Training compassionate clinical psychologists to meet Idaho’s growing mental health needs.
Launching Fall 2026 | ISU Meridian
Idaho State University’s new Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program prepares students for licensure as clinical psychologists, with a strong focus on serving rural and underserved communities.
Rooted in ISU’s leadership in health care education, the PsyD program combines rigorous academic study with hands-on clinical training to meet one of Idaho’s most urgent needs: mental and behavioral health care access.
Students will gain real-world experience through supervised practicum and internship placements while developing expertise in areas like integrated behavioral health and rural psychology.
Why Choose ISU’s PsyD?
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Hands-On Clinical Training
Gain supervised experience in real clinical settings from your first year onward. -
Specialized Focus on Rural Mental Health
Prepare to make a difference in Idaho’s underserved and rural communities. -
Integrated Behavioral Health Track
Train to collaborate with primary care providers in holistic, patient-centered settings. -
Small Cohort Size
Benefit from personalized mentorship, faculty access, and a close-knit learning community. -
Part of Idaho’s Leading Health University
Join a university known for health care education, community partnerships, and statewide impact.
Explore the Program
Learn more about what makes our PsyD program unique:
Program Location
ISU Meridian Health Science Center
1311 E. Central Dr. | Meridian, Idaho
Serving the Treasure Valley and beyond
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Applications for Fall 2026 are now open. The application due date is March 1, 2026 in order to be considered for the August 2026 start date.
Stay informed and connect with our admissions team:
📧 Contact: Dr. Shannon Lynch, PsyD Program Chair
📞 Phone: 208-373-1951
✉️ Email: shannonlynch@isu.edu
“Now more than ever, the need exists for enhanced mental and behavioral health care for the citizens of Idaho, and the PsyD program allows clinicians to train and practice where the need is greatest.”
President Robert Wagner
Addressing the Need
A new Doctorate of Psychology program has been approved by the Idaho State Board of Education, launching in Fall 2026
ISU to launch new doctoral program in psychology
Article published in Idaho Business Review, August 28, 2025
Accreditation and Licensure
Idaho State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and is reporting this information in compliance with Standard 2.G.3. The Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology plans to seek accreditation by the American Psychology Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA).
Completion of the Psy.D. program does not lead to licensure as a clinical psychologist upon graduation. The professional preparation you receive in our program, however, will assist you in pursuing licensure and professional practice.
In the State of Idaho, graduates from our program may be licensed after passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and completing one year of supervised clinical practice (see Section 54-2312 of Idaho's licensure statutes).
Licensure requirements vary by state and territory. While our program is designed to prepare students for professional practice and has a strong history of graduates obtaining licensure, Idaho State University cannot guarantee that completion of the program will meet all requirements in every jurisdiction. Students planning to practice outside Idaho are encouraged to review the requirements of their intended state or territory before beginning the program.
Students are encouraged to review licensure laws for the State of Idaho and review information on licensure in the United States and Canada at the website for the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards as they consider their professional goals.
Questions about licensure and professional preparation should contact Shannon Lynch: shannonlynch@isu.edu.