TRAINING PROGRAM

Graduate Training Program

Counseling & Wellness Services' clinical training program is designed for graduate-level Psychology and Social Work students and offers the opportunity to work with a diverse client base. The Counseling staff is committed to preparing future mental health professionals for the field, and is dedicated to providing an outstanding training experience tailored to the needs of each trainee. A range of training and educational experiences are offered both within CWS and through collaboration with other areas within the Division of Student Affairs.

Goals of the Training Program

The Graduate Training Program focuses on the following areas of development. Trainees will:

• Integrate and apply various theories/conceptual knowledge.
• Increase competency in clinical practice.
• Increase cultural competency and sensitivity in work with our diverse student body—using these skills for assessment and intervention.
• Develop sensitivity to gender-specific issues.
• Heighten awareness of, and learn to address, personal issues that may impact professional functioning.
• Learn and integrate the legal and ethical guidelines that govern the practice of mental health professionals.
• Become more knowledgeable about, and learn to address, the impact of the academic environment on the student-client's sense of well-being.

Training Curriculum

I. Practice

• Individual counseling
• Initial Evaluation (Intake)
• Crisis intervention
• Consultation, outreach and psychoeducation
• Task projects (e.g. mental health screenings)
• Relevant Division of Student Affairs activities (e.g. health fairs, first-year orientation seminar)
• Administrative responsibility
• Possible participation in research

II. Supervision

To enhance the diversified experiences working with individual students, trainees are supervised by licensed social workers and psychologists who offer a broad range of professional expertise. Trainees will participate in:

• A two-hour didactic seminar/case conference weekly
• An hour of individual supervision by primary supervisor
• Individual/group supervision by task supervisor when appropriate
• Workshop, outreach, consultation, referral, and crisis supervision as needed

III. Seminars, Conferences, and Meetings

Disposition Meeting: Following completion of the initial evaluation, the Intake or other clinician, presents all new clients to CWS staff during Case Disposition Meeting. Schedule permitting, trainees are welcome to observe or present new clients.

Case Conference: This weekly two-hour conference, during which trainees present and discuss their cases, is attended by all trainees and supervisors.

Didactic Seminars: Seminars are conducted by CWS and other Hunter College staff/faculty and invited guests on topics of special interest (crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, eating disorders, etc.).

Qualifications

Candidates must be second-year, full-time students enrolled in a Master’s program in Social Work, or an APA Accredited PhD program in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.

Time Commitment

The time requirement and work schedule are agreed upon by Counseling supervisors and the trainee’s school. Typically, trainees should be available on site three days per week. During the year, assignments may be modified in accordance with new opportunities, trainees' interests, and the needs of the Counseling Service.

Application Procedures

Psychology externs should submit a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae per guidelines recommended by NYS Clinical Psychology Training Directors. Qualified students will be contacted for an individual interview. Interviews are typically scheduled beginning in late January or early February.

Interviews for prospective Social Work Interns are held on the dates determined between CWS and the individual schools of social work. Students will be notified as soon as the selection process is complete.