Wednesday, 02 September 2026 06:00 AM
Company Update
Reaccreditation through 2036 affirms the program's continued compliance with APA Standards of Accreditation while continuing its distinctive Catholic-Christian approach to clinical psychology.
STERLING, VA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2026 / Divine Mercy University's Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS), home to the university's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program, has received 10-year reaccreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA), the maximum period available.
This reaccreditation affirms the strength of the Psy.D. program and its continued compliance with the APA Standards of Accreditation. The milestone also underscores the program's commitment to rigorous practitioner-scholar training within its distinctive Catholic-Christian mission and understanding of the human person.
"We see this not only as an institutional accomplishment," said Diane R. Graves, Ph.D., chair of the Institute for the Psychological Sciences and professor of psychology at Divine Mercy University, "but also as an affirmation of the work entrusted to us and an invitation to continue stewarding it faithfully."
Graves added, "I was especially moved by the recognition of the strength of our practitioner-scholar model and of the distinctive way we prepare psychologists to serve others while integrating Catholic-Christian values and perspectives."
Preparing Psychologists to Serve the Whole Person
Through advanced coursework, research, and supervised clinical training, graduates of IPS's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program are prepared to address complex mental health needs through psychotherapy, psychological assessment, consultation, and other evidence-based professional practices, with attention to the dignity and complexity of the whole person.
That commitment to rigorous training extends beyond the classroom and into the field of psychological research. Earlier this month, Psy.D. students, faculty, and research collaborators delivered fourteen presentations at the American Psychological Association's (APA) 2026 national convention. Their research addressed such topics as trauma and post-traumatic growth, vocational calling and grief, attachment to God, spirituality-oriented treatment, parental flourishing, faith-informed decision-making, and culturally responsive clinical supervision. Participation at the APA convention gives DMU students the opportunity to contribute to the wider field of psychology while learning alongside established scholars and practitioners.
Furthermore, our Psy.D. program ranks 25th in the country (second in the DMV area) for the greatest percentage of alums in the last decade who are licensed psychologists. In addition, 100% of students who applied for internships in the past five years have matched with paid and APA-accredited internships.
These outcomes complement the program's distinctive Catholic-Christian approach to formation, which seeks to prepare excellent psychologists who serve others with professional competence, integrity, compassion, and a deep respect for the dignity of the human person.
Applauding the Hard Work of this Collective Effort
One of the university's board members, Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Arlington, VA, shared his excitement and enthusiasm for the reaccreditation.
"It is a real tribute to the hard work of our Board and its committees, the outstanding skills and expertise of our administration and faculty, the dedication of staff, the steadfastness of our students in using their God-given talents, the support of our alumni and alumnae as well as the significant generosity of our donors."
Fr. Charles Sikorsky, L.C., J.D., J.C.L., president of Divine Mercy University, also praised the faculty and staff whose work contributed to this achievement.
"I applaud the hard work of our Psy.D. faculty and staff in making this achievement possible," said Fr. Sikorsky. "Their commitment to excellence and care for our students and alumni is exemplary and reflects the heart of Christ."
The program's next APA site visit is scheduled for 2036.
Learn More
For prospective students interested in joining the next generation of clinical psychologists, applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2027. The application deadline is February 19, 2027. Learn more about the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and apply at https://enroll.divinemercy.edu/psy-d-in-clinical-psychology/apply-now/.
About the Institute for the Psychological Sciences
The Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS) is the psychology school of Divine Mercy University and home to the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program. IPS prepares students to integrate psychological science and clinical practice with a Catholic-Christian understanding of the human person. Visit our website to learn more: https://divinemercy.edu/academics/psy-d-in-clinical-psychology/.
About Divine Mercy University
Divine Mercy University is a graduate/continuing education institution of higher education dedicated to forming professionals who integrate faith and reason in service of the human person. Through graduate programs in psychology, counseling, and spiritual direction, the university seeks to prepare students to serve others with competence, compassion, integrity, and respect for human dignity. Visit our website to learn more: divinemercy.edu.
Media Contact:
Rick Garcia
Interim Director of Marketing
Divine Mercy University
(703) 291-8188
[email protected]
SOURCE: Divine Mercy University