Baylor College of Medicine has announced the launch of a new Clinical Psychology Program, which will offer a Doctor of Philosophy degree through its School of Health Professions. The program is set to welcome its first class in the fall semester of 2026 and expects an initial cohort of 10 students.
The five-year program is structured around the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing both research and evidence-based clinical practice. Its curriculum aims to build core scientific skills in health service psychology and clinical work, following standards set by the American Psychological Association.
“There is a shortage of psychologists throughout Texas and the U.S. more broadly. This program will engage expert Baylor College of Medicine psychology faculty in addressing this problem by training learners in a rigorous curriculum focused on evidence-based psychological assessment and intervention,” said Dr. Eric Storch, professor and vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor.
Students enrolled in the program can choose from three areas: general clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, or clinical health psychology. The first three years focus on classroom learning, while hands-on clinical practicum begins in year two. By their fifth year, students will complete an internship under faculty supervision, handling active caseloads that include diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, intervention, and decision-making.
A formal mentored research apprenticeship starts during the second year. The program concludes with a dissertation based on original research that contributes to current literature.
“The program is committed to fostering a learning environment that empowers trainees to develop knowledge, skills and abilities to excel as clinical psychologists and to serve high-need communities,” said Dr. Wayne Goodman, professor and D.C. and Irene Ellwood Chair in Psychiatry in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor.
Training will take place across various Baylor departments at affiliate hospitals within the Texas Medical Center. Students will learn from specialists covering topics such as neuropsychology, behavioral health issues like PTSD and trauma, addiction disorders, anxiety-related conditions, serious mental illness, community participatory research, among others. Early training includes work at community clinics where students integrate classroom instruction with practical experience while serving diverse populations.
“The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program is fully aligned with the School of Health Professions strategic plan. We are excited to expand our family of exceptional graduate health professions programs and to amplify the impact of the school to include the training of mental healthcare providers and researchers,” said Dr. Todd Reinhart, dean of the School of Health Professions. “This program will serve many communities within the Baylor, Texas Medical Center and Greater Houston ecosystems.”
The new degree offering awaits approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It does not currently hold accreditation from the American Psychological Association but plans to apply for it as soon as eligible.
Funding for this initiative comes partly from the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium—an organization dedicated to improving mental healthcare for children across Texas by expanding workforce capacity.
