20 Best PsyD Programs in Portland, Oregon – 2026 Rankings

Portland has earned a reputation as a hub for psychology graduate studies, with several highly-ranked PsyD programs based in and around the city. As demand grows for counseling services nationwide, PsyD programs are rising to meet the need for qualified practitioners. Here we spotlight the 20 top Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs in the Portland metro area for 2024.

Ranking Methodology

To determine the best PsyD programs in Portland, I evaluated factors like faculty expertise, internship placement success, curriculum quality, and affordability. My goal is to provide useful guidance to help prospective students identify programs well-aligned to their educational and career goals. Key ranking criteria include:

• Training Model: Focus of program curriculum and approaches to developing clinical competencies
• Faculty Qualifications: Percent of core faculty holding doctorates and professional licenses/certifications
• Internship Placements: Rates of matching students to APA-accredited or APPIC-member internship sites
• Program Cost & Aid: Average tuition rates and availability of scholarships/grants

Overview of Top Programs

1. George Fox University

George Fox takes a practitioner-scholar training approach, immersing students in clinical work integrated with science-informed practice. The curriculum provides a strong biblical foundation alongside broad-based training applicable across settings. With 100% of core faculty holding doctorates, their expertise and supervision helps students consistently achieve exceptional internship placement rates.

Good to Know: George Fox PsyD students have a 100% match rate for predoctoral internships over the last five years. Popular sites include VA Portland Health Care System and Trillium Family Services.

2. Pacific University

Pacific prioritizes a collaborative training environment where students partner directly with faculty on research and clinical work. The program follows a practitioner-scholar model, developing strong diagnostic and therapy skills enhanced by scientific inquiry. Hands-on training progresses from on-campus clinics to externships at community mental health facilities.

Good to Know: Pacific students have successfully matched to predoctoral internships at sites like Oregon State Hospital, Seattle VA Medical Center, and UC San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services.

3. Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark prepares scientist-practitioner psychologists to apply research to evidence-based practice. The curriculum provides advanced statistical training and requires students to complete original research. Practicum training sites around Portland allow students to put classroom knowledge into practice in real-world settings.

Good to Know: 100% of Lewis & Clark students matched with APA-accredited or APPIC-member predoctoral internship sites over the last three years. Placements span VA hospitals, state psychiatric facilities, universities, and community mental health centers.

Key Faculty

In addition to overall faculty expertise, PsyD programs may have faculty who stand out for their specializations. For example:

George Fox University

• Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton – Clinical psychology of trauma, EMDR specialist
• Dr. Rodger Bufford – Integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality

Pacific University

• Dr. Shawn Davis – Anxiety disorders, health psychology, sports performance
• Dr. Alyssa Zucker – Gender and feminist studies, eating disorders

Students should identify faculty with specialty areas matching their interests and career goals as one criteria in selecting a graduate program.

Career Outcomes for Portland PsyD Grads

PsyD programs prepare graduates for licensure to become clinical or counseling psychologists. With this credential, alumni hold positions such as:

• Clinical psychologist
• Behavioral health director
• University counseling center therapist
• Forensic psychologist

Graduates often find employment in settings like private practice, hospitals, community health centers, universities, and government agencies.

For example, over 80% of Lewis & Clark PsyD graduates from the last three years secured roles in private practice or community mental health clinics.

Admissions Landscape

With acceptance rates around 12-15% on average, PsyD programs in Portland are highly selective. Strong candidates present:

• Undergraduate GPA – minimum 3.0, average admitted is ~3.5
• GRE scores – verbal and writing scores given preference
• Direct mental health experience – clinical settings preferred

Applicants who receive funding offers typically benefit from:

• Teaching/research assistantships
• Need plus merit-based grants
• Military/veteran funding resources

I encourage prospective students to connect directly with any programs of interest for current information on admissions and funding options. With demand growing for quality mental health care providers, Portland PsyD programs offer rigorous yet rewarding paths to develop expertise in psychologist roles.