William James College (WJC) provides an opportunity for students in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program to pursue a concentration in Forensic Psychology. The American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS; Division 41 of the American Psychological Association) defines forensic psychology as “all professional practice by any psychologist working within any subdiscipline of psychology...when the intended purpose of the service is to apply the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to the law and to use that knowledge to assist in solving legal, contractual, and administrative problems.” The forensic psychology concentration seeks to expand upon the general clinical knowledge and training that students receive at William James College, by further providing specialized knowledge and training in areas such as civil matters (e.g., divorce child custody evaluations; lawsuits involving employment, personal injury, discrimination, professional malpractice, and other matters; child protection cases; involuntary civil commitment, etc.) and criminal matters (e.g., capacity to waive Miranda rights, competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility, aid in sentencing, transfer of juveniles to adult criminal court, etc.). Forensic psychologists may also be engaged in providing “real time” threat assessments, risk assessment and management evaluations for violent and/or sexual offenders. Finally, opportunities are provided for education in the areas of correctional and police psychology.

The PsyD: Psychology’s Applied Doctorate The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) differs from the PhD in that, whereas the PhD is focused primarily on academic research and scholarly publication, the PsyD degree is an applied degree that is clinically focused. It emphasizes counseling and therapy and gives you great leverage and opportunity in your career—you can move into virtually any position in any organizational hierarchy with the PsyD. The PsyD also is a degree that can lead to licensure as a clinical psychologist; CalSouthern’s online PsyD program meets the educational requirements for licensure in California and CalSouthern alumni have been successful in obtaining licensure via the PsyD program. (The requirements vary state-by-state, and we encourage you to inquire about your state’s policies. Of course, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have regarding licensure.) CalSouthern’s online PsyD program attracts students from across the country and around the world. It’s an innovative degree program that combines a comprehensive selection of foundational courses as well as a variety of elective coursework that emphasizes the service orientation of a professional clinical degree. The PsyD program culminates not in a dissertation, but in a doctoral project that is challenging and rigorous—and one of the most rewarding academic pursuits you’ll ever experience. The doctoral project—which may include a community-based action-research project, a critical analysis of the literature in a field of study, or a clinical application and analysis—can focus on a topic of the greatest interest to you and about which you are most passionate. We encourage you to review the courses that comprise the PsyD program, read the bios of the School of Behavioral Sciences faculty (all faculty mentors in the PsyD program have a doctoral degree as well as extensive experience as a mental health care practitioner), and peruse a few of the alumni profiles. We’re confident you’ll find that CalSouthern’s online PsyD degree program is an excellent choice and well-suited for a variety of educational and career goals.

CalSouthern Psychology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs CalSouthern’s Post-Graduate Psychology Certificate Programs: A Win-Win Educational Opportunity CalSouthern’s psychology certificate program is a unique academic option that provides numerous opportunities to students interested in the areas of alcoholism and chemical dependency, pastoral counseling, industrial and organizational psychology, and sports psychology. If you’re already working in mental health care, completing one of CalSouthern’s psychology certificate programs may position you for career advancement in the particular field. A post-baccalaureate program, all certificate courses are at the master’s level, compelling and challenging. Because these are graduate-level programs, a bachelor’s degree is required. However, the degree doesn’t have to be in psychology. A certificate is a great way to “stick your toe in the water” and sample graduate school, if you think you might be interested in pursuing your master’s degree, but aren’t yet prepared to commit to a degree program. All the coursework in your psychology certificate program can be applied to your master’s degree if you choose to continue in your studies. It’s a win-win scenario: if you stop, you’ll be well-served in your career by your certificate. If you choose to pursue your master’s at CalSouthern, the certificate program may position you halfway or more toward earning the degree. Each certificate program offered by the School of Behavioral Sciences is comprised of six three-credit classes, and is designed to give you a comprehensive exposure to the given subject area. Courses are taught by faculty mentors who are gifted instructors with special expertise in CalSouthern’s proprietary e-learning platform. They also are experienced mental health professionals and leaders in their fields, eager to share their expertise with you. They’ll get to know you and your particular interests and passions, and work to make your coursework as relevant as possible to your academic and professional goals. Objectives The objectives of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program are to provide: Working professionals an opportunity to experience graduate study without committing to a full graduate program; Academic experience and a credential in a given discipline; The option of pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology or a Master of Science in Psychology upon successful completion of the Certificate Program; and Practical knowledge with an understanding of the integrated nature of business functions; and The opportunity to explore the issues that characterize the contemporary business environment. Admission Requirements Admission to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program requires a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent completed at an appropriately approved or accredited institution. University may accept a maximum of three graduate semester credits in transfer toward the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from graduate courses for which a grade of “B” or higher was earned. The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs require a total of 18 graduate semester units completed in the field of study beyond a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and satisfaction of the following criteria: Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher. All financial obligations to the University paid in full. Graduation Requirements

Biggie Productions/Taxi/Getty Images Updated . According to the American Psychiatric Association, sleep disorders are major disturbances of regular sleep patterns that lead to distress and disrupt functioning during the day. Not only are sleep disorders extremely common, affecting virtually everyone at some point in their lives, but they can also lead to severe stress and other health consequences. Just how common are sleep disorders? According to a major survey by the National Sleep Foundation , more than half of Americans reported experiencing at least one symptoms of insomnia several times a week during the previous year. Highlighting another significant danger of sleep disorders, the survey also indicated that 60 percent of respondents had driven while drowsy during the last year. Some of the most common types of sleep disorders included: Insomnia adults at least one night each week. Common symptoms of insomnia include difficulty getting to sleep and waking before it is time to get up. Many factors can contribute to insomnia including stress and underlying medical conditions. Typical treatments include sleeping pills and behavior therapy. Practicing good sleep habits can often be useful in treating mild cases of insomnia. Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is the second most common sleep disorder and affects approximately 20 million Americans. This disorder causes people to stop breathing abruptly while they are asleep. During this brief period, carbon dioxide builds up in the blood, and the sleeper wakes suddenly to gasp for breath. The length of time that the sleeper stops breathing can vary from a few seconds to so long that the individual's skin may actually turn blue from oxygen deprivation. Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that leads to periods of intense sleepiness during the daytime. People suffering from narcolepsy often experience bouts of overwhelming sleepiness and may fall asleep for brief periods of time during the day. These sleeping periods may last from a few seconds to several minutes and in some cases may last up to an hour or more. Those with narcolepsy can fall asleep in the middle of a conversation, during a meal or even while driving a vehicle. Affecting as many as 250, 000 Americans, narcolepsy is a chronic condition that typically begins during adolescence. In addition to sleepiness, narcolepsy is frequently accompanied by cataplexy, which involves a sudden loss of muscle tone and control that can last seconds or minutes. Other symptoms include hallucinations and paralysis during sleep. Sleepwalking & Night Terrors While insomnia and sleep apnea are more frequent in adults, other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking and night terrors are far more common in young children. Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is characterized by periods of getting out of bed while asleep. Night terrors are most frequently seen in very young children (between the ages of 2 and 6), but people of any age can be affected by this sleep disorder. Typical symptoms include excessive sweating, shaking and apparent fear. You can learn more about night terrors in this article from About.com’s pediatrics expert, Vincent Iannelli, M.D - More About Night Terrors. References: American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Ed. DSM-IV-TR) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Are you looking for a topic for a psychology paper, experiment, or science fair project? Developmental psychology is a fascinating area and one of the most popular topics within psychology. It can also be a very broad subject that can include anything from prenatal development to health during the final stages of life. The following are just a few different topics that might help inspire you. Remember, these are just ideas to help you get started. You might opt to explore one of these areas, or you might think of a related question that interests you as well. A Few Developmental Psychology Topics Does teaching infants sign language help or hinder the language acquisition process? How do parenting styles impact a child's level of physical activity? Are children raised by parents with permissive or uninvolved parents less active than those raised by parents with authoritative or authoritarian styles? Do students who listen to music while studying perform better or worse on exams? How does bullying impact student achievement? Are bullied students more likely to have worse grades than their non-bullied peers? Could packaging nutritious foods in visually appealing ways encourage children to make healthier food choices? Does birth order have an impact on procrastination? Are first-borns less likely to procrastinate? Are last-borns more likely to put off tasks until the last minute? How do explanations for the behavior of others change as we age? Are younger adults more likely to blame internal factors for events and older adults more likely to blame external variables? Do mental games such as word searches, Sudoku, and word matching help elderly adults keep their cognitive skills sharp? Before You Pick a Developmental Psychology Topic Before you start working on any paper, experiment, or science project, the first thing you need to do is understand the rules your instructor has established for the assignment. Be sure to check the official guidelines given by your teacher. If you are not sure about these guidelines, ask your instructor if there are any specific requirements before you get started on your research. If you are going to actually perform an experiment, you need to present your idea to your instructor in order to gain his or her permission before going forward. In some cases, you might have to also present your plan to your school's Institutional Review Board. Researching Your Developmental Psychology Topic After you have gotten to move forward with your chosen topic, the next step is to do some background research. This step is essential! If you are writing a paper, the information you find will make up your literature review. If you are performing an experiment, it will provide background information for the introduction of your lab report. For a psychology science project, this research will help you in your presentation and can help you decide how to best approach your own experiment.

PhD in Forensic Psychology and PsyD in Forensic Psychology programs help students cultivate a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and the mental health issues underlying criminal behavior. The American Board of Forensic Psychology describes Forensic Psychology as “the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system” Forensic psychologists sometimes assist in trial consulting, assess witnesses or defendants or provide psychological assessment in cases of child custody, sexual harassment, injury assessment, and other illegal activities. As an academic pursuit, doctorate degree in Forensic psychology integrate psychotherapy and psychological assessment with criminal investigation to help solve crimes and provide counseling services to offenders and victims. Students interested in a terminal degree in Forensic Psychology can choose either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Forensic Psychology or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Psychology . The main difference is that a PhD in Forensic Psychology is often geared more toward a career as a post secondary teacher, a researcher or consultant in law enforcement, government, education, and nonprofit sectors. The PsyD in Forensic Psychology is designed for those interested in working as practicing clinical psychologists. Typically the PsyD integrates academic, clinical training and research experiences centered on forensic topics. This track provides students with a structured set of experiences designed to gain core understanding in the assessment and treatment of forensic and correctional populations SEARCH TIP: Some universities may not have doctorates specifically in forensic psychology, so students may also earn their degrees in psychology or clinical psychology, and complete a forensic psychology specialization afterward. Whatever option is chosen, students may expect to invest five to seven years in a PsyD or Phd Forensic in Psychology program that includes an internship of at least one year in a criminal justice or forensic facility. Students often have to complete and defend a dissertation based on extensive research in an aspect of the field of Forensic Psychology. Certain Forensic Psychology PhD programs accept students with only a bachelor's degree, if the academic background is suitable for psychology, such as criminal justice or sociology. Other doctoral programs require that applicants hold master's degrees or earn them during their studies. Doctoral students need to have strong analytical skills and be good oral and written communicators. Many PhD in Forensic Psychology programs look for applicants who've completed undergraduate courses in clinical psychology and statistics. Selecting a PsyD or PhD in Forensic Psychology Doctorate Program: Online or On Campus? Two learning options exist for students interesting in pursuing a Forensic Psychology PhD or PsyD: a traditional campus-based graduate school or a distance-learning option. Use the GradSchools.com site to help you navigate these choices. If you initiate a location search it will help you find PsyD or PhD in Forensic Psychology programs by city, state or country. Or, you can search for PhD Forensic Psychology online programs for a list to review. Typically a campus format offers the face-to-face interaction that an online program simulates. While online programs are considered flexible, you need to be self-motivated and have where and when to study. Some of the listings to browse might include PsyD Clinical Forensic Psychology, PhD in Psychology- Forensic Psychology. PsyD PhD in Forensic Psychology Potential Curriculum Doctorate programs in Forensic Psychology broaden students’ understanding of advanced forensic psychology research methods, and help them evaluate programs designed specifically for such forensic populations as the incarcerated, recently released offenders, the mentally ill, and juvenile offenders. Students can expect a PsyD or PhD Forensic Psychology curriculum to incorporate aspects of law with aspects of psychology, although coursework may vary between the different degree designations and institutions offering them. Students learn the theoretical aspects of the field as well as the real-world applications through courses that may include topics such as: Forensic psychopathology Forensic psychological assessment methods Abnormal psychology Social forensic psychology Forensic psychology ethics Adult forensic psychology Juvenile forensic psychology Correctional psychology Child assessment How To Become a Forensic Psychologist After obtaining a PhD in Forensic Psychology, graduates will need to obtain a license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, all states require some form of certification or licensure to practice as a forensic psychologist. Exact requirements vary from state to state but in general candidates have to successfully pass a licensure examination. Individuals interested in the practice of forensic psychology should appraise the specific licensing requirements of their state as early as possible in their academic career. The next step is to become board certified. Although not an absolute requirement for practice, most forensic psychologists apply for professional certification with the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP). ABFP certification candidates must hold a doctoral degree from a professional psychology program, be licensed in their jurisdiction of practice, and complete at least 100 hours of formal education and 1, 000 hours of practical experience in the field. Job Outlook for PhD Forensic Psychology Graduates The forensic psychologist is an advocate for those in the legal system, while also working to prevent crime and endorse rehabilitation standards for convicted felons. One who pursues this specialty area might expect to assist in any or all of the following areas: Develop prison rehabilitation programs Research crime prevention factors Aid police in selecting proper candidates for employment Analyze courtroom dynamics Help judges, lawyers and other legal specialists understand the psychological aspects of a case Testify as expert witnesses Help victims of crime Help determine sentencing for criminals Help create a profile of the criminal mind Research criminal behavior According to BLS data, employment of psychologists in general is projected to grow 19% from 2014 to 2024. The median way for psychologists in May 2014 was $92, 110 Ready to Pursue a PhD in Forensic Psychology? Forensic psychologists are often employed in jails and prisons, or might be hired by police departments as consultants and profilers during criminal investigations. If the intersection of law and psychology is fascinating to you, consider pursuing a doctoral degree to establish your expertise and potentially take on top-level roles. sources: abfp.com/ | bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm | bls.gov/oes/current/oes193039.htm | bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-socia

Database: PsycARTICLES [ Review-Book ] Review of Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, sixth edition . Hunsley, John Abstract Reviews the book, Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, sixth edition (see record ). The question for all of the likely buyers really boils down to, “Is it worth the money to buy the manual or the time to learn the new publication style?” Generally speaking, I think that the answer is “Yes.” Overall, the changes are definitely for the better, and should provide a much smoother introduction to the process of research writing for students and others new to publishing in psychology and other behavioural sciences. There are also web-based resources, both for neophytes and for seasoned veterans, to learn the current APA publication style. These resources can be used without purchasing the publication manual, but they are not a substitute for having the manual available as a guide. For anyone familiar with previous editions of the publication manual, there are at least four changes in the new edition that will be immediately evident. First, it is half the size of the fifth edition. This is due to streamlining the content and use of web pages for some content that is likely to be frequently updated. Second, the content of the manual has been reorganized to better reflect the process of manuscript creation, submission, and publication. The manual starts with material on how to present scientific information, the ethical and legal aspects of research and publication, and standards for reporting information. Subsequent chapters deal, sequentially, with writing a manuscript, presenting results, referencing, and the process of publication. Third, the popular feature of sample types of articles now appears very early in the book, with details on how to format each type of article appearing in subsequent chapters. Fourth, there is a greater integration of material on a given topic than was previously the case. Unlike previous editions, everything you need to know about producing tables, for example, is now found in one (and only one) place. There are a number of other changes that will be appreciated by many readers. For example, in recognition of the fact that the publication guide is used by disciplines in the behavioural sciences other than psychology (including business and education), there is a deliberate effort to include details and examples that go beyond the scope of psychology. All in all, then, this is a valuable and timely updating of the guide to APA style. For those entering the realms of reading, writing, and publishing behavioural science research, it is a clear guide that is organised in a useful and logical manner. For those already well versed in APA style, the modifications should make life (at least publication-related aspects of life) somewhat simpler because of improved organisation and coverage of key style elements such as abbreviations and references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)

Thank you for your interest in Western Psychological and Counseling Services (Western) doctoral clinical psychology internship program. Western’s program offers an excellent opportunity to develop skills in an outpatient setting. Several qualities will promote the best fit for this opportunity. Intern applicants should have some knowledge of behavioral or cognitive-behavioral therapy or have an interest in providing brief therapy. Additionally, Intern applicants should have an interest in working with a wide variety of presenting problems (depression, anxiety, parent-child problems, etc.) and populations (child/adolescent, adults, couples, older adults, etc.). Interns can expect to work with underserved populations and must have an understanding and appreciation for cultural and economic diversity. Western Psychological and Counseling Services, PC. Western Psychological and Counseling Services, PC. was established in 1986 as a for-profit company committed to providing quality outpatient behavioral health services, chemical dependency services, EAP services, and psychiatric services in a cost-effective manner. Western is committed to providing prompt appointments and accessibility. Western has thirteen offices in ten locations throughout the Portland metro area. Western clinics offer morning, afternoon, evening and Saturday appointments. Western clinicians offer a variety of specialties. With over 200 clinicians and counselors working at Western, each level of licensure is represented. Western employs psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and chemical dependency counselors. Mission Statement Western Psychological and Counseling Services is committed to providing mental health services that promote positive outcomes. Western clinicians and support staff are committed to providing positive customer service to those that seek out help during difficult times. We understand that during these difficult times, it is helpful to know that caring, professional clinicians are available to meet the needs of those seeking service. Service Overview Western provides traditional Outpatient Mental Health services at all thirteen clinics in the Portland Metropolitan area.

Industrial and organizational (I/O) psychologists focus on the behavior of employees in the workplace. They apply psychological principles and research methods to improve the overall work environment, including performance, communication, professional satisfaction and safety. All About Industrial and Organizational Psychology There are many variables that determine how well an organization or company operates. Effective communication and conflict resolution, process evaluation, professional competence and effective management are examples of the components necessary for businesses to succeed. Often, shortcomings in any of these areas can be traced back to the ways employees are selected, trained, share information or interact. I/O psychologists use their knowledge of human behavior to address these challenges. They use quantitative research and evaluation methods to apply best practices within a company and teach people how to work better. Their research may take the form of an observation, where they document how an employee or team performs in their work environment, or a survey designed to identify issues affecting workplace behavior. This research might be aimed at increasing employee productivity, developing screening procedures for new applicants, increasing overall workplace quality, or getting to the root of a work-related issue that is interfering with performance. What You Can Do I/O psychologists apply their scientific research in all types of organizational and workplace settings, such as manufacturing, commercial enterprises, labor unions and health care facilities. The focus of their research ranges from applicant and employee testing and assessment to leadership development, staffing, management, teams, compensation, workplace safety, diversity and work-life balance. Other I/O psychologists work in research or hold academic positions in colleges and universities. In addition, they are qualified as trainers, facilitators, assessors, coaches and consultants. I/O psychologists may also work directly in an organization’s human resources department, or they may act as independent consultants, called into an organization to solve a particular problem. Making It Happen The career path to becoming an I/O psychologist begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Opportunities with a bachelor’s degree alone aren’t unheard of, but they are sparse. Most students interested in I/O psychology go on to earn an advanced degree, although they may take time off between degrees to work and gain real world experience. A person with a master’s degree in I/O psychology is often able to find an entry-level position to launch a career. However, those with a doctoral degree will have more employment opportunities in this field. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2012, the largest area of employment — and highest-paying — for I/O psychologists was in management, scientific and technical consulting services. This was followed by state government. Other areas included scientific and development services, offices of health practitioners and educational institutions. What You Can Earn An I/O psychologist’s salary depends on his or her experience and employer. According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s 2012 income and employment survey, the starting salary for an I/O specialist with a master’s degree was approximately $65, 000 a year, while the starting salary for those with a doctoral degree was approximately $81, 000. University professors make approximately $70, 000 annually and those in the private sector earn approximately $100, 000. Overall, the median annual salary for I/O psychologists is $80, 000. The highest earners can make $250, 000 or more each year.

The Psychology Department offers two majors: The Psychology Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) major, and the Psychology Bachelor of Science (B.S.) major. Both degree options introduce students to the broad range of topics that psychologists study, while also allowing students to choose an individualized course of study and focus on some aspects of psychology in greater depth. Both options allow students to gain research experience working in one or more of our psychology labs. The Psychology B.A. major is particularly suited to students who wish to understand human behavior and mental functioning at the behavioral level. Students will take Psychology courses relevant to social, developmental, and cognitive psychology and will learn how animal models can be used to inform human behavior. Together these courses will provide students with an appreciation for the theories that have been put forth to explain human behavior and for the importance of considering clinical, cultural, social, and developmental factors when trying to understand why humans think, feel, and act as they do. The Psychology B.S. major is particularly suited to students who wish to explore the brain mechanisms of human and animal behavior and mental functioning. Students will take courses from the Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry Departments that are related to evolution, genetics, physiology, neurobiology, and the neural basis of higher cognitive and emotional processes in humans. Together these courses will provide students with a strong foundation in the neurobiological processes that underlie behavior, motivation, and cognition. Pre-med students who are interested in majoring in Psychology are advised to pursue the Psychology B.S major. Goals and Student Learning Outcomes The department has identified four primary learning goals for its undergraduate majors. Each goal is associated with several student learning outcomes. Goal 1. Students will acquire a knowledge of the subfields of psychology in a manner that reflects both breadth and depth of understanding. Student Learning Outcome 1a. Students will be able to demonstrate general knowledge of the theories, concepts, and findings of each of the subfields of psychology. Student Learning Outcome 1b. Students will be able to demonstrate expertise in one specific area in psychology. Goal 2. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to read research reports critically and to carry out their own independent research. Student Learning Outcome 2a. Students will be able to demonstrate anunderstanding of basic statistical applications in psychology including appropriate ways of describing data and the issues involved in inferring from a sample to a population. Student Learning Outcome 2b. Students will be able to demonstrate anunderstanding of the basic methodologies used in psychological research and to evaluate critically the research design of an experiment. Student Learning Outcome 2c. Students will be able to review the literature on a topic and frame the next question to be answered or problem to be solved and show an appreciation of the value of programmatic research. Student Learning Outcome 2d. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the necessary laboratory techniques and procedures in their area of focus. Student Learning Outcome 2e. Students will be able to demonstrate anappreciation of the ethical issues involved in human and animal research. Goal 3. Students will acquire critical, scientific thinking skills. Student Learning Outcome 3a. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the need for rigor and healthy skepticism when making scientific arguments and drawing conclusions from data. Student Learning Outcome 3b. Students will be able to evaluate critically the conclusions that are drawn concerning the causal relationship among variables, particularly the problems associated with correlational data and the need to isolate the effect of an independent variable. Student Learning Outcome 3c. Students will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a scientific argument, including issues of validity, reliability, power, and operational definition. Goal 4. Students will acquire skills to succeed in their professional, personal, and community lives after graduation. Student Learning Outcome 4a. Students will be able to compete successfully for admission to graduate school in psychology and related fields and to succeed in their graduate training.