Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
2026-28 Edition
John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette
e-book
Digital professor copy available on VitalSource once published ?Featuring expert advice for applying to graduate school in clinical and counseling psychology—plus all-new data on more than 300 doctoral programs—this authoritative reference has now been updated for 2026–2028. For over 35 years, students have relied on the Insider's Guide to find the programs that meet their needs and maximize their chances of getting in. Profiles highlight each program's specializations or tracks, admission requirements, acceptance rates, financial aid, research areas, and clinical opportunities. A detailed time line and practical tools help students decide where to apply, develop strong applications, and make an informed final decision. With robust bookmarking, searchability, and notetaking capabilities, the new e-book-only format features live links to programs and internet resources and offers fillable planning worksheets. The 2026–2028 edition also discusses whether to take the GRE, the pros and cons of online forums and message boards, prepping for virtual interviews, and other timely topics.
“When I started preparing to apply to clinical psychology doctoral programs, I was completely bewildered. How do I figure out what schools to apply to? What makes a good CV and statement? What should I be prepared to talk about in an interview? The Insider’s Guide answered all my questions and more, providing a well-researched and comprehensive system for building a strong application. The list of schools alone made it well worth the purchase. I honestly don’t know how I would have done it without this book. If you’re planning to go to graduate school for clinical or counseling psychology, I could not recommend this book more highly!”
—Alexander Jusdanis, doctoral program applicant
“An informative and essential guide for prospective graduate students. The topics are covered thoroughly, yet clearly and concisely. I was especially impressed with the book's inclusiveness—the authors acknowledge the challenges that LGBT, disabled, and racial/ethnic minority applicants may experience, even in fields that appear to be inclusive. The book would be extremely helpful for first-generation college students, who may have little knowledge about the pursuit of graduate school. The examples of CVs, letters, and emails are exceptional. This book would be a perfect supplemental text for my senior-level clinical assessment course.”
—Sonya Lawson Hutchinson, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Stillman College
“Your book was the pivotal resource that helped me find my way to my current career. I was one of those first-generation college students who really had no idea what I was doing until I came across your book. The Insider’s Guide was truly indispensable and is largely responsible for my career today.”
—Daniel J. Taylor, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Arizona
“I highly recommend that all applicants to clinical and counseling psychology graduate programs use this excellent guide to identify programs that match their specific career interests, goals, and strengths....As the training director of an APA-accredited counseling psychology program, I appreciate the detailed instructions for preparing a compelling personal statement, creating a flawless CV, forging professional relationships that will lead to strong letters of recommendation, and interviewing successfully. It will be a pleasure to meet prospective graduate students who have put this 'insider' information to good use!”
—Sharon (Sherry) Rostosky, PhD, Professor and Director of Training, Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky
“The Insider's Guide was an essential tool in helping me find the right doctoral program. When applying to graduate programs in psychology, it can be difficult to navigate between counseling or clinical, and PhD or PsyD. This book is organized in a way that helps you compare and contrast programs....There are so many programs to choose from—use this book to sort out those you are most interested in, and you will end up saving money on applications and finding the best fit.”
—Kimia Mansoor, PsyD student, The Wright Institute, Berkeley, California
“The Insider's Guide was an invaluable resource for me as I tackled the tedious process of applying to graduate school. With so many programs out there, this book provided me with vital information to narrow down which ones would be right for me. The book provides important details on each program—such as types of funding, emphasis areas, and internship statistics—in a clear and organized manner....I recommend it to all my friends going through the process.”
—Mallorie Carroll, PhD, psychology resident, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston
“The advice and insights in this book helped me figure out my career and research interests, and it saved me from a lot of extra effort and heartache that I experienced when I was working on the application process on my own. Highly recommended for anyone considering graduate school!”
—Theresa Trieu, doctoral program applicant
About the Authors
John C. Norcross, PhD, ABPP, is Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychology at the University of Scranton, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, and a board-certified clinical psychologist. Past president of the Division of Clinical Psychology and Division of Psychotherapy of the American Psychological Association (APA), he has served on the APA’s governing Council of Representatives and the Board of Educational Affairs. Dr. Norcross has more than 400 scholarly publications. He is a Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academies of Practice and a Distinguished Member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Other honors include the Pennsylvania Professor of the Year Award from the Carnegie Foundation, the Distinguished Career Contribution to Education and Training Award from the APA, and Fellow status in ten organizations. Dr. Norcross has conducted workshops and research on graduate study in psychology for many years.Michael A. Sayette, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, with a secondary appointment as Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He also is on the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and the Center for the Neural Bases of Cognition. Dr. Sayette has published primarily in the area of substance use disorders. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. His awards include the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring at the University of Pittsburgh, the Toy Caldwell-Colbert Award for Distinguished Educator in Clinical Psychology from the Society of Clinical Psychology, and the Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award from the Society for Addiction Psychology. Dr. Sayette has served as Director of Psychology Graduate Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and has directed graduate admissions in clinical psychology. He has presented seminars on applying to graduate school at universities in North America and Europe
Audience
Anyone considering applying to a psychology graduate program, as well as undergraduate counselors and advisors.Previous editions published by Guilford:
2024/2025 Edition, © 2024
ISBN: 9781462553136
2022/2023 Edition, © 2022
ISBN: 9781462548477
2020/2021 Edition, © 2020
ISBN: 9781462541430
2018/2019 Edition, © 2018
ISBN: 9781462532117
2016/2017 Edition, © 2016
ISBN: 9781462525720
Revised 2014/2015 Edition, © 2014
ISBN: 9781462518135
2012/2013 Edition, © 2012
ISBN: 9781609189327
2010/2011 Edition, © 2010
ISBN: 9781606234631
2008/2009 Edition, © 2008
ISBN: 9781593856373
2006/2007 Edition, © 2006
ISBN: 9781593852580
2004/2005 Edition, © 2004
ISBN: 9781572309784
2002/2003 Edition, © 2002
ISBN: 9781572307216
2000/2001 Edition, © 2000
ISBN: 9781572304956
1998/1999 Edition, © 1998
ISBN: 9781572302747
1996/1997 Edition, © 1996
ISBN: 9781572300866
1994/1995 Edition, © 1994
ISBN: 9780898626506
1992/1993 Edition, © 1992
ISBN: 9780898626841
1990/1991 Edition, © 1990
ISBN: 9780898625219