Best Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs Near New York City
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average across occupations. The demand for mental health professionals has never been higher, especially in diverse, densely populated regions like the New York City metro area.
Known for its iconic skyline, cultural landmarks like Times Square and Central Park, and its global reputation as “The City That Never Sleeps,” New York City offers more than just an exciting backdrop. With its concentration of leading universities, hospitals, and clinical training centers, NYC offers unparalleled opportunities for students pursuing careers in clinical psychology. This guide explores top graduate programs (including Master’s in Clinical Psychology and PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology) in and around New York City to help candidates identify the ideal academic path for their professional goals. Learn about other psychology programs in New York.
2025 Best Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs Near NYC
Yeshiva University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - yu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology provides a robust, APA-accredited doctoral program targeting aspiring psychologists. Located in the Bronx, this four-year program distinguishes itself through comprehensive clinical training with a 97% internship match rate. Students receive extensive preparation in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, with opportunities to develop multicultural competence. The program emphasizes diverse clinical experiences across prestigious New York area sites, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for professional practice. Prospective students should note the competitive admissions process, which typically requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and strong academic background in psychology.
- APA Accredited Since 1985
- Full-time, In-Person Program
- 97% Internship Match Rate
- Cognitive-Behavioral and Psychodynamic Training
- Located in Bronx, New York
- Diverse Student Body Representation
- Extensive Clinical Training Sites
- 4-Year Comprehensive Doctoral Program
- Minimum 3.5 GPA Preferred
- Geropsychology Minor Available
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology with Health Emphasis
Concentration: Health Emphasis - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology with Health Emphasis offers a 99-credit doctoral program designed to produce expert scientist-practitioners in health psychology. This program uniquely integrates clinical assessment, intervention, and research methodologies with a focused health psychology perspective. Students receive comprehensive training in evidence-based approaches, multicultural competence, and advanced clinical skills through extensive supervised experiences in medical settings. The program's research-oriented curriculum prepares graduates to navigate complex psychological dimensions of health, making significant contributions to healthcare environments and psychological research.
- 99-credit doctoral program
- APA accredited since 2005
- Full-time training on Bronx campus
- 97% internship match rate
- Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Emphasis on diversity and inclusion
- Research-focused health psychology training
- Multiple specialized minor options
- Scientist-practitioner training model
Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Concentration: Geropsychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with Geropsychology Concentration represents a specialized doctoral training pathway for professionals interested in older adult mental health. As one of only 14 doctoral programs nationwide offering substantive geropsychology training, this APA-accredited program provides a distinctive scholar-practitioner model. Students benefit from comprehensive clinical, research, and theoretical foundations, with unique opportunities at the on-site Parnes Clinic and prestigious practicum sites. The program emphasizes cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address the complex psychological needs of aging populations.
- APA Accredited Program
- Geropsychology Concentration
- 97% Internship Match Rate
- Full-Time, In-Person Training
- Cognitive-Behavioral and Psychodynamic Approaches
- Extensive Clinical Training Sites
- Diverse and Inclusive Learning Environment
Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, established in 1979 at the Ferkauf Graduate School, offers a comprehensive doctoral program preparing students through an innovative scholar-practitioner model. Featuring extensive training in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, the program provides three years of practicum experiences and four years of on-site clinic training. Students have access to Albert Einstein College of Medicine's resources and benefit from a remarkable 97% internship match rate. The program prioritizes research skills, diverse clinical competencies, and multicultural understanding, making it an excellent choice for aspiring clinical psychologists seeking rigorous, comprehensive training.
- APA Accredited since 1985
- 97% Internship Match Rate
- Full Time, In-Person Program
- CBT and Psychodynamic Training
- Located in Bronx, New York
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Strong Research Emphasis
- Diverse Learning Environment
- On-site Parnes Clinic
- Geropsychology Concentration Available
CUNY City College
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - ccny.cuny.edu
Doctorate - PhD program in Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY City College's PhD in Clinical Psychology offers a groundbreaking psychodynamic doctoral program that uniquely interprets individual psychological development through intricate social and cultural lenses. The highly selective program (3% admission rate) provides comprehensive training in evidence-based treatments, featuring an innovative four-year practicum at The Psychological Center serving over 300 community members annually. Students benefit from a research-driven curriculum emphasizing mental health interventions, diverse population exposure, and critical exploration of how systemic inequities shape psychological experiences. With 100% first-year tuition coverage and an exceptional 4:1 student-faculty ratio, the program prepares clinicians to navigate complex psychological landscapes with depth and nuance.
- 100% Tuition Covered First Year
- 3% Competitive Admissions Rate
- 4+ Years Clinical Practicum
- 4:1 Student-Faculty Ratio
- Community Mental Health Focus
- Multiple Therapy Modality Training
- Psychodynamic Theoretical Approach
- On-Site Clinical Training Center
- Diverse Population Exposure
- Research-Driven Curriculum
St. John's University-New York
Queens, NY - Private 4-year - stjohns.edu
Doctorate - Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
Concentration: Adult - Campus Based - Visit Website
St. John's University's Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology with Adult concentration offers an immersive, research-driven curriculum designed to cultivate advanced psychological practitioners. Emphasizing a scientist-practitioner model, students engage in comprehensive training spanning four intensive years, integrating rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical experiences. The program's metropolitan New York setting provides unique opportunities for multicultural psychological practice, with supervised practica and a dedicated clinical internship. GRE is typically required for admission. Students develop sophisticated research methodologies, clinical assessment skills, and ethical competencies through an APA-accredited program specifically tailored to adult psychological interventions and treatment strategies.
- Four-year full-time doctoral program
- APA fully accredited program
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Adult clinical concentration available
- Community-based psychological services
- Multicultural population training
- Metropolitan New York externships
- Supervised clinical practica
Doctorate - Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
Concentration: Child and Adolescent - Campus Based - Visit Website
St. John's University's Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Child and Adolescent psychology, provides a comprehensive five-year training pathway for aspiring clinical professionals. The program's distinctive scientist-practitioner approach blends advanced theoretical knowledge with intensive hands-on clinical experiences across metropolitan New York settings. Students undertake sophisticated research, develop nuanced intervention strategies, and gain expertise in developmental psychological assessment. With APA accreditation and a multicultural training framework, the curriculum prepares graduates for complex pediatric and adolescent mental health challenges. Admission typically requires GRE scores, emphasizing the program's commitment to rigorous academic and clinical excellence.
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Child and Adolescent concentration
- Five-year comprehensive program
- Clinical practica in NYC facilities
- Multicultural training approach
- Research-focused curriculum
- Supervised clinical experiences
CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY - Public 4-Year - qc.cuny.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology
Concentration: Neuropsychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Queens College's Ph.D. Clinical Psychology program with Neuropsychology concentration offers an intensive training pathway bridging advanced neuroscience research and sophisticated clinical practice. Uniquely positioned for students passionate about understanding complex brain-behavior interactions, the program provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessment training. Students engage with cutting-edge research methodologies and gain hands-on clinical experiences through diverse faculty mentorship. APA accreditation ensures rigorous academic standards, preparing graduates for leadership roles in academic research, clinical settings, and neuropsychological assessment. Applicants should anticipate a competitive selection process with potential GRE requirements, though specific entrance exam details are subject to current program guidelines.
- Specializes in Neuropsychology.
- APA accredited program.
- Focus on brain-behavior relationships.
- Diverse faculty and clinical opportunities.
- Rigorous curriculum meets professional standards.
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY - Private 4-year - columbia.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology represents a premier research-intensive doctoral program distinguished by its APA-accredited scientist-practitioner training model. Students navigate a comprehensive 95-credit curriculum emphasizing advanced psychopathology, empirically-supported psychotherapy techniques, and sophisticated research methodologies. The program's competitive admissions process prioritizes candidates demonstrating exceptional research potential and clinical aptitude. Located within New York City's dynamic academic landscape, students access unparalleled clinical experiences across diverse urban healthcare settings. Financial support opportunities, mandatory clinical internship, and dissertation requirements prepare graduates for influential roles in academic, research, and clinical professional domains. The program uniquely balances rigorous scientific inquiry with hands-on clinical skill development.
- APA-accredited program
- 95 credits required
- Full-time campus-based
- Scientist-practitioner model
- Clinical internship included
- Research and clinical focus
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Located in New York City
- Competitive admissions
- Financial aid available
Why Study Clinical Psychology Near New York City?
New York City stands at the intersection of world-class research, diverse populations, and cutting-edge clinical practice. The region’s unique offerings create an exceptional environment for clinical psychology students seeking robust academic and hands-on training.
Key advantages include:
- Diverse Clinical Populations: Exposure to multicultural, multilingual, and socioeconomically varied patient groups.
- Specialized Clinical Training: Opportunities in trauma, addiction, neuropsychology, forensics, and more.
- Prestigious Clinical Sites: Access to leading hospitals, private clinics, and research centers.
- Professional Networking: Frequent conferences, workshops, and seminars hosted by top organizations.
- Research Excellence: Collaboration with prominent scholars and active participation in cutting-edge studies.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Program
Selecting the right clinical psychology program involves evaluating multiple factors that influence academic and professional outcomes.
Accreditation
Ensure the program is APA-accredited. This is critical for licensure eligibility and professional credibility.
Clinical Training Opportunities
Prioritize programs offering diverse practicum experiences across multiple populations and healthcare settings.
Faculty Expertise
Review faculty research to identify alignment with specific clinical or academic interests.
Licensure Support
Investigate licensure pass rates and the program's structured support for psychology licensure requirements.
Cost and Location
Compare tuition rates, cost of living, and commuting or relocation logistics.
Career Paths for Clinical Psychology Graduates
Graduates from NYC-based clinical psychology programs pursue a wide spectrum of rewarding careers. Real-world examples include:
- Private Practice: Providing therapy to diverse patient populations dealing with anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders.
- Healthcare Settings: Working in hospital psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, or integrated behavioral health teams.
- Academia: Teaching and conducting research at universities or medical schools.
- Forensic Psychology: Consulting on legal cases, performing competency evaluations, or working in correctional settings.
- School Psychology: Supporting students' mental health and learning needs within K-12 schools.
- Public Policy and Advocacy: Shaping mental health legislation or community interventions.
Salary Expectations for Clinical Psychologists Near NYC
Compensation varies based on setting, specialization, and experience. The NYC metro area generally offers higher salaries than national averages.
| Career Stage | NYC Metro Annual Salary |
| Entry Level | $75,000–$90,000 |
| Median | ~$118,000 |
| Experienced (Top 10%) | $150,000+ |
Specialties such as neuropsychology, forensics, and private practice often yield higher earning potential.
Licensing Requirements in New York State
Licensure is a multi-step process governed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED):
- Earn a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited institution.
- Complete 1,750 hours of pre-doctoral supervised practice and 1,750 hours post-doctorally.
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
- Fulfill NYSED's coursework on child abuse identification and reporting.
- Submit application materials to NYSED for final licensure approval.
State regulations are periodically updated, making it essential to verify current requirements through NYSED.
How to Strengthen a Clinical Psychology Application
Competitive applicants often take deliberate steps to stand out in the admissions process:
- Clinical Experience: Volunteer at mental health clinics, crisis centers, or residential facilities.
- Research Involvement: Assist faculty-led studies or design independent research projects.
- Strong Recommendations: Secure endorsements from experienced clinicians or academic mentors.
- Personal Statement: Articulate professional goals and alignment with the program’s mission.
- GRE Preparation: For programs requiring GRE scores, aim for competitive percentiles.
Selecting the right clinical psychology program near New York City opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling career paths. The region’s rich academic resources, diverse clinical populations, and robust professional networks create a powerful launching point for both students and professionals.
Exploring program websites, attending virtual open houses, and speaking with faculty, alumni, and current students provide invaluable insights during the decision-making process. With thoughtful preparation and research, each candidate can find a program that not only meets academic expectations but also aligns with long-term professional aspirations.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Psychologists
- APA Accredited Programs Search
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
