A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology prepares students for clinical roles such as therapist, counselor, or licensed psychologist. These programs emphasize hands-on training and practical skills over research, making them ideal for those focused on direct client care.
As demand for mental health services rises, many students seek flexible formats—including online PsyD clinical psychology programs. But it’s important to note: the APA does not currently accredit any fully online PsyD programs. All APA-accredited programs include required in-person components, such as practicum and internship.
This guide explains what to expect from a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, explores online and hybrid options, and highlights key factors to consider—like accreditation, cost, and licensure requirements.
What Is a PsyD in Clinical Psychology?
A PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, is a professional doctoral degree focused on preparing students for clinical practice in mental health settings. Unlike a PhD in Psychology, which emphasizes research and academic scholarship, a PsyD prioritizes applied training and therapeutic skill development.
Students in PsyD clinical psychology programs learn to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across diverse populations. These programs typically include:
- Advanced coursework in psychopathology, assessment, and evidence-based interventions
- Supervised practicum and internship experiences in clinical settings
- A dissertation or capstone project focused on practical application
The goal is to prepare graduates for licensure as clinical psychologists and for work in hospitals, private practices, schools, correctional facilities, or community agencies. Because the PsyD is a practice-oriented degree, it’s often the preferred path for students who want to focus on client care rather than academic research.
Understanding APA Accreditation
Accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) is a key marker of quality and rigor in doctoral-level psychology programs—especially for those pursuing clinical licensure. For PsyD clinical psychology programs, APA accreditation signals that a program meets nationally recognized standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, supervised clinical training, and ethical practice.
Most state licensing boards require applicants to graduate from an APA-accredited program to qualify for licensure as a clinical psychologist. Accreditation can also affect eligibility for competitive internships, job opportunities, and license portability across states.
As of 2026, no fully online PsyD clinical psychology programs are APA-accredited. This is because APA standards require in-person clinical components, such as practicum and internship training, that cannot be fully delivered online.
For students, this means that choosing a non-APA-accredited or fully online program may limit career options—especially if licensure is a long-term goal. Understanding a program’s accreditation status is essential before enrolling.
Online PsyD Program Options: Navigating Compromises
Students looking for flexibility in their doctoral studies often explore online PsyD programs, but it’s essential to understand the trade-offs between convenience and long-term career goals. Because the APA does not accredit fully online PsyD clinical psychology programs, students must weigh the benefits of remote learning against potential limits in licensure and job eligibility.
Hybrid Programs: A Practical Middle Ground
Some hybrid PsyD programs offer online coursework combined with in-person residencies, practicums, and internships. When structured to meet APA requirements, these programs may receive APA accreditation—preserving graduates’ eligibility for licensure.
For students committed to clinical licensure, APA-accredited PsyD programs that incorporate hybrid delivery models can offer a flexible path to licensure, provided their in-person clinical training components meet APA’s rigorous standards. Prospective students should confirm both the accreditation status and state licensure compatibility..
Fully Online PsyD Programs: Understand the Risks
There are also fully online PsyD programs that may seem appealing for their accessibility. However, these are generally not APA-accredited, which may limit your ability to become a clinical psychologist in many states. Graduates may find themselves ineligible for licensure, less competitive for clinical placements, or restricted to non-licensed roles in counseling or academia.
Before committing to a program, it’s worth comparing options alongside your career goals. For some, starting with an online master’s in clinical psychology may offer a more flexible path to determine next steps. For others, researching accredited hybrid online PsyD programs is key to staying aligned with state licensure requirements and long-term practice options.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Program
With limited APA-accredited online options available, it’s critical for prospective students to evaluate PsyD clinical psychology programs carefully—especially those offering hybrid or distance-learning formats. The right program should align not only with your educational needs but also with your long-term licensure and career goals.
Key Factors to Consider
- APA Accreditation
Confirm whether the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. This is essential for licensure eligibility in most states. - Online or Hybrid Format
Look for programs that offer flexibility through online coursework while still fulfilling in-person practicum and internship requirements. - Practicum and Internship Support
Strong programs assist students in securing supervised clinical placements—often a key factor in licensure preparation and professional development. - Cost and Financial Aid
Consider total tuition, fees, travel costs for residencies, and available financial aid. Some hybrid programs may involve hidden expenses tied to on-site requirements. - Faculty and Research Resources
Investigate faculty credentials, areas of expertise, and opportunities for mentorship, especially if you’re interested in specialized populations or clinical methods. - Licensure Alignment
Review your state’s licensing requirements to ensure the program you choose meets educational and clinical hour standards where you plan to practice.
By weighing these factors, you can better identify PsyD programs that offer both flexibility and a strong foundation for your clinical psychology career.
Best Online PsyD Clinical Psychology Programs (2026)
While no PsyD clinical psychology programs are fully online and APA-accredited, several reputable institutions offer hybrid formats that blend online coursework with in-person clinical training. Others provide fully online programs that may appeal to students not seeking licensure. Below are a few notable options to help prospective students compare formats, accreditation status, and overall fit.
California Southern University
Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Specialization (PsyD-C)
- Format: Fully online with optional supervised clinical experience
- APA accredited: No
- Best For: Students seeking a flexible, affordable path to psychologist licensure in select states, or working professionals aiming to deepen clinical expertise in applied psychology
Program Overview
California Southern University’s PsyD-C program offers a clinically focused, fully online doctoral pathway with licensure intent in select U.S. states. The 66-credit program emphasizes foundational psychological knowledge, ethics, diversity, assessment, and evidence-based practice, culminating in a doctoral project. Although the program is not APA-accredited, CalSouthern has determined that it meets educational requirements for psychologist licensure in a limited number of states, including California, Texas, and New York. Optional supervised clinical experiences are available, allowing students to tailor their professional preparation. This program’s asynchronous format and transfer-friendly policies make it especially attractive to working adults seeking affordability and scheduling flexibility.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Psy.D. Applied Clinical Psychology
- Format: Hybrid (online coursework + four in-person residencies)
- APA accredited: No
- Best For: Students seeking flexible online doctoral training with in-person clinical components and a strong focus on culturally competent, ethical practice
Program Overview
The Chicago School’s online Psy.D. in Applied Clinical Psychology is a 3-year post-master’s program designed to prepare practitioners through a blend of rigorous online coursework and four mandatory in-person residencies. The program emphasizes ethical, evidence-based care for diverse populations and integrates hands-on clinical training, including an 800-hour practicum and a 1,500-hour internship. Students complete a dissertation and a comprehensive exam aligned with the core domains of professional psychological practice. With a practitioner-scholar model and clinically experienced faculty, the program offers a flexible yet immersive path toward advanced clinical competency.
Meridian University
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Format: Fully online (synchronous + asynchronous); optional in-person Transformative Learning Labs
- APA accredited: No
- Best For: Students seeking a holistic, flexible doctoral program that integrates transformative learning with clinical training and supports licensure eligibility in select states
Program Overview
Meridian University’s fully online PsyD in Clinical Psychology offers a unique, integrative curriculum that blends clinical theory with personal development and transformative learning. Grounded in modalities such as somatic, transpersonal, and depth psychology, the 108-credit program prepares students for clinical practice through coursework, 750 hours of fieldwork, and an original clinical case study. While not APA-accredited, the program meets educational requirements for psychologist licensure and/or MFT or LPCC licensure in several states, including California, Texas, and Hawaii. Meridian’s online format combines faculty-led live sessions with flexible asynchronous content, allowing students around the world to engage in rigorous training without relocating. This program is ideal for those who value creativity, embodiment, and systems thinking in clinical work.
Each of these programs serves a different student profile. Those pursuing clinical licensure should prioritize APA-accredited hybrid programs. Fully online options may work for students interested in alternative psychology careers or academic pathways but are typically not suitable for those aiming to become licensed psychologists.
Tips for Evaluating and Choosing a Program
Choosing the right PsyD clinical psychology program—especially one with online components—requires careful research and reflection. Below are practical steps to help ensure the program you select aligns with your professional goals and licensure needs.
1. Verify APA Accreditation
Use the APA’s official database to confirm whether a program is currently accredited. Be sure to check the specific campus or delivery format, as accreditation does not always extend across all versions of a program.
2. Ask the Right Questions
When speaking with admissions representatives, ask about:
- In-person requirements (residencies, practicums, internships)
- Clinical placement support and regional availability
- Licensure outcomes and pass rates for recent graduates
3. Check State Licensure Requirements
Before enrolling, visit your state’s psychology licensing board website to verify that your chosen program meets education and supervised hour requirements for licensure in that state.
4. Balance Flexibility with Long-Term Value
While online or hybrid formats offer convenience, they may come with added travel, supervision, or support limitations. Consider whether those trade-offs are worth the increased flexibility—especially if licensure is essential to your career path.
Taking the time to evaluate each program’s structure, accreditation, and clinical training model can help ensure you invest in a degree that meets both your immediate needs and your long-term professional goals.
FAQ
Can I become licensed with a non-APA-accredited PsyD?
It depends on the state. Some licensing boards may accept non-APA-accredited degrees if the program meets specific curricular and training standards. However, many states require APA accreditation for licensure, and graduates of non-accredited programs often face extra steps—or may be ineligible altogether.
Are any programs close to being fully online and APA-accredited?
No programs are currently fully online and APA-accredited. However, some hybrid programs offer substantial online coursework paired with required in-person components such as residencies and clinical training. These formats provide flexibility while maintaining accreditation standards.
What are the hidden costs of hybrid PsyD programs?
In addition to tuition and fees, hybrid students may face travel and lodging costs for required residencies or clinical placements. Some programs also require students to secure and fund their own practicum or internship sites, which may not be included in advertised costs.
Is a PhD a better choice if I need online flexibility?
Not necessarily. Like PsyD programs, APA-accredited PhD programs in clinical psychology also require in-person clinical training. However, if research and academia are your primary goals—and you’re open to part-time or low-residency models—a PhD may offer slightly more flexibility, depending on the program. Still, neither degree is fully available online with APA accreditation at this time.
Making the Right Choice for Your Future
Earning a PsyD in Clinical Psychology is a significant commitment—and choosing the right program means balancing flexibility with long-term goals like licensure and career advancement. While fully online options may offer convenience, APA-accredited hybrid programs provide the structure and credibility most students need to become licensed clinical psychologists.
Before enrolling, take time to evaluate each program’s format, accreditation status, and clinical training support. Clarify your state’s licensing requirements and consider how each program aligns with your career path.
For the most reliable information, consult the APA’s list of accredited programs and your state’s licensing board. Thoughtful planning now can help ensure your PsyD leads to the professional future you envision.
