Student Training Opportunities

Workshops

"Working with Linguistically Diverse Communities" is a one-day workshop aimed at students interested in working with linguistically diverse communities. During the course of the day, attendees learn about the barriers in access and quality of mental health services that disproportionately impact limited english proficiency (LEP) communities, as well as the unique assessment and treatment considerations providers need to keep in mind when working with linguistically diverse communities. Attendees also participate in individual and small group reflective exercises to explore common (mis)perceptions and experiences of bilingual providers.

Case Simulation Events

Case simulation is a well-established training method in medical education, but is under-utilized in behavioral health professions. Project TeamUP, in collaboration with USD’s Dickinson Nursing Simulation Center, has developed innovative training events for students to practice their clinical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Students complete a series of clinical encounters with “Standardized Patients”, actors trained to portray clients, and receive immediate feedback from instructors. We currently have a fully developed and piloted integrated care event, with plans for additional simulations focused on evidence-based practices for child and adolescent treatment and Spanish-language counseling/therapy.

"The case simulation was such a valuable experience because it provided opportunities to refine the assessment and diagnostic skills specific to integrated care settings. Behavioral health patient encounters during medical visits are often brief and this experience helped us develop the skills necessary to gather relevant patient information and provide concise, well-informed treatment recommendations to medical providers."
—Cara Pozun, MFT Graduate Student 

Spanish Language Course

This “Work at your own pace” online course is tailored to students who have at least a conversational level of Spanish fluency but struggle with the professional terminology we don't often learn and is so critical to providing effective counseling or therapy to our Spanish-speaking clients. The course covers important concepts like: initial client contact, informed consent, clinical intake and risk assessment, transdiagnostic techniques for the assessment and treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and marital distress.

Pláticas for Spanish-Speaking Students