Practicum Training Program

Training opportunities for doctoral students have been offered at the University Counseling Center since 1999, with the Practicum Training Program being formalized in 2001. Our staff is a culturally and theoretically diverse group of professionals committed to providing excellent training and supervision. 

Practicum training at the University Counseling Center focuses on gaining experience in providing time-limited therapy to a diverse student population who present with a wide range of psychological issues and developmental concerns. We want to equip trainees to become competent therapists based on the Practicum Learning Outcomes (PDF) and training goals that are collaboratively set by the individual supervisor and trainee at the beginning of the academic year.  

Our training program emphasizes three areas:

• Clinical Experience
• Supervision and Training
• Campus Outreach

Clinical Experience

Practicum students receive experience and training in the provision of brief therapy, which comprises the majority of their time at the UCC. In addition, trainees have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a range of activities (based on client availability and need) including:

• Intake Assessment: Weekly intake interviews
• Solution Sessions: One time appointment with clients to identify presenting concerns, triage as needed, and provide recommendations for on and off campus resources.  
• Individual and couples therapy: Primarily brief therapy, with a few long-term cases
• Groups and Workshops: Co-facilitate skills based workshops and therapy groups throughout the entire year.  

Crisis Management and consultation: Crisis intervention, risk assessment, collaboration with UCC staff, referral to on and off campus resources 

Supervision and Training

The UCC utilizes a supervisory team model where each trainee has a primary individual supervisor, and receives secondary supervision from staff. Group supervision is provided twice a month, and alternates with didactic training seminars on Friday morning.  Supervisors provide a high level of intentional support and professional scaffolding to ensure that trainees are equipped to provide high quality clinical services. 

• Individual Supervision: Practicum students receive 1 hour of individual supervision each week from a licensed psychologist or postdoctoral counselor. UCC staff are available for additional consultation as needed. Practicum students are required to videotape their clinical work, and it is reviewed in supervision.
• Group Supervision and Didactic Training: Practicum students are required to attend a weekly seminar, which provides 1 hour of group supervision and/or didactic training each week. Seminars include material on a range of clinical and diversity issues. Seminars are provided by UCC staff, offering exposure to a range of theoretical orientations and expertise. 
• Case Presentations: Each practicum student is required to do two formal case presentations during the training year. One presentation at the end of each semester.
• Evaluation: Ongoing feedback and communication is highly valued at the UCC. Goals are developed with each practicum student at the beginning of the year. Practicum students are formally evaluated at the end of each semester, and given the opportunity to provide feedback to their supervisor and the training director throughout the year.

Campus Outreach

Practicum students are expected to gain experience in providing outreach to promote mental health and wellness in the campus community. Opportunities may arise to provide psychoeducational presentations in undergraduate and graduate classes. Trainees are required to participate in one outreach event each semester. 

• Practicum students can assist UCC staff during campus events such as National Suicide Prevention Day, National Depression Screening Day, and the Cougars Care Workshop Series.
• Practicum students will present on a relevant mental health topic to the undergraduate Peer Educator program in the spring semester. 

Application Process

The University Counseling Center accepts applications in December for the upcoming academic year. All applicants must be currently enrolled in a clinical psychology PhD or PsyD program. Only applicants that attend a graduate program that has a formal training agreement with the UCC will be considered, and must receive approval from their Director of Clinical Training before submitting their application.

Desired Qualifications

To be considered for the Practicum Program, applicants should:

• Demonstrate a strong interest in providing clinical services and outreach to APU’s student population.
• Completed at least two years of doctoral level coursework.
• Have excellent clinical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong interest in exploring faith integration/spirituality with clients.
• Previous clinical experience working with older adolescents/young adults.
• Agree and abide by APU’s Statement of Faith and What We Believe documents (see below)

Commitment

The commitment consists of one academic year (mid August to mid May), 16 hours per week, which equals approximately 600 total hours. Students are encouraged to spend two full days per week at the UCC, with Friday being a required day.

Practicum students are also required to attend Welcome Day to meet the current cohort of practicum students in May, and 2 days of Orientation in mid August before the training year begins.

How to Apply

All applicants must submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation. One letter of recommendation must be from a clinical supervisor. Applicants must read and abide by APU's beliefs and values outlined in What We Believe (PDF) and sign APU’s Statement of Faith (MS Word). An interview will be scheduled with all final candidates in early February. 

Email application materials to: [email protected]