Clinical Psychology Master's Program

The Clinical Psychology Masters Program at SF State was founded in 1952 and has been running continually ever since. The program emphasizes theoretical and applied training from psychodynamic, family systems, multicultural and community psychology perspectives. 

Our program is unique in several ways:

1. Immediate, hands-on practice.  This is a 2-year full time program, with hands-on work with clients beginning within weeks of starting the program.
2. Access to diverse skills and perspectives. Faculty run research labs  and have clinical expertise in trauma, serious mental illness, relationships, emotion, community mental health, and work with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
3. Varied mental health training experiences. This includes an onsite mental health clinic, a residential treatment program for children and their families, and community-based organizations that serve diverse communities throughout the Bay Area
4. Track record of success.  We are a well-regarded program with a strong alumni network. 100% of our students match with selected practicum placements in their second year and have an excellent track record of finding work in the field after graduation.  

This full-time intensive program provides two years of training, working with a variety of populations. The degree is the Master of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology, and it meets all of the academic preparations and provides pre-master's supervised hours for the State of California Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) license. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences also requires post-master's hours for licensure as an MFT, and most students complete this roughly within two years after graduation. Given the course and practicum requirements of the program, full-time employment while enrolled is not possible.

Some common questions:

How does Clinical Psychology differ from Counseling Psychology?

• While there is some overlap of the two fields there are several key differences between the two, and it is important to figure out which one is a better fit for you. Clinical psychology historically focuses on:
  • The full spectrum of mental health functioning - from individuals with severe mental health problems to higher functioning individuals
  • Mechanisms of mental health issues - that is, how to understand what the root cause is of a problem or symptom so that treatments can be tailored appropriately
  • Assessment - from neuropsychological assessment to personality assessment to clinical interviews
  • Research - focusing on the understanding the mechanisms of mental health problems as well as the most effective treatment outcomes
     

How does the SFSU Clinical Psychology program differ from the SFSU Counseling Program?

• In addition to the points listed in the previous answer, there are several differences between the two programs, both in how the programs are structured and how the two fields approach mental health treatment. We recommend that you also consult with the Counseling program as well for understanding the differences
  • The SFSU Clinical Program is a 2 year full time program that starts students with hands-on work with both adults and adolescents right at the beginning of the program. Our focus is on getting students direct experience right away, while they are learning in their coursework. 
  • The program is cohort focused, meaning your classes are assigned and you take these classes together with the group that was admitted in your year
  • The SFSU Clinical Program focuses on the spectrum of severe mental health conditions to higher functioning individuals as well as hands on experience with clinical assessment methods
  • The SFSU Clinical Program also exposes students to research (currently we have 6 active research labs in our program) and we offer the opportunity for students to get research experience in this field, (although involvement in research is not a requirement of the program) 

     

Is it required to get clinical experience before I apply?

• Yes. Students start working in their practica within a couple of weeks of starting the program, and this is the reason we require that everyone starting in our program has at least 1 year of hands on experience
   

Is it possible to work at all while I am in the program?

• We understand that the cost of living in the Bay Area is extremely high and for many people this means that they need to work to make ends meet. Our structure of the program is to train students by taking a typical 3 year program and focus it into 2 years. Thus, it is important for students not to take on too much outside work while being in the program, and for the time in the program to be the priority. Given the amount of clinical work that happens in the program we strongly recommend against doing additional outside clinical work while attending the program.