PhD in Clinical Social Work

ICSW’s doctoral program, with both Onsite and Distance Learning options in a three year course of study designed for working clinicians, emphasizes the application of psychodynamic theory to a broad range of practice settings.

As the nation’s first and only accredited, independent institution to offer a doctoral program in clinical social work, we make distinct contributions to this vibrant and rewarding field. Our students graduate prepared to become leaders in clinical counseling and psychotherapy.

Our curriculum is strategically designed to blur the lines between the classroom and students’ own practice settings, enabling students to use their own cases as a basis for learning. After completion of coursework, students experience incomparable support at every step of the dissertation process.

Psychodynamically informed graduate studies committed to social justice, diversity and compassionate practice.

The mission of the Institute for Clinical Social Work, an institution of higher education, is to prepare scholars and practitioners to advance the knowledge and quality of practice in the fields of clinical social work and counseling and to serve diverse communities through professional and academic contributions.

In keeping with our roots in social work and our commitment to social justice, we develop psychodynamically informed professionals who recognize and celebrate diversity, practice compassionately, and have the knowledge and skills to empower people to lead meaningful lives.