Doctor of Psychology

Overview

SCU’s distinctive Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Psychodynamic Psychology is designed for master’s-level mental health professionals who seek to deepen their expertise in psychological theory, human behavior, and systems of care—whether or not they plan to pursue licensure as a Clinical Psychologist. The program offers advanced training in psychodynamic principles, trauma-informed practice, and the developmental and sociocultural foundations of mental health.

Unlike many PsyD programs, SCU’s curriculum does not include supervised clinical internships or practicum hours, making it significantly shorter in duration. While some graduates choose to complete those clinical hours and sit for licensure post-degree, many others enter directly into careers in higher education, consulting, program design, or leadership roles where psychological insight and systems thinking are highly valued.

Our PsyD program traces its roots to the respected Reiss-Davis Doctor of Psychology program established in 1976 at the former Graduate Center for Child Development and Psychotherapy. Grounded in psychodynamic theory, trauma”informed practice, and multicultural sensitivity, the curriculum integrates psychodynamic insight with an understanding of the neurobiological and developmental underpinnings of mental health.

Program at a Glance

• Full-time, hybrid program (3 years and 4 months)
• Convenient for working professionals, combining online coursework with on-campus training just one weekend per month
• Designed for students with a master’s degree in psychology or a related mental health field that can lead to licensure (e.g. MA/MS/MEd/MSW, etc.)
• Meets the degree requirement for pursuing California Psychology licensure as a psychologist. (Note that there are additional requirements beyond the doctoral degree, and individuals interested in psychology licensure should contact the California Board of Psychology.)
• Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of scholarship opportunities.

Upcoming Start Dates

Fall: September 8th, 2026

What Sets Our Program Apart?

FASTER, MORE FLEXIBLE FORMAT

While many PsyD programs in the U.S. take five to seven years to complete, ours takes just three years and four months. You’ll complete online coursework and assignments whenever it works best for you in a given week and will come to campus just one weekend per month for in-person learning and clinical training.

A Psychodynamic focus

Based on the former Reiss-Davis Doctor of Psychology curriculum, our PsyD program is anchored in psychodynamic theory, which focuses on the unconscious processes, emotional development, and early life experiences that shape a person’s behavior, thoughts, and relationships. At the heart of the curriculum is the PNT model, which includes:

• Psychodynamic principles: focusing on unconscious motivations, early relational patterns, and intrapsychic conflict.
• Neurobiological perspectives: understanding how brain development, affect regulation, and relational experiences shape psychological function.
• Trauma-informed approaches: appreciating how adversity, especially early attachment trauma, affects mental health across the lifespan.

No practicum or internship Requirements

Unlike most other PsyD programs, ours does not require a practicum or internship, since many of our students are already practicing, master’s-prepared therapists and do not intend to sit for a new licensure exam. Instead, you’ll complete an enriching Doctoral Project of your choosing—such as a clinical pilot program, scholarly paper, or policy/advocacy effort. This practical, real-world project will enable you to begin making a difference right away in an area of specific interest to you.

Should you wish to become a licensed Clinical Psychologist after earning your doctoral degree, you should contact the California Board of Psychology for guidance.

UNIQUE INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION.

Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, we do it differently. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.

An integrative, whole health approach.

All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.