Program Background
Forest was established in 1979 as
an institution of higher learning in the field of clinical psychology. From the
beginning, its purpose was to provide an alternative to traditional PhD
programs for individuals desiring an education preparing them to serve
primarily as direct providers of mental health services rather than as
researchers or academicians. The PsyD degree was chosen because it is a
practitioner-oriented degree; clinical psychology was selected because, as
reflected in the following description, its approach and goals are suited to
Forest’s purpose.
The field of Clinical Psychology
integrates science, theory and practice to understand, predict and alleviate
maladjustment, disability and discomfort as well as to promote human
adaptation, adjustment and personal development. Clinical psychology focuses on
the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social and behavioral
aspects of human functioning across the life span, in varying cultures, and at
all socioeconomic levels. (Society of Clinical Psychology, n.d., ¶ 1)
Design of the PsyD program at
Forest reflects the commitment of administration and faculty to developing
competent entry-level practitioner-scholars and their belief that, to become
highly effective clinical psychologists, students must first acquire a strong
foundation in the core areas of psychological science. Consequently, the PsyD
program is based on a generalist educational philosophy, which presumes that
competency as a generalist is a prerequisite for entry-level evidence-based
practice and the future development of expertise as a specialist. The roles and
educational philosophy will ensure our graduates are prepared to take full
advantage of these opportunities to enhance quality of life in their
communities. Forest's mission statement is compatible with a generalist
philosophy toward clinical training, emphasizing integration of science in
practice and the need to be responsive to developing opportunities in the
profession.
Program Philosophy
The overarching philosophy of the PsyD program is to integrate the
discipline and practice of clinical psychology with an empirically informed
competency-based practitioner-scholar model. The program provides experiences
in academic and clinical learning environments designed for graduates that are
responsive to the diverse and changing needs of the human community.