The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute

The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute, located in Springfield, Missouri, was one of the first professional schools established as a result of the "practicing-psychologist" movement. In the past 20 years, Forest Institute has become the preeminent private training school of professional psychology in the heart of the Midwest.

Forest provides big school opportunities in a small school environment. Twenty full-time core faculty members serve the student population of approximately 200, a true student to faculty ratio of 10:1. This personal education is also provided at the most cost effective institution in the nation when tuition rates and cost of living are combined.

At the same time, Forest students have myriad learning opportunities through the more than 40 different elective courses offered in 7 elective cluster areas: marriage and family therapy, child and adolescent psychology, forensics/corrections, psychology of religion, integrated health care, pain management and neuropsychology.

The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute is also known for its excellence in clinical training. With more than 9,000 client encounters a year, Forest's Robert J. Murney Clinic is the second largest training clinic of its kind in the country. As a community-based clinic, students gain experience working with a wide variety of populations who would normally not have access to mental health care. As a result, students give back to the community by serving the economically disadvantaged and other under-served populations.

The School of Professional Psychology Forest Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the American Psychological Association (APA).

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

From its beginnings in 1979, the school's sole purpose has been to provide an alternative to traditional PhD programs for individuals who desire an education that will prepare them to serve as direct providers of mental health services.

The PsyD is a practitioner-oriented degree that prepares individuals for practice as direct providers of mental health services in clinical settings. The program is based on a generalist educational philosophy, but also provides flexibility for students who would like to focus on a particular area of interest by choosing an elective cluster. However, students do not have to specialize and can use elective hours to take courses from different clusters, meeting their unique educational goals. Clusters include the following:

• Marriage and family therapy
• Pain management
• Child and adolescent psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Psychology of religion
• Integrated health care

Student learning is thoughtfully structured, with sequenced coursework and internal practica experiences that foster integration of academic and practical knowledge and skills, self-reflection and critical thinking, open-mindedness, intellectual curiosity, respect for individual and group differences, and other appropriate attitudes.

Dual Clinical Psychology Degree (MA and PsyD)

The Dual Clinical Psychology program allows students to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at the same time. This degree can be completed in the same amount of time as the PsyD. It is an ideal option for students at the bachelor's level who would like to earn a doctoral degree as well as have the additional benefits that come with obtaining a master's degree.

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Forest is designed for busy students and working professionals who would like to further their career without sacrificing other commitments. The program provides students with a flexible and convenient schedule with courses held on evenings and weekends. This non-traditional format allows students to take only one class at a time, with each course lasting only four weeks. Students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis, and can complete the 48 credit-hour degree in 18 months. The program is designed for students who would like to become Licensed Professional Counselors in the State of Missouri.

Certificate Programs

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (This program is accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.)
• Certificate in Pain Management (This certificate is approved by the American Academy of Pain Management.)
• Certificate in Integrated Health Care The National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) recently awarded the School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute the 2007 Innovation Award for this program.

About Springfield, Missouri

As the third largest city in Missouri, Springfield offers something for everyone. It has a temperate climate and sits among gently-rolling hills which offer abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Welcoming neighbors, strong job markets, excellent schools, superior health care, gourmet cuisine, beautiful neighborhoods and low cost-of-living have made the region one of the fastest-growing in the nation.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute.