Bachelor of Clinical Psychology

The program aims to explain psychological (behavioral) phenomena in both, their theoretical and applied dimensions through the use of psychological tools and standards to diagnose psychological disorders. As well as conducting primary psychotherapeutic interventions to help alleviate behavioral problems by using a number of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and digital applications.

College

College of Public Health

Campus

Dammam

Track

College of Public Health Track

Level

Undergraduate

Degree

BSc

Gender

Female, Male

Years of study

5 ( (four years + one year of internship))

Credit hours

130

Additional requirements

Graduation Project, Internship Program

Vision:

Leadership in preparing distinguished specialists in clinical psychology at the national and regional levels.

Mission: 

To prepare clinical psychologists who can collaborate with healthcare teams to provide effective mental health care and improve the quality of life for their patients. The program emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in knowledge, skills, and scientific research, while also considering the unique needs and characteristics of the local community at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Program Objectives:

 This program aims to prepare clinical psychologists who will be able to:

1. Provide quality education in clinical psychology discipline.
2. Adhere to ethical principles and professional standards expected by the profession.
3. Create a collaborative environment to conduct high quality research published in respected international journals.  
4. Develop and strengthen relationship with the community and related entities.

Justifications for Establishment:

Scientific justifications:

1.Qualifying and providing program students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary for professional practice in the field of clinical psychology in local and global labor markets. 

2.Contributing effectively to improve the levels of mental health and quality of life in cooperation with the relevant health sectors.

Social justifications:

1. The program fulfills the requirements of the National Professional Qualifications System at the Civil Service Commission

2. The program keeps pace with the new health transformation strategy to prepare competitive cadres in the field of clinical psychology at the cognitive, professional and research levels to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

3.The program aligns with the rapid progress of science and technology and the national values ​​of mental health. 

Economic justifications:

1.   The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 focuses on providing a healthy, stimulating and more productive work environment, which in turn leads to attracting national cadres and creating a competitive and effective labor market that enhances the position of the Kingdom’s economy. The program also supports the Kingdom's vision in terms of building a vibrant society, which emphasizes the happiness and fulfillment of citizens and residents as a top priority.2.   The creation of job opportunities for government and private hospitals, private clinics, health centers, university teaching hospitals, rehabilitation centers, research centers, schools, prisons, and correctional homes.3. The development of future national plans to improve the practice of psychologists and psychotherapy through the presence of clinical psychologists in primary clinic centers to support mental health professionals.

Technological justifications:
1. Promoting modern technologies in electronic and computer-programmed psychological assessment. 

2. Keeping up with virtual reality psychotherapy techniques.

Fields of Employment:

• Health care institutions, including public and private hospitals and clinics.
• Scientific research centers specialized in psychological and mental disorders.
• School health clinics.
• University guidance and counseling.    
• Correctional institutions such as prisons.
• Centers for the elderly and the disabled.

1. The applicant must meet the admission criteria for Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University 
2. The applicant must have completed a preparatory year in health track from a recognized university OR pass the preparatory year- public health track
3. The applicant's GPA must be 3.5 out of 5 or higher.

First year: 

Students study basic sciences and humanities courses and university requirements

Second year:

This year students study basic medical sciences and basics of psychological sciences, including: physiology and anatomy, introduction to public health, general psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology, among others.

Third year:

In the third-year students study several advanced courses in various fields of psychiatry and psychology such as: Clinical Adult Psychology, Positive Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Neuropsychology, Rehabilitation Psychology and others.

Fourth year:

The focus during the fourth year is on enhancing students’ practical and professional skills and intensifying their scientific knowledge in the field of clinical psychology through several courses such as: research methodology, forensic psychology, psychopharmacology, and others, in addition to graduation projects.

Fifth year (Internship year):

Students gain a wide range of practical experiences in the field of clinical psychology, in addition to learning professional skills in a variety of settings and scenarios in various sectors of psychological services.