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Our Clinical Psychology program takes a biopsychosocial approach to the promotion of health, the prevention and treatment of illness, and the identification of etiological and diagnostic correlates of illness and health.
We emphasize an interdisciplinary understanding of the total matrix of psychological, physiological, and social factors and techniques relevant to health and illness and the applications of this knowledge to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Many individuals are healthy at birth and made ill by social and/or physical factors. A holistic approach to health includes the study of personality characteristics, reinforcement history, psychological responsivity, nutritional states, psychoimmunity, ecological factors, and other variables that emphasize the realignment of lifestyle to reduce physiological and psychological stresses. The mind/body bridge needs further appreciation and investigation as we understand and treat psychological and biological functioning.
The Doctoral Program in Health Psychology at the University of
North Texas is accredited by the American Psychological Association, Office of
Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC
20002-4242.
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Philosophy and Goals
We recognize that our field is a dynamic, ever changing one – evolving, growing, and providing new and expanded role choices for the scientist-practitioner in health research, treatment, and the prevention of illnesses. We want graduate education to foster adaptability, innovation, and readiness on the part of our graduates for the present and future technologies, orientations, and frontiers of our field.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants may have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree or a doctoral degree in psychology or a health related field. Advanced placement is possible for students with graduate degrees. Admission is competitive. Motivation, aptitude, self-awareness and professional presence are valued along with skills in interpersonal relationships in culturally diverse contexts, experimental method, and scholarly writing. Admission is a serious commitment on the part of both the applicant and the faculty. We try to make an optimal match between the applicants' qualifications and goals and our resources and objectives. Call (940) 565-2652.
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Educational Model
We adopt an experimental-integrative model, assuming that demonstrable, basic competencies develop through “doing” or active participation, and that the processes and content of psychology are intrinsically bound to one another. Our program, like the Psychology Department as a whole, has adopted a scientist-practitioner model.
The Ph.D. in clinical psychology: health & behavioral medicine requires a minimum of 103 semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree, a foreign language or research tool, and a one-year pre-doctoral clinical internship. Students bear the responsibility for applying and gaining acceptance at these placements. Students with a bachelor's degree spend about 4-6 years on campus prior to internship unless a part-time track is requested for family and other reasons.
General Core Courses - Students acquire knowledge in the basic areas of psychology including history and systems, learning and cognition, psychophysiology, social psychology, statistics, and research design.
Clinical Core Courses - Students focus on psychopathology; medical and behavior disorders; developmental health psychology, clinical assessment; psychophysiological assessment; cultural aspects of health; psychoneuroimmunology; psychotherapy methods; behavioral intervention methods; professional and ethical issues; and biofeedback methods.
Elective Specialization-Students develop their own strong study emphasis through elective courses, research, and practicum experiences in consultation with their advisor. Areas include behavioral toxicology; neuropsychology; cardiovascular disorders; psychoneuroimmunology; pediatric health psychology; multi-cultural health practices; pain management; applied psychophysiology; geriatric health.
Students also may earn a masters' degree in one of the following areas:
Behavior Analysis provides graduates with a substantial base of knowledge in the principles, theory, and research methods of behavior analysis. Students acquire procedures for systematic application of behavioral technology in medicine and health contexts.
Pediatric School Psychology prepares clinicians to meet the special needs of children with medical conditions in school-based or school linked community clinics, children's hospitals, and other family settings.
Clinical and Research Practicum -From the very beginning, students are provided with professional roles at different skill levels that represent the activities of our field. Application of principles and techniques for clinical and research solutions are performed and practiced in a variety of contexts including courses, labs, collaborative research projects, health settings, administrative and service committees, program consultation, and participation at workshops and conferences.
Some practicum facilities:
- Psychology Clinic, Denton
- Denton/ Columbia Regional Hospital, Denton
- Baylor Medical Center, Dallas
- UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth
- Cook's Children's Hospital
- Positive Pain Management, Garland
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Student Body
Our students, about 50, are diverse in age, backgrounds, and interests. At the present time we have a larger number of women than men. A number of our students are older, come to us with advanced degrees in health related areas, and have several years of work experiences to draw upon. Facilities at both campuses are accessible to students with disabilities. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The rate of attrition from the doctoral program is very small.
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Training & Research Resources
UNTHSC Cardiovascular Labs
Biofeedback Lab
Brainmapping Lab
Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health
Psychophysiology Lab
Psychoneuroimmunology Lab
Neurofeedback Lab
Neuropsychological Assessment Lab
Sports Psychology Center
Geriatric Assessment Center
Center for Psychosocial Health
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