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MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology

Program Overview

Becoming a prescribing psychologist doesn’t just give you the power to prescribe medication, but also the power to unprescribe medication when the patient has reached their sustainable clinical goals to prevent medication overuse, reduce patient costs, and the impact of side effects. Our program will teach you to do both.

Amy Wachholtz

Amy Wachholtz, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Program Director

The post-doctoral masters of clinical psychopharmacology is designed to provide you with the didactic information to use clinical psychopharmacology information, comprehend new psychopharmacology research, and consider how this information can be integrated into an ethical and culturally responsive clinical psychology practice. Prescribing psychology has been shown to be a safe and effective step toward meeting the overwhelming unmet mental health needs in the US for over 30 years.  We are excited that the passage of HB-1701 in Colorado now means that psychologists in Colorado have the opportunity to be part of this growing field.

The program is designed to meet the didactic requirements as laid out by the American Psychological Association and the state of Colorado for the training of prescribing psychologists.

Program Description

The post-doctoral masters of clinical psychopharmacology is designed to provide you with the didactic information to use clinical psychopharmacology information, comprehend new psychopharmacology research, and consider how this information can be integrated into an ethical and culturally responsive clinical psychology practice. Prescribing psychology has been shown to be a safe and effective step toward meeting the overwhelming unmet mental health needs in the US for over 30 years.  We are excited that the passage of HB-1701 in Colorado now means that psychologists in Colorado have the opportunity to be part of this growing field.

The program is designed to meet the didactic requirements as laid out by the American Psychological Association and the state of Colorado for the training of prescribing psychologists.

Why MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology at CU Denver

 

Flexible and Convenient Online Format

We understand that you have a busy schedule, which is why our MSCP program is primarily online. With weekly synchronous online class meetings and asynchronous coursework, you'll have the flexibility to balance your studies with your professional and personal commitments. Additionally, our program includes a one-week intensive on-campus course during the summer between the first and second year, covering physical assessment and lab analysis, providing you with valuable hands-on experience in a condensed format.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Pathways to Licensure

Led by experienced faculty members, our MSCP program offers a rigorous curriculum covering essential topics such as clinical science, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine. Students have the option to pursue a Prescribing Fellowship Certificate (PF-C) to fulfill state requirements for licensure as prescribing psychologists (RxP). Whether you're seeking additional training in psychopharmacology or aiming to become a licensed prescribing psychologist, our program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

Career Opportunities and Growth

The demand for psychologists and mental health professionals is on the rise, both nationally and within Colorado. Job listings for psychologists have seen significant growth in recent years, with median advertised salaries reflecting the high demand for qualified professionals. By completing our MSCP program and obtaining licensure as a prescribing psychologist, you'll be well-positioned to pursue rewarding career opportunities in a variety of settings, from private practice to research institutions.

Program Features

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