CAPS embraces a practitioner-scholar model of training which emphasizes an experiential component (“learning by doing”), while integrating empirical literature into the practice of psychology. We believe becoming a skilled professional in psychology is a lifelong process that requires self-awareness, a desire for personal growth, openness to feedback and change, and a passion for learning.
We integrate a practitioner-scholar model of training that is sequential, cumulative and graded in complexity. During orientation, interns attend seminars that utilize evidence-based practices and draw upon the empirical literature. As interns begin to take on a clinical caseload, they are able to incorporate what they have learned during orientation into their clinical practice.
Interns meet with their primary supervisors to develop training goals for the internship year. During orientation, the CAPS Training Director works with the intern to determine appropriate and attainable goals. CAPS uses the “NICPP Intern Competency Management Plan” for these goals.
Based on the mutually agreed upon goals between the interns and training director, the interns have the opportunity to engage in the various activities of a counseling center psychologist throughout the internship year. Examples include: individual, couples, and group counseling; initial evaluations, crisis care coverage; outreach/consultation; use of assessment screenings; and provision of supervision.
As interns begin to immerse themselves in these direct service opportunities, they will consistently receive two hours of weekly supervision from their primary supervisor. The expectation during weekly individual supervision is that interns will seek out empirical literature and apply evidenced-based practice in their clinical interventions, goals, and treatment planning. Interns will also engage in a diversity concentration over the course of the year.
By the end of the internship year, interns will be prepared with the knowledge, awareness, and skills of a generalist. Our interns are well prepared for careers in either university/college counseling centers, community mental health, or private practice.