Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MFT)

Notre Dame de Namur University has long been known for the quality of psychology therapy programs leading toward MFT licensure. The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MFT) prepares graduates well to pursue their goals of becoming practicing therapists.
The MA Clinical Psychology program is based upon the scientist-practitioner model. We currently offer two programs in this area: MA in Clinical Psychology and MA in Clinical Psychology/MFT.

At NDNU, we emphasize both theoretical and experiential learning while preparing our students in the major knowledge bases in clinical psychology, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy. Students also acquire a solid foundation in research via an individual capstone Thesis project in a trilogy of Thesis courses.

The degree prepares students for two opportunities: for future doctoral studies in the field of psychology, or as a terminal degree (MFT) for mental health professionals who wish to work within a broad range of clinical and administrative settings within the healthcare field. In addition, beginning in Fall 2008, we will offer an enhancement to both degrees via a specialized embedded optional certificate in Clinical Gerontology. This will enable future therapists to have specialized training in working with our increasing aging population.

NDNU's Clinical Psychology program meets the educational requirements of MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) Licensure as defined by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS.) Presently, students pursuing MFT licensure through the BBS are required to complete 3000 hours of field practicum experience, with a maximum of 1300 hours acquired prior to graduation from NDNU.

Distinctions of NDNU'S Clinical Psychology Program

• Specializations include psychoanalysis, gerontology, brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and specialized training in assessment, addictions, pharmacology and neuropsychology.
• Courses are offered in the late afternoon, evening, and weekends on NDNU's Belmont campus.
• First-time exam pass rate is over 90% for MFT licensure.
• Internships are available throughout the San Francisco Bay area, with networking with over 40 agencies.
• The program includes a comprehensive Capstone research Thesis research project with hands-on mentoring by faculty.
• An Advanced Clinical Seminar offers students the opportunity to share their clinical experiences and learn from their peers.
• A graduate students’ association (MACPGSA) offers peer networking opportunities.
• An Internship fair inviting multiple agencies in the community provides opportunities for internship and practicum placements.
• Well-respected and sought out clinical program in over 40 community agencies for over 20 years.

Curriculum
Two program options are offered:

Option I: The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

This option prepares students for doctoral studies in the field of psychology, or may serve as a terminal degree for master's level mental health professionals in a broad range of clinical or administrative settings. See the NDNU General Catalog for program requirements, specific program admission requirements and course descriptions.
* Effective Fall 2008, an optional embedded certificate in Clinical Gerontology will also be available.

Option II: The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology/Marital and Family Therapy

The program meets the educational requirements for MFT licensure as defined by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). For MFT licensure, the BBS presently requires 3000 hours of field practicum experience. A maximum of 1300 hours may be acquired prior to graduation. The MACP/MFT program provides 500 (250 per semester) hours of field practicum experience, to be gained concurrently with enrollment in Case Seminar. Approved training sites include government agencies, nonprofit agencies, schools, and licensed health facilities. Additionally, personal psychotherapy is strongly recommended during the program.

Courses review the highly specific range of skills required by the beginning practitioner, prepare the student for the MFT licensing exams, and also address the needs of any students who desire to continue study in a doctoral psychology program. An optional embedded certificate in Clinical Gerontology, to be earned concurrently with the Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology/MFT or Master’s in Clinical Psychology will be available, effective Fall 2008, providing opportunities for further specialization. See the NDNU General Catalog for program requirements, specific program admission requirements and course descriptions.

Please note that students are required to meet with their faculty advisor and/or Department Chair every semester to ensure proper course sequencing to ensure their academic success. Failure to get advisor/chair approval for registration, add, drop, withdrawal, leave of absence can result in hold on registration and/or dismissal from program.

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements. Please note that an interview is required as part of the admission process. As such, please ensure that all supporting documentation, as well as the application, are submitted by the deadline to ensure timely processing for the desired term. Late applications (after December 1 for Spring entry; after April 1 for Summer entry; after August 1 for Fall entry; may be deferred for consideration for the following term of entry.

We also recommend satisfying all prerequisites prior to application submission to ensure more timely completion of program requirements as all prerequisite requirements must be satisfied (inclusive of B- or better grade) by the end of the first year, and prior to consideration for advancement to candidacy. Students who fail to satisfactorily complete their prerequisites in the designated time frame will not be able to continue taking courses/advance to candidacy in their program.   

Faculty

Nusha Askari, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology and Gerontology, 2000; B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; M.A., Cal State Northridge; Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University; Post Doctoral fellowships in Neuropsychology, Geropsychiatry (certificate), Cognitive Neuroscience, Stanford University.

William Bell, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, 2004; B.A., M.A., National University, Ph.D., Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality.

Adeline Boye, Psy.D, Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology, 2004; B.S., M.A., Notre Dame de Namur University; M.A., Psy.D., Argosy University.

Tonia Brockman, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology; 1994, Doctorate, Clinical Psychology Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, APA Accredited, Palo Alto, Ca. 1988, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology University of South Florida Tampa, Florida

Helen Marlo, Ph.D., Associate Professor Clinical Psychology, 2002; B.A., University of Missouri, Ph.D., University of South Carolina.

Barbara Morrill, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, 1994 Ph.D., Transpersonal Psychology Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA.1980 M.Ed., Counseling Psychology Boston College, Boston, MA 1972 B.A., Education, Pfeiffer College, N.C.

Anna Ranieri, Ph.D., Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, 2006; B.A., Yale University, M.A., Santa Clara University, M.B.A., University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D., Stanford University.

Vivian Silva, Lecturer in Gerontology, M.S.W., Social Work, San José State University, CA 1991 Gerontology Certificate, San José State University, CA 1988 B.S., Social Science, San José State University, CA 1983 PACE, Arthritis Exercise Program Certificate, San Francisco, CA 2004 Adult Education Teaching Certificate, CA 1999

Stephen Vernon, LMFT, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology,
M.A. Clinical Psychology; J.F.Kennedy Univ.,Orinda, CAB.S.SocialPsychology; Michigan St. Univ., E.Lansing, MI

NDNU'S School of Sciences

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, NDNU is a multifaceted university offering four bachelor's degrees and over 15 graduate degrees and certificates. The School of Sciences, under the leadership of the Dean, Dr. Gregory B. White, offers bachelor's degrees in biology, biochemistry, computer science, history, political science, social science, psychology, and sociology. The School also offers Master's degrees and certificates in art therapy (MFT), clinical psychology (MFT), clinical gerontology, and as well as the post-baccalaureate premedical certificate.

Contact:

Dr. Nusha Askari,
Chair Clinical Psychology & Gerontology  Department    
(650) 508-3728, askari@ndnu.edu

Contact Information:

Kristy Rozsnyoi,  Administrative Coordinator
(650) 508-3557,  krozsnyoi@ndnu.edu

Graduate Admissions    
 Tel: (650) 508-3600   
 Fax: (650) 508-3426
Email: grad.admit@ndnu.edu