Practicum Program
University of San Diego
Counseling Center
Practicum Program
Practicum Program Description
The University of San Diego Counseling Center's primary focus is the provision of educational, developmental, preventative, consultative and clinical services to students in order to promote their academic success and well-rounded development. The Center works toward this end as a team of professionals using a variety of approaches, styles, methods and programs designed to empower students to accomplish their developmental tasks in a positive learning environment. We recognize that our ability to be responsive to the needs of the University community and the community at large is based on a continuous commitment to organizational integrity, professional development and personal growth. Services provided to students include walk-in sessions, intake/assessment, personal individual, couples & group counseling, testing/assessment, outreach and consultation, academic counseling, and referrals as needed to the community.
The University of San Diego has approximately 6,200 students, 4,000 of whom are undergraduates. Majors are offered within colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education. In addition, graduate degrees are offered in law, nursing, marriage and family therapy, and counseling.
Practicum Program Training Activities
Direct Service
Practicum counselors provide short-term individual counseling to USD students who present with a wide range of presenting concerns including adjustment disorders, mood disorders, relationship concerns, stress and anxiety concerns, developmental issues, and more. Practicum counselors may work with one client on a long-term basis. After receiving extensive intake and crisis intervention training, practicum counselors begin to conduct their own intakes with clients. Outreach opportunities are available to practicum counselors; these may include providing workshops co-led by a USDCC staff member or intern. Practicum counselors are not required to provide outreach services, though they are able to do so if they are interested.
Supervision
Practicum counselors receive two hours of supervision per week and are assigned to two supervisors. Supervisors include one permanent clinical staff member and one pre-doctoral intern. Practicum counselors will have the opportunity to change supervisors at mid-year so as to receive a variety of supervisory training. Practicum counselors will also attend a weekly 1.5-2 hour consultation group which consists of predoctoral interns and staff clinicians.
Professional Development & Consultation Opportunities
Practicum counselors have the opportunity to attend any in-services or Continuing Education seminars that are offered by the USDCC. In-services are offered once per month for the academic year and are two hours in length.
The USD Counseling Center works collaboratively with other Wellness Division units on campus, as well as provides consultation to various groups on campus. Trainees have the opportunity to interact with physicians from the USD Health Center, counselors from the Health & Wellness Promotion and counselors from the Disability Services office for case coordination or consultation. In addition, trainees will also have the opportunity to interact with University administrators, faculty, staff and students in general. The USD Counseling Center is contacted for consultation by faculty, staff, administrators and students.
Practicum Counselors Contract
The practicum program will consist of 21 hours per week not including any trainings that may be offered on occasion. Supervision includes two hours per week consisting of individual supervision with licensed staff who may be licensed less than 3 years and will include a predoctoral intern. Additionally, we require practicum counselors to see 10 clients per week. The practicum counselor is expected to average 21 hours per week for 48 weeks in order to obtain 1000 required hours by the end of the practicum year.
Activity |
Number of Hours Per Week |
Individual Counseling (will average 6-8 due to no shows and cancellations) |
10 |
Individual Supervision: |
|
- Licensed Ph.D. |
1 |
- Other (APA Predoctoral Intern) |
1 |
Group Supervision |
1 |
Peer supervision |
0 |
Team Meetings |
1 |
Case Conferences |
2 |
Co-therapy with Staff |
0 |
Observation/Discussion with Staff |
0 |
Seminars, Workshops, etc. |
Varies, no minimum |
Videotaping of sessions |
10 |
Practicum Program Application Process
The Practicum Program is designed for doctoral students in Counseling or Clinical Psychology in their 2nd year or beyond of training. Interested applicants are asked to submit a USD Practicum Application, letter of interest, current resume or vita, 2 letters of recommendation (1 clinical, if applicable), and transcripts (undergraduate and graduate—unofficial acceptable) by the deadline. Please look on the USDCC website to obtain applications and forms at www.sandiego.edu/usdcc/practicumprogram
For the 2008-09 academic year, first selection choices will be given to CSPP-Alliant at San Diego. Please call for further information or clarification.
Please send all application materials to:
Adriana B. Molina, Ph.D.
University of San Diego
Counseling Center
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
For more information: (619) 260-4655, molina@sandiego.edu