WELCOME

From Judith Kay Nelson, MSW, PhD, Dean

Welcome to The Sanville Institute! We are a state-approved program (formerly known as the California Institute for Clinical Social Work) that offers mental health professionals with master's degrees an exciting individualized program leading to a PhD in clinical social work or a two-year advanced certificate in psychotherapy. We have regional centers in the greater Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas and administrative offices in Berkeley.

Our innovative educational model is crafted with the adult learner in mind. It combines stimulating small group study with mentorship and tutorials and encourages students to make use of their accumulated knowledge and experience as they fulfill curriculum requirements. Our core emphasis is on the integration of theory and clinical practice in cultural context, preparing students for advanced practice, supervision, clinical administration, writing, presenting, and teaching. Weekly clinical consultation is included in the tuition for the first two years. We have no grades or examinations--assessment of progress through the program is based upon the student's demonstration of competence to faculty and peers. Our program is maximally flexible, allowing you to remain in your own agency or independent practice setting while completing your education.

Named for our first Dean, The Sanville Institute was founded with a solid commitment to social work values, including social justice and diversity. Since our first graduating class in 1977, we have granted doctoral degrees to over eighty students whose dissertation topics cover a wide range of clinical and social issues. We are renown for our qualitative research and an exceptional number of dissertations have become the basis of published books, articles, and further research.

In a recent survey, the most frequent response from our graduates was how transforming - personally and professionally - the program had been. We invite you to learn more about us by speaking with a representative of our academic program who will be happy to discuss your educational and career goals and how our program might meet your needs.

Cordially,
Judith Kay Nelson, MSW, PhD, Dean