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Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology

Vancouver

The Adler University Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology empowers students to become expert clinicians who practice with precision, compassion, and evidence-informed mastery. Graduates are trained to lead in assessment, therapy, and clinical research.

  • 107 credits
  • 5-year program, full time
  • Approved by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
  • Licensure preparation in B.C. + beyond
  • Cohort-based model
  • Practicum + full-time internship
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Admission Deadlines

Term Priority Final
Fall 2026 Not offered 1/15/2026
Fall 2027 – International applicants Not offered 1/15/2027
Fall 2027 – Domestic applicants Not offered 1/15/2027

Program overview

Behind every life changed is a skilled clinician — and this program provides the training to become one. Approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Adler’s Psy.D. delivers comprehensive preparation for licensure as a psychologist, combining advanced coursework with supervised experience in assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment. From the first year, practicum placements immerse students in real-world settings where theory becomes practice and skills are honed with every client served. Students build expertise in assessment, intervention, and evidence-based care, serving diverse populations.

Training culminates in a full-time predoctoral internship and a doctoral dissertation that integrates scholarship with applied practice. Small, cohort-based classes foster collaboration and ensure individualized mentorship from licensed psychologists, giving students the confidence, competence, and professional judgment to thrive in diverse clinical environments. Graduates leave prepared not just to enter the profession, but to lead it.

program outcome data (opens in a new tab)

Why choose the Psy.D. program at Adler?

  • A degree that opens doors: Structured to meet licensure requirements in British Columbia and many other regions, positioning you for a wide range of career paths.
  • Mentorship that shapes careers: Train with licensed psychologists who are both practitioners and scholars, bringing real-world insight directly into the classroom.
  • Comprehensive training: 107-credit, five-year doctoral program with progressive clinical practica, 1,600-hour full-time internship, and a dissertation that advances clinical knowledge.
  • Extensive clinical experience: Gain at least 600 hours of practicum and 300 hours of direct client contact through placements in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community agencies.
  • A community of driven peers: Study alongside a select group of colleagues who share your passion for advancing mental health, building lifelong professional networks.

Psychology Careers That make an impact

Adler’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology prepares leaders, scholars, and clinicians for licensure and to take on advanced roles across health care, education, and community systems.

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Registered Psychologist in Private Practice

Provide therapy, assessment, and consultation services to individuals, couples, and families. Many graduates choose private practice for the flexibility to define their clinical focus and tailor services to client needs.

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Hospital or Health Authority Psychologist

Deliver assessment and treatment as part of multidisciplinary teams in hospitals and health systems. These roles often involve complex cases, collaboration with medical professionals, and acute or long-term care.

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Community Mental Health Clinician

Work in community agencies, outpatient clinics, and nonprofit organizations to expand access to care. These roles serve diverse populations and address a wide spectrum of mental health concerns.

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Clinical Supervisor

Mentor and oversee early-career clinicians, ensuring quality of care while shaping training programs and developing the next generation of psychologists.

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Researcher + Consultant

Apply advanced research skills to evaluate programs, develop new interventions, or consult on evidence-based practices that improve mental health services.

Admission requirements

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Eligibility

Applicants to the program must have the following:

  • An honours baccalaureate degree or equivalent in psychology or a substantial background in psychology (defined as 30 credits of coursework in psychology).

    Coursework must include the following prerequisites: abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and developmental psychology/life span development. Additional coursework (pending faculty approval) should include courses related to neuroscience, cognition, social psychology, developmental psychology, tests and measurement theory, personality, and learning.
  • A grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate or graduate coursework. Exceptions may be made for applicants who demonstrate improved academic performance or academic ability in other ways (e.g., significant clinical or research experience, strong psychology grade point average, or an improved grade point average over time). Applicant may be asked to provide additional supporting documentation for any extenuating circumstances.
  • Practicum or work experience in psychology or a related field is highly desirable and is considered in the evaluation of applicants.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

  • Application fee.
  • Completed application submitted via the online portal.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
  • Statement of Intent (2-3 pages double-spaced) answering the following questions:
    • Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
    • Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
    • What are your career goals and interests?
  • All transcripts (officials required to remain enrolled). 
  • Three letters of recommendation. These should be from someone who can specifically speak to your academic and professional abilities.
  • Faculty interview.
    • Writing sample as part of the interview process. 

International Applicants

International applicants are also required to submit the following:

  • Course-by-course transcript evaluation.
  • All transcripts from outside of North America (including Mexico) must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credentialing Evaluators (ECE). Please note that we require all official transcripts (and official translations if not in English) as well as the course-by-course international credential evaluation.
  • If a WES ICAP course-by-course evaluation is ordered, applicants will only be required to submit the official international credential evaluation to the University as this service provides a verified copy of the official transcript(s) and translations to the University. Applicants must be sure to send in all transcripts and order the course-by-course evaluation.
  • English Language Proficiency Assessment: Applicants whose first language is not English must submit English proficiency test scores from one of the following testing services directly to the University. Scores are only valid if taken within two years of enrollment.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Adler University’s – Vancouver Campus code for receiving test scores is 6215
    • Internet-based TOEFL minimum score is 92 with at least 22 on each of the four sections
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum Overall Band score of 7.0 is required, with no band lower than 6.5

Prerequisites

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 credits of psychology coursework, including:

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • Statistics

Within these 30 credits, applicants are strongly encouraged to include coursework in neuroscience, cognition, social psychology, test and measurement theory, personality, and learning.

A minimum grade of B is required in each prerequisite course. However, due to the highly competitive nature of the program and the limited number of available seats each year, grades above the minimum are strongly recommended for applicants to be competitive for admission.

The 30 credits of prerequisite coursework, completed with grades of B or higher, should preferably be completed at the undergraduate level.

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts
  1. Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and references’ details.
  2. Have official transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution or approved service to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline. Do not upload official copies to the portal.

    Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.

    Physical transcripts should be sent to:
    Adler University – Office of Admissions
    520 Seymour Street
    Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5

Curriculum | Internships | practicums

Over five years and 107 credit hours, this Psy.D. program blends academic study, clinical practice, and research into a comprehensive path toward becoming a licensed psychologist.

Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University catalogue.

ADLER UNIVERSITY COURSE catalogue (opens in a new tab)

CORE COURSES

Group Psychotherapy and Psychopathology

The history, theory, methods, and applications of group psychotherapy are examined, discussed, and demonstrated. The development of competency in group methods is enhanced through didactic presentation, role-playing, and participation in an ongoing group.

Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology

This course covers the theoretical principles of Individual Psychology with an emphasis on the self-creation of ones unique style of life. Focus is on the context of the individual’s original family constellation and socio-economic setting. It further emphasizes the contextual setting of pathological development of the style of life within families and society.

Psychometric Theory

This course introduces students to Psychometric Theory. It focuses on concepts and theoretical principles central to various forms of psychological assessment. Students will gain the theoretical and statistical knowledge necessary to understand when, why, and how to use psychometrics in their clinical work and research.

Applied Research Design in Clinical Psychology

This course covers a wide range of research designs used to research issues in clinical psychology. The purpose is to expose students to a variety of quantitative and selected qualitative research designs most frequently used in clinical psychology.

Community Psychology

Community Psychology studies a wide variety of forces and structures in the community which affect the positive growth, development, and functioning of its members. The practice of community psychology is directed toward interventions that facilitate psycho – logical competence and empowerment and promote constructive social change.

Statistics

This course concerns concepts and applications of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. A wide range of both univariate and multivariate statistics will be covered, including t-test, ANOVA, correlation, regression, MANOVA, nonparametric statistics (e.g., chi square), structural equation modelling and meta-analysis.

Trauma Assessment and Intervention

This course will develop a foundation for assessment and treatment of trauma reactions in adults and children. It covers the history, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma-related dysfunction, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), dissociative disorders, and common comorbid conditions.

Doctoral Professional Development Seminar I + II

This seminar will provide students an opportunity to meet in a small group with peers and one faculty member. The seminar covers advisement and mentoring around Adler degree requirements and mission, orientation to the field of professional psychology, issues of diversity as it relates to the students’ personal and professional growth, and a preliminary overview of ethics within the context of social responsibility.

Assessment I: Cognitive & Intellectual Assessment

This course introduces students to the theoretical basis, current issues, ethics and clinical use of cognitive and intelligence assessment. An appreciation of the cultural influences and diversity involving assessment procedures is emphasized.

Assessment II: Personality

This course will provide students with an overview of the conceptual, theoretical and empirical issues in the measurement of personality and psychopathology through an examination of the reliability and validity of objective and projective methods. Students will learn to administer, score and interpret broad-band measures of psychological and objective psychopathology and adult personality (e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory [MMPI-2], Personality Assessment Inventory [PAI], Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory [MCMI-III]), and learn about the adolescent equivalents (i.e., MMPI-A, PAI-A, MACI).

Assessment III: Integrated Assessment

In this course, students learn to generate hypotheses from multiple sources of data and cross-validate sources of data: interview, historical, behavioural, psychometric, and projective data; and compose professional psychological assessment reports.

Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction

Clinical features of a wide range of mental disorders (e.g., psycho-physiological, anxiety, stress-related dysfunctions, personality, mood and psychotic disorders) will be examined.

Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychology

This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for the ethical practice of psychology and counselling. Students will learn codes of ethics of the Canadian Psychological Association and the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

Humanistic/Existential Approaches to Intervention

This course is designed to acquaint students with the fundamental principles of humanistic-existential approaches to psychotherapy. Beginning with the work of Carl Rogers, humanistic approaches to intervention have placed the client at the forefront of the treatment process

Psychodynamic Approaches to Intervention

This course provides a comprehensive overview of psychoanalytic theory and its practical applications to the treatment of psychological disorders. Students develop a thorough understanding of the basic therapeutic techniques used in psychodynamic therapy.

Structural and Sociocultural Bases of Health and Disfunction

Traditionally, psychologists and counsellors work within circumscribed clinical contexts within which mental health issues are deemed functions of individual pathology.

Psychopharmacology

This course is an introduction to the scientific principles and clinical information needed for a basic understanding of the uses and limitations of the major classes of psychopharmacologic agents.

The Role of the Psychologist in Management, Administration, and Leadership

This course will focus on preparing students to assume administrative and management roles in behavioral health care management, public administration, academic programs, and other settings.

PRACTICUMS + INTERNSHIPS

Assessment Practicum I, II, III

Taken concurrently with the diagnostic practicum, this seminar provides a setting for the student to discuss and apply the fundamentals of clinical and diagnostic interviewing, to formulate DSM-5 diagnostic impressions, to write an accurate assessment report based on data from the interview and mental status exam, and to appreciate how diversity issues affect the content and processes of clinical interviewing and more broadly of psychological assessment.

Therapy Practicum I, II, III (1 cr.)

Assessment Practicum Seminar I, II, III

Taken concurrently with the diagnostic practicum, this seminar provides a setting for the student to discuss and apply the fundamentals of clinical and diagnostic interviewing, to formulate DSM-IV-TR diagnostic impressions, to write an accurate assessment report based on data from the interview and mental status exam, and to appreciate how diversity issues affect the content and processes of clinical interviewing and more broadly of psychological assessment.

Therapy Practicum Seminar I, II, III

Concurrent with practicum field experiences, the practicum seminar enhances the integration of theoretical and academic perspectives within clinical counselling practice and conceptualization.

Doctoral Internship Full-time or Part-time

All students must complete 2000-internship of training over a 12-month period (with the option of a half-time internship completed over a 24-months period). Most internships are full time and require a 12-months commitment.

DISSERTATION

Doctoral Dissertation Seminar: Proposal I

This course is designed to carry out the foundational work involved in developing and conceptualizing the dissertation topic. The focus is to construct a dissertation committee, and map out the various stages of the dissertation process.

Doctoral Dissertation Seminar: Proposal II

This course focuses on research proposal development in the student’s chosen area of research. Students are required to complete the proposal work and receive the approval of the dissertation committee.

Doctoral Dissertation Seminar I

Students who received approval for their proposal must continue to make consistent progress on their dissertation work. This course is focused on assisting the student with various stages of executing the dissertation study.

Doctoral Dissertation Seminar II

Students who received approval for their proposal must continue to make consistent progress on their dissertation work. This course is focused on assisting the student with various stages of executing the dissertation study.

Doctoral Dissertation Seminar III

Students who received approval for their proposal must continue to make consistent progress on their dissertation work. This course is focused on assisting the student in continuing to advance with dissertation work and must demonstrate steady progress toward completion of the dissertation requirement.

Doctoral CQE – Assessment

Adler Social Interest Practicum

200-hour internship to give students real world experience

A unique program designed to give students real-world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Adler Social Interest Practicum is a required 200-hour experience that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Faculty

Meet the faculty leading Adler’s Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program in Vancouver.

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