Department of Clinical Psychology

About:
Welcome to the Department of Clinical Psychology (DCPS) website where you will find information about clinical psychology program at Koya University in Kurdistan Region of Iraq and about how to apply.

Clinical psychology is an integration of the science, theory and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective and behavioral well-being and personal development.

Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance and promote psychological well-being.

They work with people with mental or physical health problems which might include:

• anxiety and depression

• serious and enduring mental illness

• adjustment to physical illness

• neurological disorders

• addictive behaviours

• childhood behaviour disorders

• personal and family relationships.

They often work with people throughout their lives and with people who have learning disabilities. The Department of Clinical Psychology (DCPS) was established in 2010/2011. The DCPS came to birth in a joint venture the help of international organization such as Heartland Alliance. A two year Master program was introduced in a joint effort by Koya University and Heartland Alliance. Ten students graduated with Masters Degrees in Clinical Psychology who today provide wide range of services of various sectors in Kurdistan region. Nevertheless, the First batch of undergraduates were graduated in 2013-2014. The total number of students for the academic year 2014-2015 is 121 (28 in the 4th year, 40 in 3rd year, 32 in 2nd year, and 21 in 1st year).

Vision:
Department of Clinical Psychology endeavors to become an accredited leading department to be able to provide a world class Clinical Psychology education where people are constantly affected by dramatic changes in their life. The DCLP aim to educate the next generation of Clinical psychologists in the region to provide quality services to their communities. DCLP also strive to set the standard for Excellence in Clinical Psychology Training through the integration of clinical practice, research & teaching.

Mission:
Department’s mission is Enhancing the training of clinical psychology graduate students by providing:

• Evidence-based psychological assessment and treatment services for the Kurdistan and area community

• Teaching and clinical supervision in state-of-the-art evidence-based therapeutic modalities

• Research on the causes, assessment, and treatment of psychological disorders

The DCPS is committed to expand the understanding of human behaviour and its development and contribute to optimize mental health and well-being through rigorous and state of the art research. This forms the basis for its academic and professional training programs which strive to provide a rich experience to its students preparing them to excel in their careers and their contribution to society.