IV. GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL ACADEMIC DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

THE PsyD COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

CLINICAL DEPARTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTERING THE ORAL SPECIALTY COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

The purpose of this case is to assure the faculty that you are able to intelligently conceptualize and competently treat a clinical case. You may write from any theoretical orientation, but be aware that you may be asked to demonstrate an understanding of alternative perspectives.

When the reader has finished your report, he or she should have a sense of the assessment procedures you used, the conclusions you drew from the assessment, and how these led to treatment, the course of treatment and the outcome. Remember that this should not simply be a listing of various techniques of treatment, but rather should reflect your knowledge of the person and how the relationship between the two of you influenced the course of therapy. We want to be sure that you are aware of yourself as a participant in the clinical process. We also wish to know how you use the psychological literature when you treat clients.

The case report should contain sufficient detail that another person who reads the report would feel ready to assume responsibility for the client. On the other hand, a book length paper is not in order since you will spend at least an hour of the examination talking about the case.

It is not necessary that the case be one where the outcome was brilliant. The Committee will accept a case that falls short of perfection. However, you should be prepared to discuss the reasons for problems that arose, and how you might deal with them in the future. Also be sensitive to any ethical and diversity issues that came up in treatment.

Forms for the oral specialty can be obtained at our website: http://gsappweb.rutgers.edu/forms/forms.htm by clicking on the link Clinical Dept. Policy and Procedure for Clinical Orals, and Forms.