Combined Clinical/Counseling

USU students performing an experiment in lab.

The USU Combined Clinical/Counseling specialization prepares doctoral-level health service psychologists through a comprehensive integration of science, research, and clinical practice. Studentsengage in cutting-edge research, provide evidence-based professional services, and incorporate considerations of culture and context in all aspects of their work. Our program emphasizes specialized training in diversity through didactic, applied, and research opportunities led by expert faculty. 

Our APA-accredited program offers a unique combined approach to training in clinical and counseling psychology. Students receive broad-based training across a broad spectrum of problem areas, populations, settings, and approaches for a wide range of future potential careers. Our graduates are well-prepared for professional roles in diverse settings through applied practicum experiences and excellent match rates for internship placements. 

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence provides a state-of-hte-art facility where students, clients, and faculty collaborate, offering a unique integration of academics and clinical services. 

Commitment to Diversity


The Combined Specialization's strengths are in the integration of science and practice and in its commitment to diversity. These are exemplified by the specialization's philosophy and curriculum.

Community Building


Enrollment in the USU PhD program requires full-time, in-residence participation by all students. Students entering the program typically spend five years on campus, engaging in didactic, research, and clinical training activities.

Outstanding Mentors


Our faculty is comprised of leading scholars in areas including:

- identity development
- sexual orientation and gender
- treatment of children/adolescents
- geriatric neuropsychology
- behavioral medicine
- AND MORE!

Program Benefits


For approved programs of study, your tuition is fully covered and you will be awarded an assistantship with a monthly stipend. Assistantships include research and teaching experiences, allowing you to expand your academic skillset.

Combined Clinical/Counseling Faculty

Sara Boghosian
Clinical/Combined
Directory
Faculty
Psychology
Sara Boghosian

Sara Boghosian

Clinical Assistant Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

sara.boghosian@usu.edu

Sue Crowley
Directory
Faculty
Heravi Peace Institute Affiliate
Psychology
Clinical/Combined
Susan L. Crowley

Susan L. Crowley

Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

435-797-1251

susan.crowley@usu.edu

Directory
Faculty
Psychology
Clinical/Combined
Scott DeBerard

Scott DeBerard

Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

435-797-1462

scott.deberard@usu.edu

Melanie Domenech Rodriguez
Directory
Faculty
Psychology
Clinical/Combined
Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez

Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez

Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

435-797-3059

melanie.domenech@usu.edu

Clinical/Combined
Psychology
Faculty
Directory
Renee Galliher
Renee Galliher

Renee Galliher

Professor | Director of Clinical Training of the Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

435-797-3391

renee.galliher@usu.edu

Faculty
Psychology
Clinical/Combined
Directory
Maria Kleinstaeuber
Maria Kleinstaeuber

Maria Kleinstaeuber

Assistant Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

435-797-1236

maria.kleinstaeuber@usu.edu

Clinical/Combined
Directory
Faculty
Tyler Lefevor
Psychology
Tyler Lefevor

Tyler Lefevor

Associate Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

801-573-4370

tyler.lefevor@usu.edu

Psychology
Directory
Faculty
Clinical/Combined
Michael Levin

Michael Levin

Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

541-531-3892

mike.levin@usu.edu

Clinical/Combined
Faculty
Psychology
Directory
Melissa Tehee
Melissa Tehee

Melissa Tehee

Associate Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

435-227-5595

melissa.tehee@usu.edu

JoAnn Tschanz
Directory
Psychology
Faculty
Clinical/Combined
JoAnn Tschanz

JoAnn Tschanz

Professor | Emma Eccles Jones Endowed Chair of Human Services

435-797-1457

joann.tschanz@usu.edu

Faculty
Psychology
Directory
Clinical/Combined
Michael Twohig
Michael P. Twohig

Michael P. Twohig

Professor - Combined Clinical/Counseling Specialization

435-265-8933

michael.twohig@usu.edu

Application Requirements

Submit the following to the School of Graduate Studies:

  • Application
  • Statement of Purpose/Intent - Recommended length of 500-1000 words
  • CV
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • GRE Scores- Some individuals may have experienced difficulty taking the GRE due to COVID-19. As such, the Brain and Cognition program is not requiring GRE scores for applications, but does encourage you to submit them if you have them.
  • Official Transcripts from All Previous Schools

Admission Criteria:

  • GPA for the last 60 credits taken of 3.0 or higher
  • GRE scores for the verbal and quantitative areas at the 40th percentile or above
  • Fit with a current faculty member affiliated with the specialization

Applications are due by December 1st.
This specialization will be conducting invitation only interviews of applicants in a hybrid format on January 31, 2025.

Combined Clinical/Counseling Labs

ACT Research Group | Mike Levin & Mike Twohig

The USU ACT Research Group is dedicated to research, training, and clinical services based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

Alzheimer's Disease & Cognitive Disorders Lab | JoAnn Tschanz

The Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Disorders Lab investigates risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Cultural & Mental Health Lab | Melanie Domenech Rodriguez

The Culture & Mental Health Lab is engaged in independent research in an interdependent context. Project content is in parenting, cultural values, microaggressions, and evidence-based interventions.

Physical Mental Health Interactions Lab | Maria Kleinstaeuber

The Physical Mental Health Interactions Lab synthesizes basic and health-related intervention research to understand the role of psychological factors in the etiology and treatment outcomes in populations with somatic symptom disorders.

PR2IDE Lab | Renee Galliher

The PR2IDE Lab engages in a range of independent and collaborative projects that broadly fall under the umbrella of research in identity development.

Sexual, Gender, and Religious Identities Lab | Tyler Lefevor

The Sexual, Gender, and Religious Identities Lab examines sexual, gender, and religious identity development and their mental health implications.

Tohi Lab | Melissa Tehee

The Tohi Lab research focuses on the physical, spiritual, and psychological health of ethnic and racial minorities.

 

 

Program News 

Grad Student receives 7 for 17 award

José Manuel Gonzalez Vera, a doctoral student in the Combined Clinical/Counseling program, recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving the 7 for 17 Award from the Utah Global Diplomacy.

Disclosure of Educational Requirements for Licensure by State

Our specialization adheres to APA accreditation standards and prepares students for entry into the profession of health service psychology. Given the varied and changing requirements across jurisdictions, we have not determined and cannot assure that graduates will meet all requirements for licensure in all states or territories. You are encouraged to become familiar with relevant state licensing laws and discuss your curricular plan with your DCT.

This specialization meets requirements in Utah.

USU has not determined if the specialization meets requirements in: AK, AL, AR, AS, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, GU, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MP, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UM, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY.


Accreditation

Our doctoral specialization has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1975 (formerly as the Combined Clinical/Counseling/School specialization). See student admissions, outcomes, and other data for the specialization. Questions regarding accreditation and complete information on those guidelines and principles are available through:

American Psychological Association

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation

American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-442
202-336-5979
Visit APA’s website