UCF Director of Clinical Psychology Chosen for Prestigious Position 

Jeffrey Bedwell, Ph.D. has a lifelong passion for helping people overcome mental illness.  As a professor at UCF’s Department of Psychology, and as director of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, his work allows him to train future clinical psychologists to make a difference in the lives of others.  Now, he’s taking on a new role that will allow him to shape the future of psychology, not just in Florida, but throughout the country. 

Bedwell has just joined the board of directors for the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology.  CUDCP oversees clinical psychology programs which lead to licensure.  It seeks to train psychology graduate students to be investigators and practitioners.   

As the world changes, so does the field of clinical psychology.  Bedwell says mental health challenges have grown since the COVID pandemic.  “Training mental health professionals for early detection of these problems, where they can prevent it through strategies, or develop the best possible treatments, is very important going forward in the future to tackle this problem,” Bedwell says.  

In addition to his new role with CUDCP, Bedwell is especially proud of his work with UCF’s Psychology Clinic.  Operating out of the Psychology building, doctoral students serve as clinicians, overseen by licensed psychologists on the UCF faculty.  The program not only benefits the community by providing greatly needed services, but also helps prepare students for their future as clinical psychologists.  “It’s part of their training,” Bedwell says, “but it’s really good quality service.” 

Adults interested in receiving counseling through the program can call 407-823-4348 for more information.  There is a low sliding scale for the cost of services based on their income.  The program does not currently support therapy for children.  

Those who would like to learn more about CUDCP can visit its website: cudcp.org.