Participants in the Counseling Center’s Practicum/Internship training programs are considered an integral part of the staff and are included in all functions of the agency. The mission of the training program is to help trainees develop as clinicians in order for students to receive the highest quality care. The CC staff employs an energetic, innovative, and multicultural group of people who sustain the high level of activity necessary to meet the demands of our university. 

Overview of the Program

The practicum/internship training primary emphasis is the provision of supervised clinical interventions. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who are seeking supervised training in clinical work with college students with diverse concerns from multicultural backgrounds. Practicum and internship students will also receive training in clinical case consultation, various psychotherapy techniques and approaches, and multicultural issues in therapy.

Requirements

  • Enrollment in an CACREP accredited masters level program or higher for Social Work, Mental Health, Psychology and/or Counseling program  (occasionally Undergraduate Social Work students may be considered for placement)
  • Good standing within your academic program, a copy of the most updated transcript is required
  • Resume (must be submitted after application)
  • Letter of Interest (must be submitted after application)
  • Letter of Recommendation (on letterhead from someone in the related field; must be submitted after application)
  • Copy of class schedule for the semester in which you are applying
  • Liability Insurance (must show proof)
  • National Background Check (background checks may be obtained by utilizating platforms such as www.verifiedcredentials.com, www.sentrylink.com, www.intelius.com, www.checkpeople.com, www.instantcheckmate.com, etc.)
  • **It is now mandatory to submit a mock counseling session for the site to review.  It is imperative that the session be a MOCK session and no actual client information is sent over.**  This can be completed with a classmate, friend, etc.  This must be a minimum of 10-15 minutes in order to assess skill level.  Please submit with application.

What Will You Gain From This Program?

  • Experiences in working with college students with diverse concerns from multicultural backgrounds (e.g., ethnic minorities, international students, LGBTQ students)
  • Experiences working with a client from intake to termination
  • Experiences in working with a multidisciplinary team
  • Exposure to various psychotherapy approaches and techniques (e.g., interpersonal approach, psychodynamic, person-centered, CBT, mindfulness-based approaches)
  • Case management skills, clinical consultation skills, and skills in the coordination of care with other providers and campus partners
  • Training on multicultural issues in therapy
  • Individual and group supervision

Length of the Practicum and/or Internship

The practicum/internship experience at UAH CC lasts for an entire semester, August-December, January – May, and/or May – August. In addition, the option of staying on for another semester may be extended depending upon interest, need, and fit. This will be determined by their Clinical Supervisors and will be based upon the trainees development throughout the semester. Trainees that attend schools that are based on quarters rather than semesters may have a slightly different time-line for internship completion.  At this time, we are unable to accept interns within their last semester of internship (Internship II).

Training Schedule

The trainees weekly schedule will be determined after acceptance into the program.  Each trainees schedule may differ depending on their class/work schedules outside of the UAH Counseling Center.  All trainees will be required to be available on Wednesday mornings for Group Didactics and Case Conferences. Most trainees will be required to work a minimum of 15-25 hours per week to meet their hourly requirements. The UAH CC cannot guarantee that a trainee will obtain all needed hours, however the staff will make every effort to provide enough opportunities to meet their program requirements. Outreach events may take place during weekends or evenings. Trainees will be expected to attend and participate in after hour events.   

Interviews

Qualified candidates will be invited for an in-person interview with all clinical staff at the UAH Counseling Center. These in-person interviews will take place once each semester. Please bear in mind that space is limited and interviews are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. All interviews must be conducted face-to-face at the Counseling Center. The prospective candidates will be considered a “good fit” if they display openness to training/supervision from varied perspectives and worldviews, multicultural competence, creativity, a commitment to growth as a clinician, and also to those that desire training in multiple modalities of care. After completion of these interviews for the upcoming semester, all candidates will be notified as soon as possible. 

Practicum & Internship Program Update

Positions are open at this time.  Information required should be sent prior to requesting an interview.  We understand that each program may require different time lines for turning in placement acceptance and we will work with you to the best of our ability to meet those requirements. 
 

How to Apply?

Complete the application link below and submit all the required paperwork and mock session by the deadline indicated above. 

Applications are only accepted one semester in advance of the semester you are applying for. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Counseling Center via email or phone.


uahcc@uah.edu

Counseling Internship Application

*The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.