The Doctoral Respecialization Program (DRP) in Clinical Psychology is designed for students who have already earned a doctorate in another area of psychology (or a closely related field) from an accredited institution and wish to respecialize in clinical psychology, usually with the goal of becoming a license-eligible psychologist. Based on the student’s background, a specialized curriculum, which includes both academic work and clinical training experiences, is individually designed. Most students complete the program in two years, but in some cases prior academic work adaptable to the curriculum in clinical psychology is sparse, and thus students require three years.
A major focus of the DRP is the required two years of supervised professional experience (in qualified practicum or internship agencies) of approximately 20 hours per week. Courses covering California licensure requirements (e.g., child abuse, human sexuality, chemical dependency, domestic violence, and aging and long term care) are recommended in the DRP curriculum. This training experience can be applied to licensure requirements. Each of the programs that offers respecialization training has requirements consistent with its program requirements, and individualized programs must be developed with program directors or advisors. DRP students must pass competency examination as required by the program in which they are enrolled.
DRP students seeking licensure in California are responsible for:
1. Determining with the Board of Psychology that their prior doctoral degree meets the requirements for licensure.
2. Registering with the Board of Psychology before beginning clinical training hours through CSPP to ensure that the hours will be counted towards the postdoctoral requirements for licensure.
DRPs are offered on the Fresno, San Diego, and San Francisco campuses.