Best Clinical Psychology Programs In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the strongest states in the country for clinical psychology education. Through major academic medical centers, large hospital systems, VA facilities, and community behavioral health networks, students can gain meaningful experience at every stage, from undergraduate clinical exposure to doctoral-level supervised practice.
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor's degree or pursuing a doctorate, Pennsylvania offers diverse options across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Central PA, and beyond.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How bachelor's programs with clinical tracks prepare students for graduate study
- The differences between master's, PhD, PsyD, and post-master's certificate pathways
- Pennsylvania-specific examples of clinical training settings
- What to look for when choosing the best clinical psychology program for your goals
- How degree level impacts licensure and career trajectory
2026 Best Clinical Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. This APA-accredited program prepares students for leadership roles as culturally competent psychologists. It focuses on evidence-based practice to assess, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, especially in high-risk populations. The program combines didactic coursework with supervised clinical training from the first year. Graduates are equipped to be critical consumers of research and adaptive to new knowledge in the field. The program is campus-based, fostering a hands-on learning environment.
- APA accredited program.
- Focus on Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
- Scholar-practitioner model.
- Campus-based learning.
- Supervised clinical training from year one.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Culturally competent training.
- Evidence-based practice focus.
- Critical research consumers.
- Adaptive to new knowledge.
Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (Trauma)
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Chester University's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology offers a cutting-edge scholar-practitioner program focused on developing culturally competent psychologists. With an APA-accredited curriculum, students receive comprehensive training in evidence-based practice, mental health assessment, and intervention strategies. The program emphasizes critical research skills, adaptive learning, and addressing emerging needs in diverse populations, particularly for individuals experiencing significant mental health challenges.
- APA Accredited Clinical Psychology Program
- Scholar-Practitioner Training Model
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Focus on Evidence-Based Practice
- Culturally Competent Psychological Care
- Leadership Role Preparation
- Supervised Clinical Experiences
- First-Year Clinical Training
- Research and Intervention Skills
- Diverse Population Expertise
Marywood University
Scranton, PA - Private 4-year - marywood.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Clinical Services
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marywood University's Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Clinical Services program is designed for students passionate about understanding human behavior and mental health. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for careers in clinical psychology, counseling, and related fields. With a focus on scientific and critical thinking, students gain hands-on experience through internships. The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Counsel for Accrediting Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring a high-quality education. Admission requires official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and optional SAT/ACT scores. Explore this program to start your journey in the rewarding field of psychology.
- 48-credit Clinical Track
- Hands-on internship opportunities
- Accredited by CACREP
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Preparation for graduate study
- Focus on clinical psychology
- Scientific and critical thinking training
- Research methods and statistical analysis
- Interdisciplinary study of humanity
Doctorate - Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marywood University's Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program prepares aspiring psychologists to deliver cutting-edge, culturally sensitive mental health services. Students benefit from an APA-accredited curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The program offers comprehensive training with early practical experiences, including in-house clinic placements and diverse community practicum opportunities. Designed for research-informed practitioners, the program provides a supportive learning environment with small class sizes. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in medical centers, VA systems, university counseling centers, and private practice, with a strong track record of professional success.
- APA Accredited Doctoral Program
- Practicum begins first year
- In-house psychology clinic
- Small class sizes
- Multiple community practicum sites
- No GRE requirement
- Minimum 3.48 GPA for admission
- Prerequisites include psychology courses
- Clinical supervision training
- Scholarships available
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA - Private 4-year - immaculata.edu
Master's - Clinical Psychology, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Immaculata University's Clinical Psychology, M.A. program is designed for students admitted into the Psy.D. program, offering a deep dive into psychology's core areas. It covers research, ethical standards, diversity, assessment, and intervention. The curriculum includes courses like Psychopathology, Cognitive Clinical Assessment, and Psychoanalytic Theories. Students gain hands-on experience through practicum seminars. The program emphasizes ethical practice and cultural competence, preparing graduates for advanced studies or careers in psychology. Admission requires a bachelor's or unrelated master's degree, with a focus on building a strong foundation in clinical psychology.
- Embedded in Psy.D. curriculum.
- Focus on research, ethics, diversity.
- Includes practicum seminars.
- Covers assessment and intervention.
- Requires bachelor's or master's degree.
Doctorate - Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Immaculata University's Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program offers an intensive, comprehensive training pathway for aspiring clinical psychologists. Accredited by the American Psychological Association, this practitioner-scholar model prepares students for professional leadership in mental health through rigorous coursework, extensive clinical practica, and personalized mentorship. Students develop advanced skills in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and research, with a curriculum designed to foster competence across diverse practice settings. The program features small class sizes, individualized faculty support, and exceptional internship placement rates, positioning graduates for successful careers in clinical practice, research, and academic roles.
- APA-accredited Psy.D. program
- Six-year typical completion time
- 95% internship placement rate
- $990 per credit tuition
- Face-to-face campus format
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Multiple certificates of emphasis
- 3.3 minimum GPA requirement
- Evening course scheduling
- Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic
Doctorate - Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Immaculata University's Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) offers an intensive, practitioner-scholar model designed for aspiring mental health professionals. The APA-accredited program provides comprehensive training in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and clinical practice. Students develop robust research skills through coursework and independent projects, preparing them for leadership roles in mental health. With a strong emphasis on professional competence, the program costs $990 per credit and typically takes six years to complete. Graduates are equipped to practice at the doctoral level, work in diverse settings like private practices, hospitals, and university counseling centers, and make meaningful scholarly contributions to the field.
- APA-accredited Psy.D. program
- Six-year typical completion time
- $990 per credit
- High internship placement rates
- Face-to-face campus classes
- Small class sizes
- Multiple certificates of emphasis
- Strong faculty mentorship
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - pointpark.edu
Doctorate - Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Community Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Point Park University's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Community Psychology concentration offers a distinctive, human-science approach to understanding mental health. This innovative doctoral program prepares practitioners to address psychological challenges through a holistic lens that emphasizes socio-cultural contexts. Students explore diverse theoretical perspectives, engage in qualitative research, and develop advanced clinical skills focused on community intervention and individual well-being. The 90-credit, five-year program provides comprehensive training in psychotherapy, with opportunities for hands-on community practice in downtown Pittsburgh. Graduates are equipped to work in various settings, from independent practices to community clinics, with a strong emphasis on social justice and cultural competence.
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Affordable Pittsburgh-based doctorate
- 90-credit, five-year curriculum
- Community psychology focus
- Six clinical practicums included
- Downtown Pittsburgh location
- Diverse theoretical perspectives
- Qualitative research emphasis
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time weekday courses
Doctorate - Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology (Community Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Point Park University's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Community Psychology concentration offers a transformative approach to understanding human experience. This unique program emphasizes a holistic, context-driven perspective that goes beyond traditional psychological study. Students explore mental health through a comprehensive lens, examining individuals within their social, cultural, and community contexts. The curriculum prepares practitioner-scholars to address psychological challenges with depth, reflexivity, and cultural sensitivity. With an affordable tuition structure and hands-on training in downtown Pittsburgh, students gain advanced skills in psychotherapy, community intervention, and scholarly research, positioning themselves for diverse career paths in clinical psychology and community-focused mental health services.
- 90-credit doctoral program
- APA-accredited program
- Unique human science approach
- Weekday courses in Pittsburgh
- Six clinical practicums included
- Community psychology focus
- Five-year completion timeline
- One-year clinical internship
- Minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA
- Diverse theoretical perspectives
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - sju.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Joseph's University offers a comprehensive 60-credit online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling designed for working professionals. Prepare to become a licensed counselor serving individuals and families struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, and interpersonal difficulties. The program provides 700 hours of supervised fieldwork, an optional addiction counseling certificate, and flexible pacing options. With an affordable tuition starting at $979 per credit, students can complete the degree in 2.5 years, positioning themselves in a high-growth career field with projected job growth of over 22%.
- Fully online with practicum
- 60 total credit hours
- 2.5 years program length
- Affordable $979 per credit
- 700 supervised fieldwork hours
- Meet LPC credential requirements
- Optional addiction counseling certificate
Why Pennsylvania Is a Strong State for Clinical Psychology Students
Pennsylvania offers clinical training depth across multiple regions:
- Philadelphia Metro: pediatric, academic medicine, trauma-focused care, and specialty clinics
- Pittsburgh/Western PA: integrated health systems, hospital-based behavioral health, and research-driven clinical training
- Central PA (Harrisburg, Hershey, State College): medical center and community mental health opportunities
- Northeast/Lehigh Valley/Scranton: growing outpatient networks, school-linked services, and hospital affiliates
Common Pennsylvania Training Strengths Include:
- Integrated behavioral health in primary care
- Hospital-based psychiatry and consultation-liaison experiences
- Substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment
- Neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology
- Child, adolescent, and family therapy across outpatient and school-linked settings
Explore Pennsylvania psychology schools.
Bachelor's Programs with Clinical Psychology Tracks in Pennsylvania
A bachelor's degree with a clinical psychology concentration or applied psychology focus is often the first step toward becoming a licensed psychologist or entering a behavioral health field.
Unlike general psychology programs, these tracks typically include:
- Abnormal psychology and psychopathology
- Clinical interviewing foundations
- Psychological assessment fundamentals
- Research methods and statistics
- Supervised practicum or community-based experience
Pennsylvania Clinical Exposure Opportunities for Undergraduates
Strong bachelor's programs often connect students to:
- Community mental health centers
- Behavioral health departments within hospital systems
- School-based counseling or intervention programs
- University research labs focused on clinical populations
In Pennsylvania, undergraduates may find experiential learning opportunities within large systems such as:
- Penn Medicine (Philadelphia region)
- UPMC behavioral health services (Pittsburgh region)
- Geisinger behavioral health network (Central/Northeast PA)
These experiences are especially valuable when applying to competitive doctoral programs.
Undergraduate Planning Tip: Choose a bachelor's program that includes research lab participation and clinical volunteer opportunities; doctoral admissions committees strongly favor applicants with both.
Master's Programs in Clinical Psychology
Master's programs in clinical psychology provide deeper clinical theory and applied foundations. In Pennsylvania, these programs often serve two purposes:
- Strengthen preparation for doctoral study
- Prepare graduates for behavioral health roles (scope varies by degree type)
What Pennsylvania Master's Programs Typically Include
- Advanced psychopathology
- Assessment theory
- Evidence-based psychotherapy foundations
- Research design and thesis projects
- Supervised practicum experiences
Important: A master's in clinical psychology alone does not typically lead to psychologist licensure in Pennsylvania. Psychologist licensure is generally associated with doctoral training.
Doctoral Programs: PhD vs PsyD in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers both major doctoral models: the PhD and the PsyD in clinical psychology.
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Best for students interested in research, academia, or hospital-based clinical science roles.
Typical features:
- Heavy research training
- Publication and grant involvement
- Clinical practica integrated with research
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Best for students focused primarily on clinical practice.
Typical features:
- Extensive supervised clinical hours
- Psychological assessment training
- Therapy specialization tracks
Doctoral Clinical Training in Pennsylvania Often Includes
- Hospital-based outpatient and inpatient behavioral health
- Consultation-liaison services in medical centers
- Trauma and PTSD treatment programs
- Neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology
- Child and adolescent specialty clinics
Major ecosystems that frequently support practicum and internship training include:
- Penn Medicine
- UPMC
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
- Geisinger
Doctoral Planning Tip: Review internship match rates and practicum placement depth when comparing programs.
Post-Master's Certificates in Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology post-master's certificates in Pennsylvania can provide:
- Specialized training in trauma, forensic psychology, neuropsychology foundations, or behavioral health
- Skill expansion for clinicians already licensed in related professions
- Advanced continuing education within structured academic settings
Not all certificates lead to new licensure eligibility. Always verify how the credential aligns with your career goals.
Online, Hybrid, and Campus Program Formats
Clinical psychology education is highly experiential, but Pennsylvania programs offer varied formats:
Campus-Based
- Strong access to on-site clinics and supervision
- Cohort-based training models
- Embedded research labs
Hybrid
- Online didactic coursework
- In-person clinical skill labs and practica
Online (More Common for Certificates or Select Master's Content)
- Flexible coursework
- Clinical placements still completed in person
Fully online doctoral clinical psychology programs are rare due to supervised training requirements.
Comparing Degree Levels At a Glance
| Degree Level | Focus | Leads To | Best For |
| Bachelor's (Clinical Track) | Foundational + applied exposure | Entry-level behavioral roles; prep for grad study | Students starting in psychology |
| Master's | Advanced theory + practicum | Prep for doctorate or certain behavioral roles | Students strengthening credentials |
| PhD | Research + clinical training | Academic & clinical roles | Research-oriented students |
| PsyD | Clinical practice training | Clinical psychologist pathway | Practice-focused students |
| Post-Master's Certificate | Specialized training | Niche expertise | Licensed or graduate-level clinicians |
How to Choose the Best Clinical Psychology Program In Pennsylvania
1. Match The Degree To Your End Goal
If your goal is psychologist licensure, doctoral training is typically required.
2. Evaluate Clinical Depth
Look at:
- Number and diversity of practicum sites
- Supervision quality
- Assessment training breadth
3. Consider Geographic Location
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer dense hospital systems.
Central and rural PA may offer stronger community-based and integrated care exposure.
4. Compare Financial Structure
- Tuition vs assistantship funding
- Length of program
- Cost of living by region
FAQs
Q: Can I Become a Psychologist with Only a Bachelor's Degree?
A: No. A bachelor's degree is a foundation step. Psychologist licensure in Pennsylvania typically requires doctoral-level education and supervised training.
Q: Is a PsyD Easier than a PhD?
A: They differ in focus. PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice, while PhD programs emphasize research alongside clinical work.
Q: What Pennsylvania Regions Offer the Most Clinical Training Variety?
A: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide broad hospital and specialty training networks, while Central PA offers strong integrated and community mental health opportunities.
Q: Should I Get a Master's Before Applying to a Doctoral Program?
A: It depends. A master's can strengthen research credentials and clinical experience, but some students enter doctoral programs directly from a strong bachelor's program.



