Department of Clinical Psychology
Preparing Professional Psychologists
With a focus on extensive real-world training, APU’s Department of Clinical Psychology prepares students to become clinical psychologists that are marked by cultural competence and humility. They are equipped to serve a wide range of clients through special emphases in systems thinking, diversity, and the integration of faith/spirituality and practice. Accredited by the American Psychological Association (see below), the APU PsyD program emphasizes hands-on service in addition to rigorous coursework, research, and supervised clinical training.
As we prepare our students to enter the field, we analyze the field of psychology from a Christian worldview—in addition to intentional instruction on caring for clients from different faith backgrounds. As a result, we graduate practitioners distinct in their ability to provide holistic care to a diverse range of clients.
Chair’s Message and Counseling Resources
Director, PsyD Program, and Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology
The APA-accredited PsyD program at Azusa Pacific University has equipped students to become psychologists who work in diverse settings for over 20 years. Our program's special emphases on (1) a systems approach to psychology; (2) integration of faith/spirituality and clinical practice; and (3) diversity prepare our students to become become licensed psychologists who engage in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and clinical research. In addition, students can choose to complete elective concentrations in forensic psychology or psychodynamic systems of psychotherapy. We offer several international opportunities that are life-changing and further equip our students to engage with clients from diverse backgrounds.
The Community Counseling Center (CCC) was established in 1989 as an outreach ministry of Azusa Pacific University’s Department of the Department of Clinical Psychology. The CCC functions as a multidisciplinary mental health and training site housing student therapists from APU’s graduate psychology, marriage and family therapy, and social work programs.
The CCC is committed to providing state-of-the-art treatment for a full range of problems and symptoms. Mental health and psychological assessments are offered at competitive low costs.
Faculty Feature: A Calling With a Definite Purpose: Rachel Castaneda, PhD, Teaches Students to Love Like Jesus
Many professionals spend their career climbing the corporate ladder. They earn multiple degrees in order to make an impact in their field of study. They build rigorous programs, and make connections with fellow academics. Some earn grants and become renowned for their scholarly contributions.
Rachel Castaneda, PhD, has done all those things and more, yet you wouldn’t know when meeting her for the first time. Castaneda doesn’t just talk about service, she embeds it in every one of her actions as a psychology professor at Azusa Pacific University.
Accreditation
Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The APU PsyD program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American
Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should
be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / Email: [email protected]
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
The Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association requires that doctoral graduate programs provide potential students, current students, and the public with accurate information on the program and with program expectations. View our Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data.
Faculty Friday: Theresa Tisdale’s Spiritual Approach to Psychology
Theresa Clement Tisdale, PhD, PsyD, ABPP begins every class session sounding a set
of chimes, allowing students a few minutes of silence in order to breathe deeply and
prepare to be engaged in learning.
Deep change and healing are her mottos, and Tisdale implements what she practices as a psychoanalyst to cultivate spiritual transformation in every student who walks through her classroom.
Meet Your Faculty Mentors
You’ll experience a unique blend of academic rigor, experiential learning, and personal support from faculty. The inherent confidence that springs from these relationships results in relevant and meaningful opportunities.
Contact Information
Phone: (626) 815-5008Fax: (626) 815-5015
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.Location
Mary Hill Center, Suite 200