SCU Launches New Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Psychodynamic Psychology Starting Fall 2026

A new era for developmental, psychodynamic, and Whole Health–centered psychology education

Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is proud to introduce its newest graduate program—the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Psychodynamic Psychology, launching Fall 2026.

Designed for licensed or license-eligible mental health professionals who want deeper clinical insight, advanced training, and the flexibility to continue working full-time, this new doctoral program represents a powerful milestone in SCU’s evolution as the Integrative Whole Health University.

The PsyD program traces its roots to the highly respected Reiss-Davis program—established in 1976 and acquired by SCU in 2025—long recognized as a leader in psychodynamic and developmental training. Now housed at SCU, the program will continue its distinguished legacy, strengthened by an interprofessional, Whole Health learning environment.

Why This Program Matters Now More Than Ever

Mental health needs in the United States have never been greater. According to recent data, nearly one in five adults—almost 60 million people—experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year. Concerns among children and adolescents have risen sharply as well.

Dr. Jens Schmidt, Program Director for the PsyD in Psychodynamic Psychology, underscores why this matters:

“The Reiss-Davis PsyD at SCU focuses on increasing clinicians’ competence in providing in-depth psychotherapy from a developmental and trauma-informed perspective, recognizing the profound impact of early experiences on psychological development and well-being. Our program especially addresses the developmental and therapeutic needs of children, adolescents, adults, and their families.”

This holistic, developmental, and relational foundation aligns directly with SCU’s Whole Health philosophy—seeing individuals not as symptoms, but as complex beings shaped by experience, relationships, culture, biology, and community.

A Schedule Designed for Working Professionals

SCU understands that many mental health professionals cannot pause their careers to pursue a doctoral degree. That’s why the PsyD program follows a hybrid structure that includes asynchronous online coursework augmented by in-person learning just one weekend per month (three times per 15-week term).

This approach allows students to maintain work and family responsibilities without sacrificing academic rigor.

“For most working professionals, attending a graduate program presents an enormous time challenge. A hybrid program that only requires one weekend a month of in-person coursework—and otherwise allows adult learners to study from home—is time-efficient and designed not to interfere with a regular work schedule,” Dr. Schmidt explained.

Why Psychodynamic Psychology? Why Now?

Psychodynamic psychology has evolved substantially over the past century. Today, it is a rich, evidence-informed, culturally responsive, and neurobiologically integrated framework.

Dr. Schmidt describes its relevance powerfully.

“Our curriculum emphasizes exploring the external and internal forces that shape our conscious and unconscious processes—our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and even our physical and mental health. This lens is essential for addressing the demands of our time,” Dr. Schmidt stated.

He highlights several key pillars the program emphasizes:

• The profound impact of early childhood experiences
• Maternal, paternal, and family mental health
• The youth mental health crisis
• Relational depth and the client’s lived experience
• Integrating neurobiology with psychodynamic thinking
• Trauma-responsive—not just trauma-informed—care
• Expanding understandings of gender and identity
• Cultural curiosity, humility, and responsiveness
• Advancing mental health equity and access
• Moving beyond individual treatment toward community-based interventions

These priorities all sit at the intersection of Whole Health, social justice, and cutting-edge clinical science.

What Students Can Expect to Learn

The curriculum emphasizes:

• Psychodynamic theory and technique
• Developmental psychology and lifespan processes
• Neuroscience and brain development
• Trauma-responsive clinical work
• Cultural, relational, and community mental health
• Clinical leadership and systems thinking
• A doctoral project focused on real-world impact

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A master’s degree in a mental health field leading to licensure (e.g., Psychology, MFT, Clinical Counseling, MSW)
• 3.0 GPA, with exceptions possible through Program Director approval
• Proof of licensure or licensure eligibility in a mental health profession

This program is ideal for early-, mid-, and late-career clinicians who seek deeper clinical training, leadership growth, or preparation for teaching and supervision roles.

Career Transformation—and Personal Transformation

When asked what he hopes students gain through the program, Dr. Schmidt shared:

“Our graduates will be committed to tending to the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of themselves and others, building on the core foundations of resilience. They will be able to tailor their approach to each client, creating effective, in-depth therapeutic relationships grounded in relational, developmental, multicultural, and neurobiologically informed principles.”

And perhaps most inspiring, Dr. Schmidt explained, “This program nourishes mental health professionals’ hunger to establish more profound dynamic connections with their clients… The degree opens new opportunities in clinical work, teaching, and leadership in the field of psychology.”

Tuition and the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee

SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee helps students plan their investment with confidence.

• Total tuition: $115,230
• Program fees: $2,600
• Graduation fee: $225
• Total estimated program cost: $118,055

Tuition is charged at $1,670 per credit (69 credits across 10 terms).

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Invitation to Prospective Students

Dr. Schmidt extends a thoughtful message to future applicants:

“Our program offers a comprehensive, tailored pathway for working professionals. For those seeking to deepen their clinical work, teach, or lead in the field of psychology, this degree opens meaningful new doors.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program accredited?
This Program is fully WSCUC approved. SCU is institutionally accredited, and the Reiss-Davis Doctor of Psychology program is approved under this institutional accreditation. Southern California University of Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Can I work full-time while enrolled?
Yes. The program is intentionally structured for full-time professionals.

Does the PsyD meet psychologist licensure requirements?
The program fulfills the educational requirement of having a doctoral degree as stipulated by the Board of Psychology in California; however, supervised experience and examinations are still required to become licensed as a clinical psychologist.

Take the Next Step

SCU invites clinicians who want to deepen their impact—and themselves—to explore what the PsyD in Psychodynamic Psychology can offer.

Learn more and apply for the Fall 2026 cohort.