Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCPS) at Washington University in St. Louis is offering the following training opportunities.
Introduction
Welcome and thank you for your interest in our internship program. The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCPS—formerly Habif Mental Health Services) at Washington University in St. Louis (Wash U) offers a full-time comprehensive, 2000 hour (500 direct service) twelve-month Doctoral Internship in Health Service Psychology for students working toward their doctoral degrees in counseling or clinical psychology. We emphasize the core elements of counseling center work in our program; however the skill set developed is highly transferable to other clinical settings in professional psychology. Four interns are admitted to the internship program per academic year, and CCPS offers a highly competitive stipend of $45,000 per year plus a benefits compensation package. The internship for the 2024-2025 academic will begin on Monday, July 15, 2024 and runs for one full calendar year. All interns are introduced to the counseling center and greater university community during an initial orientation period. During orientation, interns also begin to define specific training interests for the internship year and familiarize themselves with the CCPS staff and Wash U Student Affairs community.
There are core competencies of the internship program represented by the two primary aims of 1) Interns developing the skills and competencies needed to successfully function as an entry-level health service psychologist capable of working with a diverse clientele in a university counseling center or other related clinical environment and 2) Interns developing a solid professional identity as a health service psychologist. To that end, we strive to provide a training experience that is both consistent in the core components but also individualized to meet the differing needs, interests and goals of each intern. We encourage you to explore our Internship Brochure for more in depth and expansive information about our internship program, including aims and competencies, training and direct services activities as well as areas of concentration.
Please reach out to us by phone 314-935-6695 or email Cristie Cunningham, PhD. with any questions you may have about our internship program.
INTERNSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Internship is a time to continue the development of professional competencies and to make the transition from graduate student to professional. The CCPS internship program desires to further the growth and development of professional psychologists capable of working as generalists with a specific skill-set applicable to work in a university setting. Within this context, the training program most closely identifies with the practitioner-scholar model of psychological training (Ellis, 1992) as we emphasize the integration of experience, research, theory, and shared intellectual inquiry to inform the services we provide to the university community. We seek to integrate the professional and personal development of our interns as they proceed through out program. We believe that part of the development process requires moments of vulnerability, stretching out of one’s comfort zone, and trying new things. We attempt to create an environment that provides the appropriate balance of support as interns have experiences that may be new and challenging. Additionally, we hope to foster an environment that allows our interns to laugh together, be curious with one another, and be collaborative with each other even when differences exist. We seek to assist our interns in becoming confident and competent new professionals who have a passion for their work.
While there is a basic “core” component of the internship program, interns are encouraged and able to individualize and customize their training experience at CCPS in terms of client population and issues, areas of concentration, outreach, and group. As interns traverse through the course of the internship year, they will have the opportunity to engage in professional experiences that increase in complexity and difficulty and will take on more responsibility. The hope is that having an increase in responsibility and complexity will continue to foster their development and their confidence as they prepare to complete their training experience.
Additionally, evaluation and feedback are important components of the internship program. Interns receive four formal evaluations over the course of the year with clearly defined elements and expectations. Feedback is provided both formally and informally with the focus on fostering intern growth and development as they work towards becoming autonomous professionals. Supervisors aim to provide feedback that is clear and useful to discussion of both growth edges and strengths. Additionally, interns will provide feedback to supervisors, the training director, and the program as CCPS aims to continue to grow and improve the training experience of interns.
AIMS AND COMPETENCIES
The CCPS Internship Program aspires to actualize the training philosophy by creating an environment that is inclusive, supportive, challenging and focused on the development and growth of interns both personally and professionally. The components of the program have been developed based on 9 core competency areas that guide training development and evaluation procedures. The program has two aims that serve as the overarching purpose of the program. The first aim is for interns to develop the skills and competencies needed to successfully function as entry-level health service psychologists capable and qualified to work with diverse clientele in a university counseling center or other related clinical environment. The second aim is that interns will develop a solid professional identity as a health service psychologist. Thus, the internship program offers interns the opportunity to engage in training activities (e.g. supervision, didactic seminars, consultation, etc.) and direct service activities (e.g. individual and group therapy, outreach, provision of supervision, etc.) intended to promote growth and development in the competency areas. Each intern is evaluated over the course of the year within the specific areas set forth by APA’s Profession Wide Competencies. More information on Aims, Competencies and Elements can be found in the Internship Brochure.
Compensation & Benefits
A competitive salary of $45,000 plus benefits is offered for the course of the internship year. Each intern has vacation, sick leave and professional development days allotted that they can access by following the appropriate pathways set for by CCPS policy (e.g. prior approval from Training Director, etc.). Benefits also include competitive health insurance options with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and access to professional development funds. Medical coverage begins after the completion of one month’s employment and includes access to the WashU Direct program. Additional benefits include (some involve a fee) access to Wash U facilities such as Sumer’s Recreation Center, Kemper Art Museum and a myriad of presentations and seminars presented by Wash U faculty and esteemed visitors. Interns will also have access to free use of the St. Louis Metro transportation system through U-Pass. Each intern will participate in Wash U’s Benefits Orientation that will occur during the first few weeks of employment. More information on benefits can be found at the Human Resources website.
Qualifications and How to Apply
Qualifications of Candidates
- Enrollment in a doctoral program (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in counseling or clinical psychology
- Completion of comprehensive exam/project by the start of internship
- Approval and statement of readiness from DCT
- Interest, experience and training in working with university students and their presenting concerns.
How to Apply
Currently, applications are being accepted for the 2024-25 internship year. To apply, please send the following information, via email, to Cristie Cunningham, PhD:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of graduate transcript
- Three letters of recommendation/reference
- Statement of readiness for internship from the DCT
- Detailed breakdown of supervised clinical hours
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and offers will be made on a rolling basis. Once an offer is made, completing an online application through Wash U Jobs will be required. Prior to starting the internship, incoming interns will be required to complete the university pre-employment background check process.
The goal of the practicum is to assist emerging therapists in the development of a broad range of skills utilized in college mental health, which are easily transferable to a variety of clinical settings. Practicum students will be supported through the provision of supervision and other training experiences through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.
Clinical Training Experiences
Individual Therapy
CCPS will offer trainees the opportunity to carry a small caseload of students and to work within a brief treatment model providing therapy to Wash U’s diverse student body. Client presenting issues cover a wide range of psychological symptoms, severity, and topic areas including identity development, relational concerns, and career and academic stress. Practicum students will hone their clinical skills through learning to assess and work with their clients’ respective needs and goals.
Group Therapy
CCPS has a strong commitment to the group modality of therapy. Therefore, practicum trainees who have completed graduate coursework in group psychotherapy may receive advanced training in this area, dependent upon the number of groups and available supervisors. Practicum trainees may serve as either group process observers or co-facilitators, dependent on developmental level.
Outreach
Practicum trainees will be encouraged to become involved in multiple aspects of outreach programming. Creativity and new ideas are welcomed!
Consultation
Practicum trainees will be provided with training and support in the area of professional consultation. Opportunities are presented throughout the year to consult with members of the campus community. Professional consultation may occur through various contexts, including in-person, telephone, or email communication. Typical areas of consultation include: facilitating connection with additional services for students (e.g., academic, medical) and helping to support students in response to their concerns about a peer.
Professional Development
Supervision
Each practicum trainee will receive at least one hour of individual supervision weekly and one hour of group supervision (dependent on availability). Supervision is competency-based and focused on the developmental growth and goals of the supervisee. Supervision aims to enhance multiple aspects of clinical intervention (e.g., conceptualization, skill development and treatment planning), as well as supporting the professional development of practicum students. Supervisors review recorded clinical sessions as well as provide formative and summative evaluations. CCPS staff providing supervision are generalist therapists who operate from a variety of theoretical orientations.
Professional Development Seminar
Practicum participants MAY have the opportunity to participate in the CCPS Staff Professional Development Seminar over the course of the training experience. This will be dependent on the trainee’s availability, purpose of the particular seminar, and staff needs.
Case Conference
Practicum trainees may have the opportunity to participate in case conference throughout the course of the training experience.
Practicum Training Seminar
Practicum trainees participate in orientation training seminars that cover clinical topics including risk assessment, initial consultation, and interventions. Practicum trainees are encouraged to offer ideas and desired topic areas for additional training seminars throughout the course of the training year.
Who Should Apply
Applicants may be candidates for the MEd., MA, MSW., EdD, PsyD., or PhD. in programs of counseling or clinical psychology, counseling, or social work. Qualified applicants will have completed at least one prior practicum experience, allowing them to develop their therapeutic style and related skills. Ideally, students will have completed versions of the following courses: Clinical Intervention and Techniques, Theories of Counseling, and Ethics. Practicum students are required to dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to the training experience at CCPS and practicum will start in early August.
Application Procedures
Practicum will begin in early-August and will include an orientation period. Applications will be accepted beginning the last week of January and applications will continue to be accepted until positions are filled. There is no deadline for applications; however, interviews will be conducted as applications are submitted and offers will be made on a rolling basis so students are encouraged to submit early. Applicants will be notified once their application is complete and notified if they are selected for an interview. To apply please send the following to Cristie Cunningham, PhD.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in counseling and particularly your interest in CCPS’s practicum training experience.
- A curriculum vitae that includes relevant educational, work, and volunteer experience as well as a list of graduate courses taken.
- The names and contact information for three individuals who can speak to your academic and counseling experience and are who are willing to serve as a reference for you.
- A current transcript indicating graduate courses taken thus far.
Please contact Cristie Cunningham, PhD. with any questions.