified for work as a therapist in a variety of mental health professions. For MFT licensure, the BBS presently requires 3000 hours of field practicum experience. A maximum of 1300 hours may be acquired prior to graduation. The Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology/MFT program provides 500 (250 per semester) hours of field practicum experience, to be gained concurrently with enrollment in Case Seminar. Approved training sites include government agencies, nonprofit agencies, schools, and licensed health facilities. Additionally, personal psychotherapy is strongly recommended during the program and can count toward required BBS hours.

Courses review the highly specific range of skills required by the beginning practitioner, prepare the student for the MFT licensing exams, and address the needs of any student who desires to continue studies in a doctoral psychology program or work in a clinical setting. See the NDNU General Catalog for specific program and admission requirements and course descriptions.
* Effective Fall 2008, an optional embedded Concentration in Clinical Gerontology (with certificate) is available.

Please note that students in both programs are required to meet with their faculty advisor and/or Department Chair every semester to ensure proper course sequencing and to promote academic success. Failure to get advisor/chair approval for registration, add, drop, withdrawal, or leave of absence can result in a hold on registration and/or dismissal from program.

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements. Please note that the Clinical Psychology program also requires 4 letters of recommendation, an autobiographical statement, and an interview. Please see specific program and admission requirements. As such, please ensure that all supporting documentation, as well as the application, are submitted by the deadline to ensure timely processing for the desired term.Late applications (after November 7th for Spring entry; after April 3rd for Summer entry; after May 15th for Fall entry) may be deferred for consideration for the following term of entry.

We also recommend satisfying all prerequisites prior to application submission to ensure more timely completion of program requirements as all prerequisite requirements must be satisfied (inclusive of B- or better grade) by the end of the first year, and prior to consideration for advancement to candidacy. Students who fail to satisfactorily complete their prerequisites in the designated time frame will not be able to continue taking courses/advance to candidacy in their program.   

Faculty

Nusha Askari, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology and Gerontology, 2000; B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; M.A., Cal State Northridge; Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University; Post Doctoral fellowships in Neuropsychology, Geropsychiatry (certificate), Cognitive Neuroscience, Stanford University.

William Bell, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, 2004; B.A., M.A., National University, Ph.D., Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality.

Adeline Boye, Psy.D, Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology, 2004; B.S., M.A., Notre Dame de Namur University; M.A., Psy.D., Argosy University.

Tonia Brockman, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology; 1994, Doctorate, Clinical Psychology Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, APA Accredited, Palo Alto, Ca. 1988, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology University of South Florida Tampa, Florida

Helen Marlo, Ph.D., Associate Professor Clinical Psychology, 2002; B.A., University of Missouri, Ph.D., University of South Carolina.

Barbara Morrill, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, 1994 Ph.D., Transpersonal Psychology Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA.1980 M.Ed., Counseling Psychology Boston College, Boston, MA 1972 B.A., Education, Pfeiffer College, N.C.

Anna Ranieri, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, 2006; B.A., Yale University, M.A., Santa Clara University, M.B.A., University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D., Stanford University.

Vivian Silva, Lecturer in Gerontology, M.S.W., Social Work, San José State University, CA 1991 Gerontology Certificate, San José State University, CA 1988 B.S., Social Science, San José State University, CA 1983 PACE, Arthritis Exercise Program Certificate, San Francisco, CA 2004 Adult Education Teaching Certificate, CA 1999

Stephen Vernon, LMFT, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology,
M.A. Clinical Psychology; J.F.Kennedy Univ.,Orinda, CAB.S.SocialPsychology; Michigan St. Univ., E.Lansing, MI

Contact Information:

Dr. Nusha Askari,
Chair Clinical Psychology & Gerontology  Department    
(650) 508-3728, askari@ndnu.edu

For questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Askari, contact:

Kristy Rozsnyoi, Administrative Coordinator
(650) 508-3557, krozsnyoi@ndnu.edu

Graduate Admissions    
 Tel: (650) 508-3600   
 Fax: (650) 508-3426
Email: grad.admit@ndnu.edu