Psychology: Primary Care Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Emphasis, (Psy.D.)

Emphasis Overview

The Emphasis in Primary Care Psychology and Behavioral Medicine trains students in the broader role of psychology in healthcare and the treatment of medical conditions using behavioral and psychological interventions. Primary care psychology involves working in medical settings, reducing the societal level of mental illness via early intervention, and enhancing physicians’ effectiveness by consulting with them on psychological factors’ impact on disease. Typical work settings are hospitals, group medical practices, community clinics, HMOs, and family practice centers. Behavioral medicine involves intervening with medical patients in order to reduce physical symptoms such as reduction in pain symptoms using mindfulness, reduction in blood pressure using biofeedback, or regulation of blood sugar in diabetics using behavioral management techniques in collaboration with a dietician. The two fields go hand-in-hand, as many patients in primary healthcare settings will need behavioral medicine interventions for their illnesses.

Required courses provide students with evidence-based knowledge and skills pertinent to several of the key principles of both primary care psychology and behavioral medicine, including mind-body interaction, pain management, stress-related illnesses and treatments, the role of behavioral factors in physical and psychological well-being, and the application of psychological assessment and intervention techniques to acute and chronic illness. The coursework also addresses an understanding of the impact of broader structural and systemic factors on well-being and the role of the psychologist in healthcare delivery. These are fast-growing and exciting fields, with the potential to alter the healthcare landscape.

Admission Criteria

Interested students in good academic standing having maintained a minimum 3.0 grade point average should apply to the Emphasis Coordinator for entry into the Emphasis in Primary Care Psychology and Behavioral Medicine toward the end of their first year. Students are also expected to attend either a Primary Care Student Organization (PCSO) meeting or event, or attend an emphasis meeting during their first year. Interested students should also meet with the Emphasis Coordinator before application to discuss their interest in the area.

Completion Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of all required credit hours, including all required courses, for the Psy.D. program and the emphasis as listed above
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and no grades below B
3. Successful completion of a dissertation and submission to the Psy.D. Department
4. Submission of completed Graduation Application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees

For further information, contact Neil Bockian, Ph.D., Primary Care Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Emphasis Coordinator, at [email protected].