The Baylor College of Medicine has announced the launch of a new Clinical Psychology Program that will award a Doctor of Philosophy degree through its School of Health Professions. This program, which has received approval from the Board of Trustees, the Academic Council, and the Faculty Senate, is now accepting applications for its inaugural class slated to begin in the fall semester of 2026. The program aims to enroll an initial cohort of 10 students.
The five-year doctoral program adopts a scientist-practitioner approach, prioritizing both research advancement and evidence-based practices in clinical psychology. The curriculum aligns with the standards established by the American Psychological Association and is designed to cultivate essential scientific competencies in health service psychology and clinical practice.
Dr. Eric Storch, a professor and vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor, stated, “There is a shortage of psychologists throughout Texas and the U.S. more broadly. This program will engage expert Baylor College of Medicine psychology faculty in addressing this problem by training learners in a rigorous curriculum focused on evidence-based psychological assessment and intervention.”
Students enrolled in the program will concentrate on one of three areas of emphasis: general clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, or clinical health psychology. The first three years will primarily consist of didactic coursework, while clinical practicum experiences will commence in the second year, culminating in an internship in the program’s final year.
During their training, students will manage an active caseload under faculty supervision, enhancing their skills in diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making. Additionally, they will embark on a formal mentored research apprenticeship in their second year, ultimately leading to a dissertation that contributes to the existing body of literature through original research.
The commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment is evident in the words of Dr. Wayne Goodman, professor and D.C. and Irene Ellwood Chair in Psychiatry at Baylor. “The program is committed to fostering a learning environment that empowers trainees to develop knowledge, skills and abilities to excel as clinical psychologists and to serve high-need communities,” he noted.
Students will have the opportunity to train with faculty across various Baylor College of Medicine departments at affiliate hospitals within the Texas Medical Center. They will gain insights from experts in diverse fields, including neuropsychology, behavioral health, PTSD and trauma, addiction and substance use, as well as anxiety and related disorders.
In the initial two years of the program, students will acquire foundational skills at a community and training clinic, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience. This hands-on approach will expose them to a diverse client base, ensuring they encounter a wide array of psychological issues.
Dr. Todd Reinhart, dean of the School of Health Professions, expressed enthusiasm for the new program, stating, “The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program is fully aligned with the School of Health Professions strategic plan. We are excited to expand our family of exceptional graduate health professions programs and to amplify the impact of the school to include the training of mental healthcare providers and researchers.”
Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the new program is not yet accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). However, it plans to seek accreditation and will submit an application at the earliest eligible opportunity.
The establishment of this program is supported in part by the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, which is dedicated to enhancing mental healthcare and expanding the workforce for children and adolescents in Texas. For more information about the program and application details, interested individuals can visit the Baylor College of Medicine website.
