Health Psychology Emphasis

Cross Area Health Psychology Emphasis Description

The BYU doctoral programs in psychology are pleased to offer a cross-area emphasis program to provide training in health psychology. Health psychology is a growing sub-specialty focused on understanding connections between psychological processes and physical health. Health psychologists conduct research and provide clinical care to promote optimal physical and mental health. The emphasis area represents a course of study common to both the Psychology PhD program and the Clinical Psychology PhD program (with exception of clinical training requirements). Students who choose to pursue this emphasis retain primary affiliation in their selected department area (e.g., clinical, social, developmental, behavioral neuro) but pursue additional coursework, practicum experiences, and research topics that will enhance their preparation for careers in health psychology.

Students pursuing the Clinical Psychology PhD are also required to complete the following practicum courses (already required as part of the Clinical PhD curriculum) in relevant training settings (e.g., health-related practica):

• Psych 688R Externship/Clerkship (one or more in emphasis area)

All students completing the emphasis will be expected to engage in health psychology research commensurate with expectations for research or scientist/practitioner careers. Students completing the Health Psychology Emphasis must select a dissertation topic related to health psychology. Emphasis area faculty will be responsible for assessing acceptability of the dissertation topic.

For additional information about our Health program, please contact Rachelle Gunderson at 801-422-4560 or at rachelle_gunderson@byu.edu.