The Wright Institute

The Wright Institute is a private graduate school of psychology located in Berkeley, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1968 by psychologist Nevitt Sanford, a pioneer in integrating social issues with clinical psychology, the institution trains clinicians through a practitioner-focused model emphasizing lifelong learning, diversity, and the practical application of psychological science. Its motto, "Educating Clinicians to Society," reflects Sanford's developmental approach and commitment to preparing mental health professionals who understand the diverse communities they serve. The Wright Institute offers two accredited graduate programs: a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling Psychology. The Psy.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and prepares students for licensure through intensive coursework, supervised practica, internships, and dissertation work, typically spanning about five years. The two-year M.A. program trains counselors for roles in community mental health, family therapy, and related settings. Both programs are offered on campus only, with no online degree options. As a small, specialized institution, The Wright Institute enrolls roughly 500 full-time graduate students, the majority of whom are women pursuing careers in clinical and counseling psychology. Students gain hands-on experience through the Wright Institute Clinic, the Berkeley Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Clinic, and affiliated community training sites across the Bay Area. The school maintains campuses on Durant Avenue and Dwight Way in Berkeley, serving both local residents through sliding-scale clinical services and graduate students from across the United States and abroad.