The Clinical Psychology Program at The University of Montana is dedicated to training psychologists in the scientist-practitioner model. More specifically, we seek to train psychologists who will actively integrate science and practice throughout their careers regardless of the setting. We consider a scientific understanding of human behavior to be an essential component of the scientist-practitioner model. Thus, the scientific model and critical thinking are integrated into all of the components of the training program.

We expect that graduates of our program will be able to fulfill multiple professional roles as researchers, educators, practitioners, supervisors, and administrators. Accordingly, our training is broad and endeavors to provide experiential opportunities in many of these areas. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of a strong professional identity in an effort to provide a framework that will help to link the varied professional roles clinical psychologists may fill during their career.

We also expect that our graduates increasingly will be called upon to utilize treatment and other intervention modalities that have received empirical support. As this process is ongoing, clinical psychologists trained in the scientist-practitioner model will have the tools necessary to evaluate and incorporate the latest findings. In addition, we expect that our students will be active participants in conducting and/or utilizing findings related to the efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy.

The faculty of the Clinical Psychology Program at The University of Montana seek to train students through a mentorship model that encourages intensive research, clinical, and professional training with a primary advisor. In addition, we strive to provide a supportive and collaborative learning environment that fosters interaction among students, as well as frequent interaction with faculty other than the primary advisor, including faculty members in the Developmental, School Psychology, and Animal Behavior areas.