Goals

The Radford University PsyD Program in Counseling Psychology is closing and no longer accepting students. The Program has been granted “Accredited, Inactive” status by the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation.

Goals, Objectives, and Competencies of the Psy.D. Program

In attempting to meet the following goals, the Psy.D. Program faculty members strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students that fosters their growth as persons and professionals by encouraging them to engage in continuous personal and professional self-study and reflection. We endeavor to integrate the following into the Program as a whole and on an individual level:

  • Faculty members are readily available to students for discussion and interaction
  • Faculty members offer opportunities for high faculty/student interaction, active advising, and professional mentoring that models commitment to professional excellence in science, practice, and personal growth
  • Faculty members facilitate and are accepting of students’ individual choices of practice and research directions that best fit their professional interests
  • Students participate in program governance
  • Many courses include discussion components to foster reflective thought
  • Several courses require reaction/reflection papers to help students reflect on their learning and chart their growth
  • Supervision is structured such that students feel free to discuss important personal and professional issues
  • Faculty members encourage and facilitate students’ self-care (which includes, but is not limited to, access to personal therapy and other services when appropriate)
  • Faculty members engage students in meaningful dialogue regarding personal and professional issues

 

Goal #1: To train counseling psychologists who have the requisite knowledge base and therapeutic skills for entry into the practice of professional psychology.

Objective 1.1: Students acquire a knowledge base of psychology as a scientific discipline, and of counseling psychology as an area of professional specialization.

Competencies Expected for Objective 1.1:

     1. Understand the current body of knowledge of scientific psychology in biological, cognitive, affective, and social aspects of behavior, the history and systems of psychology, psychological measurement, research methods, and techniques of data analysis.

     2. Understand the scientific, methodological, and theoretical foundations of practice in counseling psychology including individual differences in behavior, human development, and psychopathology.

Objective 1.2: Students acquire a knowledge base and skills necessary to diagnose or define problems through psychological assessment and measurement, and formulate and implement intervention strategies (including evidence based practice). 

Competencies Expected for Objective 1.2:

     1. Understand the theories and methods of assessment and diagnosis, effective intervention, consultation and supervision, and evaluating the efficacy of interventions.

     2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in evidence based practice.

Objective 1.3: Students acquire an awareness and understanding of professional issues to practice psychology in an ethical and professional manner.

Competencies Expected for Objective 1.3

     1. Understand ethical/legal standards in professional practice and research. 

     2. Demonstrate the capacity to make reasoned judgments about ethical practice related to emerging issues using codes, literature in professional ethics, and consultation with colleagues.

Objective 1.4: Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a culturally competent counseling psychologist in all professional roles.

Competencies Expected for Objective 1.4:

     1. Demonstrate the self-awareness necessary to be a multiculturally competent psychologist.

     2. Understand the concepts, theory, and research related to culturally competent practice and research as a professional psychologist in diverse settings.

Objective 1.5: Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for life-long learning, professional problem-solving and scholarly inquiry as a professional psychologist in the context of an evolving body of scientific and professional knowledge.

Competencies Expected for Objective 1.5:

     1. Engage in professional development to maintain effective clinical practice.

     2. Demonstrate professional service.

 

Goal #2: To train Counseling Psychologists who are equipped with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work competently in rural areas.

Objective 2.1: Students have an understanding of the special issues faced by rural residents and communities.

Competencies Expected for Objective 2.1:

     1. Understand the common characteristics of rural residents and communities.

     2. Discuss the common mental health problems experienced by rural residents and the communities in which they reside.

Objective 2.2: Students are knowledgeable regarding the unique challenges and opportunities psychologists may encounter in rural settings and the potential solutions to such challenges.

Competencies Expected for Objective 2.2:

     1. Discuss the challenges, opportunities, and alternatives associated with rural practice.

     2. Identify and respond appropriately to ethical issues associated with rural practice.

 

Goal #3: To develop professionals who are committed to Counseling Psychology as a field and to social justice as one aspect of their professional identity.

Objective 3.1: Students will actively identify with the profession and positive traditions of Counseling Psychology.

Competencies Expected for Objective 3.1:

     1. Students join APA and the Society of Counseling Psychology by their second year in the Program.

     2. Students read Counseling Psychology journals and publications as well as related articles in other journals/chapters in books.

     3. Students attend and may present at professional meetings and workshops relevant to Counseling Psychologists.

Objective 3.2: Demonstrate a commitment to social justice.

Competency Expected for Objective 3.2:

                        1. Demonstrate inclusion of social justice in thinking and in activities/career.