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“The authors guide the applicant along every step of the application process. They point out the pitfalls, loopholes, benefits, and drawbacks to almost every element of applying to graduate school. They fulfill their purpose to the greatest possible degree and provide a resource that is thorough and articulate. Worry not, potential psychology graduates: the Insider’s Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology is your number-one resource and will provide you with all of the information you need.”

—PsychCentral.com (on the 2016/2017 edition)


“The Insider's Guide focuses on the complete application process with sample documents, worksheets, and timelines. Advice, warnings, and an easy-to-read format give this book an edge over resources providing program descriptions only, such as the American Psychological Association's Graduate Study in Psychology and Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.”

—American Reference Books Annual (on the 2014/2015 edition)


“This updated 2024/2025 edition remains the definitive guide for those considering pursuing graduate degrees in clinical or counseling psychology. It is still the only in-depth and practical reference every student must have when considering attending graduate school in psychology. Institutions continue to evolve as the field does, so students planning to pursue graduate education need this guide to make the right graduate program decisions….Every undergraduate program should make this mandatory reading for their undergraduates and anyone considering graduate psychology education. I continue looking forward to reviewing each edition of this book and recommending it to my undergraduate students pursuing a psychology career. Quite simply, this is the best guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology. Strongly recommended! *****!”

—Doody's Review Service


“When I started preparing to apply to clinical psychology doctoral programs, I was completely bewildered. How do I figure out what schools to apply to? What makes a good CV and statement? What should I be prepared to talk about in an interview? The Insider’s Guide answered all my questions and more, providing a well-researched and comprehensive system for building a strong application. The list of schools alone made it well worth the purchase. I honestly don’t know how I would have done it without this book. If you’re planning to go to graduate school for clinical or counseling psychology, I could not recommend this book more highly!”

—Alexander Jusdanis, doctoral program applicant


“An informative and essential guide for prospective graduate students. The topics are covered thoroughly, yet clearly and concisely. I was especially impressed with the book's inclusiveness—the authors acknowledge the challenges that LGBT, disabled, and racial/ethnic minority applicants may experience, even in fields that appear to be inclusive. The book would be extremely helpful for first-generation college students, who may have little knowledge about the pursuit of graduate school. The examples of CVs, letters, and emails are exceptional. This book would be a perfect supplemental text for my senior-level clinical assessment course.”

—Sonya Lawson Hutchinson, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Stillman College


“Your book was the pivotal resource that helped me find my way to my current career. I was one of those first-generation college students who really had no idea what I was doing until I came across your book. The Insider’s Guide was truly indispensable and is largely responsible for my career today.”

—Daniel J. Taylor, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Arizona


“I highly recommend that all applicants to clinical and counseling psychology graduate programs use this excellent guide to identify programs that match their specific career interests, goals, and strengths....As the training director of an APA-accredited counseling psychology program, I appreciate the detailed instructions for preparing a compelling personal statement, creating a flawless CV, forging professional relationships that will lead to strong letters of recommendation, and interviewing successfully. It will be a pleasure to meet prospective graduate students who have put this 'insider' information to good use!”

—Sharon (Sherry) Rostosky, PhD, Professor and Director of Training, Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky


“The Insider's Guide was an essential tool in helping me find the right doctoral program. When applying to graduate programs in psychology, it can be difficult to navigate between counseling or clinical, and PhD or PsyD. This book is organized in a way that helps you compare and contrast programs....There are so many programs to choose from—use this book to sort out those you are most interested in, and you will end up saving money on applications and finding the best fit.”

—Kimia Mansoor, PsyD student, The Wright Institute, Berkeley, California


“The Insider's Guide was an invaluable resource for me as I tackled the tedious process of applying to graduate school. With so many programs out there, this book provided me with vital information to narrow down which ones would be right for me. The book provides important details on each program—such as types of funding, emphasis areas, and internship statistics—in a clear and organized manner....I recommend it to all my friends going through the process.”

—Mallorie Carroll, PhD, psychology resident, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston


“The advice and insights in this book helped me figure out my career and research interests, and it saved me from a lot of extra effort and heartache that I experienced when I was working on the application process on my own. Highly recommended for anyone considering graduate school!”

—Theresa Trieu, doctoral program applicant

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Table of Contents

Preface

1. Introducing Clinical and Counseling Psychology

2. Deciding between the Master’s and the Doctorate

3. Choosing the Ph.D. or Psy.D.

4. Preparing for Graduate School

5. Getting Started

6. Selecting Schools

7. Applying to Programs

8. Mastering the Interview

9. Making Final Decisions

Reports on Combined Psychology Programs

Reports on Clinical Psychology Programs

Reports on Counseling Psychology Programs

Appendix A. Time Line

Appendix B. Worksheet for Choosing Programs

Appendix C. Worksheet for Assessing Program Criteria

Appendix D. Worksheet for Making Final Choices

Appendix E. Research Areas

Appendix F. Specialty Clinics and Practica Sites

Appendix G. Program Concentrations and Tracks

References

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About the Authors

John C. Norcross, PhD, ABPP, is Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychology at the University of Scranton, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, and a board-certified clinical psychologist. Past president of the Division of Clinical Psychology and Division of Psychotherapy of the American Psychological Association (APA), he has served on the APA’s governing Council of Representatives and the Board of Educational Affairs. Dr. Norcross has more than 400 scholarly publications. He is a Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academies of Practice and a Distinguished Member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Other honors include the Pennsylvania Professor of the Year Award from the Carnegie Foundation, the Distinguished Career Contribution to Education and Training Award from the APA, and Fellow status in ten organizations. Dr. Norcross has conducted workshops and research on graduate study in psychology for many years.

• Author's website
• All titles by John C. Norcross

Michael A. Sayette, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), with a secondary appointment as Professor of Psychiatry at the Pitt School of Medicine. He also is on the faculty of Pitt Cancer Institute and the Center for the Neural Bases of Cognition. Dr. Sayette has published primarily in the area of substance use disorders. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. His awards include the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring at Pitt, the Toy Caldwell-Colbert Award for Distinguished Educator in Clinical Psychology from the Society of Clinical Psychology, and the Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award from the Society for Addiction Psychology. Dr. Sayette has served as Director of Psychology Graduate Studies at Pitt and has directed graduate admissions in clinical psychology. He has presented seminars on applying to graduate school at universities in North America and Europe

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Audience

Anyone considering applying to a psychology graduate program, as well as undergraduate counselors and advisors.

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Previous editions published by Guilford:

2022/2023 Edition, © 2022
ISBN: 9781462548477

2020/2021 Edition, © 2020
ISBN: 9781462541430

2018/2019 Edition, © 2018
ISBN: 9781462532117

2016/2017 Edition, © 2016
ISBN: 9781462525720

Revised 2014/2015 Edition, © 2014
ISBN: 9781462518135

2012/2013 Edition, © 2012
ISBN: 9781609189327

2010/2011 Edition, © 2010
ISBN: 9781606234631

2008/2009 Edition, © 2008
ISBN: 9781593856373

2006/2007 Edition, © 2006
ISBN: 9781593852580

2004/2005 Edition, © 2004
ISBN: 9781572309784

2002/2003 Edition, © 2002
ISBN: 9781572307216

2000/2001 Edition, © 2000
ISBN: 9781572304956

1998/1999 Edition, © 1998
ISBN: 9781572302747

1996/1997 Edition, © 1996
ISBN: 9781572300866

1994/1995 Edition, © 1994
ISBN: 9780898626506

1992/1993 Edition, © 1992
ISBN: 9780898626841

1990/1991 Edition, © 1990
ISBN: 9780898625219