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ICSW’s Doctoral Specializations

ICSW’s students frequently seek advanced training in specified areas of clinical social work. With this in mind, we offer students the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas: psychodynamic psychotherapy, child & adolescent social work, and military and veterans social work.

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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Specialization

The Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Specialization is designed for students who have an interest in advancing their expertise in adult psychotherapy. Courses provide a solid foundation in psychodynamic theory and technique. Clinical tutorials offer students the opportunity to consult with master clinicians on their own psychotherapy cases. To enter the specialization, students must meet all the standard admission requirements and, in addition, must: have completed (or be in) their own personal psychotherapy; have access to cases that are appropriate for psychotherapy; and have a clinical license or equivalent.

See Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Specialization Course List

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Child & Adolescent Specialization

The Child & Adolescent Specialization is designed for doctoral students who have an interest in advancing their psychotherapeutic skills and theoretical knowledge with a focus on intervention with children, adolescents, and their families. Specialized courses embedded within the core program prepare students for the multiple roles that working within this area entails. These courses include Problems in Childhood, Case Conference, and Clinical Process and Technique.

The School Social Work Schedule offers students within the Child & Adolescent Specialization the option of taking courses on alternate Saturdays within the academic year and summer courses (instead of Friday courses).

See Child & Adolescent Specialization Course List

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Military and Veterans Social Work Specialization

The Military and Veterans Specialization is designed for students whose clinical practice focuses on working with members of the military or veterans. The specialization emphasizes the clinical application of psychodynamic practice principles and theory, critical thinking, and cutting-edge research, and is delivered in a distance-learning format using a combination of live video conferencing and on-site classes. The course of study includes courses that address the specific climate of military and veterans social workers, including Case Conferences, History of War Neurosis, and other electives selected by the student cohort. Students in the specialization will be expected to pursue dissertation topics relevant to military and veterans social work.

See Military and Veterans Social Work Specialization Course List

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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Specialization

Courses

First Year
Fall
Case Conference I
Clinical Process and Technique I
Development I
Psychodynamic Theory I
Research I

Spring
Case Conference II
Development II
Disorders of Adulthood I
Psychodynamic Theory II
Research II

Second Year
Fall
Case Conference III
Clinical Process and Technique II
Development III
Psychodynamic Theory III
Research III

Spring
Case Conference IV
Development IV
Difference in Clinical Practice
Psychodynamic Theory IV
Research IV

Third Year
Fall
Case Conference V
Clinical Process and Technique III
Epistemology I
Psychodynamic Theory V
Research V

Spring
Case Conference VI
Disorders of Adulthood II
Epistemology II
Psychodynamic Theory VI
Research VI

Fourth Year
Fall
Clinical Elective
Theory Elective

Spring
Clinical Elective
Theory Elective
Research Elective
Electives are chosen by the students

Clinical Practicum

12 Case Studies and 4 Psychotherapy Cases drawn from practice setting.

Research Practicum

4 Independent Studies, Dissertation Proposal, Research and Defense. Topic to be relevant to the theory or practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

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Child & Adolescent Specialization

Courses

First Year
Fall
Case Conference I
Clinical Process and Technique I*
Development I*
Psychodynamic Theory I
Research I

Spring
Case Conference II
Development II*
Disorders of Childhood I*
Psychodynamic Theory II
Research II

Second Year
Fall
Case Conference III
Clinical Process and Technique II*
Development III
Psychodynamic Theory III
Research III*

Spring
Case Conference IV
Development IV
Difference in Clinical Practice
Psychodynamic Theory IV*
Research IV*

Third Year
Fall
Case Conference V
Clinical Process and Technique III
Epistemology I
Psychodynamic Theory V*
Research V*

Spring
Case Conference VI
Epistemology II
Problems in Childhood II
Psychodynamic Theory VI*
Research VI*

Fourth Year
Fall
Clinical Elective
Theory Elective

Spring
Clinical Elective
Theory Elective
Research Elective
Electives are chosen by the students

* Courses that are also offered in the summer

Clinical Practicum

12 Case Studies and 4 Case Consultations drawn from multiple cases within practice setting.

Research Practicum

4 Independent Studies, Dissertation Proposal, Research and Defense. Topic to be relevant to the practice or theory of intervention with children, adolescents, and their families.

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Military and Veterans Social Work Specialization

Courses

First Year
Fall
Case Conference I
Clinical Process and Technique I
Psychodynamic Theory I
Research I

Spring
Case Conference II
Disorders of Adulthood I
Psychodynamic Theory II
Research II

Second Year
Fall
Case Conference III
Clinical Process and Technique II
Psychodynamic Theory III
Research III

Spring
Case Conference IV
Difference in Clinical Practice Diversity
Psychodynamic Theory IV
Research IV

Third Year
Fall
Case Conference V
Clinical Process and Technique III
History of War Neurosis I
Epistemology I

Spring
Case Conference VI
Disorders of Adulthood II
History of War Neurosis II
Epistemology II
Clinical Elective

Fourth Year
Fall
Research V
Development III
Psychodynamic Theory V
Theory Elective
Clinical Elective

Spring
Research VI
Development IV
Psychodynamic Theory VI
Clinical Elective
Research Elective
Electives are chosen by the students

Clinical Practicum

12 Case Studies and 4 Case Consultations drawn from multiple cases within practice setting.

Research Practicum

4 Independent Studies, Dissertation Proposal, Research and Defense. Topic to be relevant to the practice or theory of interventions with members of the military or veterans.