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Practicum Program 

CSDC’s practicum program is designed to provide Counseling/Clinical Psychology and Social Work graduate students a quality experience in providing time-limited outpatient psychotherapy. The practicum experience is coordinated by Tim Paquette, Ph.D. The coordinator’s responsibilities are to monitor the progress and needs of each trainee, encourage personal and professional development, and facilitate supportive interaction among practicum students and CSDC staff. Dr. Paquette also serves as the liaison with the trainees' home programs for the purpose of recruitment and evaluation.

Practicum students receive individual supervision at least two hours per week, from one or two staff members. Ideally, each practicum student will have two or three supervisors over the duration of the academic year. Presenting concerns of clients seen by practicum students include depression, anxiety, stress, interpersonal and family issues, and other concerns common in a college student population. The practicum experience includes individual therapy with clients, group co-facilitation, a weekly practicum seminar, and weekly supervision. Practicum students who wish to be involved in our groups program typically start as process observers during the first semester and then transition to co-facilitators second semester. In addition, practicum students may attend periodic professional development seminars offered to CSDC staff and participate in outreach programming on a volunteer basis.

A typical breakdown of weekly hours for practicum students is as follows:

Walk-In Hours 2
Supervision 2
Practicum Seminar 1
Individual Therapy 10/8
Group Therapy 0/2
Administrative Tasks 5
Total Hours 20

For the 2008-2009 academic year, the deadline for applications is Friday, February 22, 2008. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of March. Practicum orientation begins on or about August 4, 2008 and the practicum year will end on or about May 8, 2009.

To apply, please send a cover letter, current vita/resume, three (3) reference letters from individuals who can speak to your clinical potential and/or abilities, and unofficial copies of graduate transcripts to the address below. For more information, please contact Dr. Tim Paquette at (815) 753-1206.