An integral part of the doctoral program is the acquisition of practical skills gained in field placements. Ongoing involvement in community service and clinical activities at professional training sites, including the School's Psychological Services Center, gives students the closely supervised opportunity to apply and further develop the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies they gain in course work. Practicum training requirements begin with a first year Community Service Practicum that focuses on developing skills related to community-based interventions, advocacy, social justice, and systemic interventions that benefit human welfare and well-being. Students then complete clinical training that focuses first on developing skills and providing experience in psychological assessment and second on developing skills related to intervention/treatment. Because the focus is on integrating doctoral level education with licensed doctoral-level supervised clinical training, no transfer credit is granted for practica credits earned elsewhere or in a previously completed Adler M.A. program. Students must successfully complete course pre-requisites prior to being approved to begin their first practicum.

First year doctoral students will spend 8-10 hours per week over the course of six months at an approved Community Service Practicum site and must concurrently enroll in required coursework. A minimum of 180-200 clock hours of Community Service Practicum is required in the first year of the program. Second and third year doctoral students should expect to spend at least two days per week over the course of at least nine months at an approved clinical practicum site and must concurrently enroll in Practicum Seminars throughout their field training. A minimum total of 1,200 clock hours of clinical practica is required. Most doctoral students complete more than the minimum number of hours prior to beginning their internship. Students may elect to complete an advanced practicum during their fourth year of study to obtain additional specialized or in-depth training to strengthen their learning experience. Advanced practicum students must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours of practicum over the course of at least nine months at an approved practicum site, and must concurrently enroll in Practicum Seminars throughout the training year.

The Director and Associate Director of Training and Community Service works in collaboration with students in identifying clinical experiences which meet the standards and requirements of the program. Students should refer to the Practicum Handbook, available on Scholar 360, for detailed information.