The Wright Institute

The Wright Institute stands as a beacon for advanced clinical psychology education, established in 1968 by the visionary Nevitt Sanford. Born from a profound belief in the continuous capacity for adults to learn and grow, the Institute's foundation is deeply rooted in Sanford's pioneering developmental approach. This ethos underpins its doctoral program, shaping future generations of clinical psychologists who are equipped to foster lifelong learning and adaptation in their own practices.

Dr. Sanford's legacy precedes the Institute's founding, marked by his co-authorship of the influential 1950 study, "The Authoritarian Personality," which critically examined anti-Semitism. His impact on the field of psychology extended to shaping national educational standards, as evidenced by his appointment to the American Psychological Association's committee in 1947, tasked with establishing criteria for accrediting clinical psychology programs.

Frustrated with the constraints of traditional academia, Sanford sought a new environment for his action-oriented approach, moving beyond his directorship at Stanford's Institute for the Study of Human Problems. After an initial attempt at the Berkeley Graduate Theological Union, he founded The Wright Institute with $25,000 in funding from Hopkins Funds, a foundation known for supporting "unpopular causes." The Institute's name itself carries a unique story, suggested by his wife Christine, honoring her mother, Elizabeth Wright, for its simplicity and memorable quality.

For prospective students, The Wright Institute offers more than just a degree; it provides an immersive experience in a philosophy of dynamic growth and practical application. It's a place where the rigorous academic standards set by a founding father of clinical psychology meet a forward-thinking commitment to human development throughout the lifespan, preparing highly skilled and empathetic practitioners.