Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology
The Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology at Işık University were established in 2014 to enhance students’ academic foundation through theoretical and practical training in line with current scientific research. The programs are conducted in Turkish and offer two specializations: Adult Clinical Psychology and Child-Adolescent Clinical Psychology.
The Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology includes both thesis-based and non-thesis (project-based) tracks. The first year of the program consists of intensive theoretical training, while the second year focuses on practical applications, including internships, supervised psychological counseling, and thesis/project work.
In Işık University’s Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology, clinical internships are conducted at partner hospitals or therapy centers for at least 8 hours per week. Psychological counseling services for clients are provided under supervision by faculty members or experienced specialists.
Students track their clients in collaboration with Işık University’s Psychological Counseling Center, and to pass the supervision course, they must complete at least six sessions with a minimum of two clients. These practical components provide graduate students with experience in psychological assessment and psychotherapy skills, allowing them to apply scientifically accepted theoretical approaches such as cognitive, cognitive-behavioral, and behavioral therapies.
Graduates of Işık University’s Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology receive the official title of "Clinical Psychologist" as stated on their diplomas.
The program offers scholarship opportunities, including the Academic Training Support Program, where aspiring academic professionals can receive full tuition waivers while gaining experience as research and teaching assistants.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
Graduates of the Clinical Psychology Master’s Program are expected to develop expertise in:
- Psychopathological assessment
- Establishing a therapeutic relationship and mastering clinical interview techniques
- Applying scientific psychotherapy approaches under supervision
- Professional ethics
- Tracking, interpreting, and critically evaluating psychological research
- Research methods and statistics
Adult Clinical Psychology Specialization
The Adult Clinical Psychology Master’s Program focuses on adult mental health and admits a limited number of students each year. The curriculum includes courses on adult psychopathology and applied training, with a strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Students conduct individual therapy sessions with their own clients at Işık University’s Psychological Counseling Center, while receiving group supervision from expert faculty members in groups of three.
Child-Adolescent Clinical Psychology Specialization
Işık University’s Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology is among the few programs in Turkey that offer a Child-Adolescent Clinical Psychology specialization. This track also admits a limited number of students each year and provides training in:
- Child and adolescent psychopathology
- Emotional and behavioral disorders
- School and family-related issues
- Psychological assessment, counseling, and psychotherapy
Students provide psychological services under group supervision and receive training from highly experienced professionals. The program primarily focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy, integrating both theory and practice. In addition to these methods, students are introduced to various psychological theories and conduct supervised practice sessions based on these models.