Doctor of Psychology - Definition and Overview

The Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) degree is a professional doctorate recognized by the Vail Conference on models of training in clinical psychology in 1975 as an alternative to the Ph.D., and as an alternative to the earlier scientist-practitioner model advocated at the founding conference in training of clinical psychologists held at Boulder in 1947. While both models of training include both a basic science and a practical skills component, there are clear differences in relative emphases on the role of research versus clinical activity and competency. Graduates of both training models are eligible for licensure in all states. This is much like medicine where both the M.D. (allopathic) and D.O (osteopathic) are deemed acceptable training for professional practice.