Become a Clinical Psychologist: Study Psychology in English

Psychology programs in California

All programs are taught in English and are designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in psychology. Choose the path that matches your goal.

 

Our flagship: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

USA · CALIFORNIA · PSYD AND PHD

For psychology graduates who want to work with patients at the highest level. The doctorate leads to the title “Dr.” and is the path to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, with the option to open your own practice one day.

✦ Supervised clinical training: practicum placements during the program, followed by a full internship.

✦ PsyD: focused on clinical practice and working with clients.

✦ PhD: clinical training combined with a stronger focus on research.

✦ Duration: usually 4 to 6 years, including the internship.

Licensing requirements differ by state and country. We help you check what applies where you want to practise.

 

Master's degrees

USA · CALIFORNIA

✦ MA in Clinical Counseling: counseling skills and supervised practice, on the path to licensure as a professional clinical counselor.

✦ MA in Marriage and Family Therapy: therapy with couples, families and individuals, on the path to licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

✦ MA in Organizational Psychology: psychology applied to leadership, teams and the workplace.

✦ Forensic Psychology: psychology in the legal and justice system.

 

Doctoral degrees

USA · CALIFORNIA

✦ PsyD in Clinical Psychology: our flagship, focused on clinical practice.

✦ PhD in Clinical Psychology: clinical practice with a research focus.

✦ PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

✦ PhD and PsyD in Organizational Psychology

 

Things to know before you choose

✦ Doctoral programs are a long commitment: usually 4 to 6 years, including supervised practicum and an internship.

✦ Clinical programs usually include an admission interview.

✦ Some doctoral programs accept students with a bachelor's degree, while others ask for a master's first. We tell you which applies to you.

✦ Licensing rules depend on where you want to practise, so it's best to plan this early with us.

 

Where graduates work and what they do

Each program leads into a different part of the psychology profession. Here is where graduates typically build their careers, and how they contribute.

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD and PhD)

Where graduates work: hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centres, universities and, once licensed, their own private practice.

What they do: they assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide therapy and lead clinical teams. PhD graduates also carry out research that improves treatments.

 

MA in Clinical Counseling

Where graduates work: counseling centres, community mental health services, university counseling offices and, once licensed, private practice.

What they do: they support people through stress, anxiety, depression and life challenges, helping them build healthier ways of coping.

 

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

Where graduates work: family therapy clinics, community agencies, schools and, once licensed, private practice.

What they do: they help couples and families improve communication, resolve conflict and strengthen relationships.

 

Organizational Psychology

Where graduates work: HR departments, management consulting firms, leadership development teams and people analytics.

What they do: they apply psychology to the workplace: better hiring, stronger leadership, healthier teams and higher employee wellbeing and performance.

 

Forensic Psychology

Where graduates work: the court and justice system, correctional and rehabilitation services, victim support organisations and law enforcement agencies.

What they do: they apply psychology to legal questions, carry out assessments and support rehabilitation and victims.

 

 

Entry requirements

Master's

✦ Bachelor's degree in psychology and transcripts

✦ Valid passport and CV

✦ Proof of English: IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo. If your previous studies were taught in English, you may be exempt, and we check this with you.

✦ In some cases, a university may ask for extra steps, and we'll tell you early and guide you through them.

✦ Proof of funds for your student visa (see below)

Doctorate

✦ Bachelor's or master's degree in psychology and transcripts

✦ Valid passport and CV

✦ Proof of English, with the same exemption possible if your degree was taught in English

✦ An admission interview for clinical programs

✦ Proof of funds for your student visa (see below)

Proof of funds

You'll need bank statements showing enough money for your tuition and living costs. Visa officers look at the history of the account, not only the balance, so plan ahead and keep the funds in the account over time. We'll tell you the exact amount and period your destination requires.

 

How Senkia helps you

✦ Free consultation. We look at your background and goals and help you choose the right program and level.

✦ Application. We prepare and submit your application with you, including your statement and interview preparation.

✦ Visa and arrival. We guide your student visa and help you plan your move to California.

 

Frequently asked questions

Are all programs taught in English?

Yes. Every program on this page is taught in English.

Do I need a psychology background?

Yes. Our psychology master's and doctoral programs are for students who hold a bachelor's degree in psychology.

PsyD or PhD: what's the difference?

Both are doctorates in clinical psychology. A PsyD focuses on clinical practice and working with clients, while a PhD combines clinical training with a stronger focus on research.

Can I work while I study?

Yes, within US rules: on campus up to 20 hours a week during term. Supervised clinical training is also part of your program.