The practicum training team has identified the practitioner-scholar framework as an appropriate model of training. Throughout the training year, practicum students will be encouraged to integrate self-awareness and critical thinking skills into clinical practice. Practicum students will be encouraged to participate in broadly defined scholarly activities, such as participating in formal didactic trainings, utilizing professional literature to supplement training and inform clinical work, integrating research into case presentations, and actively seeking supervision and consultation from a variety of professionals.
Pre-Doctoral Graduate Training Program
Learn about our Pre-Doctoral Graduate Training Program here!
Pre-Doctoral Practicum Program
UTA Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides pre-doctoral psychology students with an intensive, practice-oriented two semester training that will prepare them to function effectively and ethically within an entry-level position in professional psychology. Students can expect to be exposed to a wide variety of clients and modalities in which psychologists can practice. This is to aid in the students’ development as they become new professionals who think like experienced psychologists, who are problem solvers, and who can deliver psychological services in a flexible, self-aware, ethical, and culturally sensitive manner.
Practicum students will primarily be involved in individual psychotherapy with opportunities to co-facilitate groups, outreach workshops and activities. Students can expect to commit 20 hours week at CAPS over the course of two semesters. Of those 20 hours, students can expect a minimum of 10 direct service hours. Crisis intervention and short-term counseling are typical; however, many clients are seen longer-term when needed. Psycho-educational groups and workshops are focused on various topics associated with student well-being. Supervisors work from a variety of theoretical perspectives (e.g. interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and feminist). Practicum students can expect to work with a highly diverse population of students, given the university's demographic composition.
In-house and across campus, outreach activities may be a component of a practicum student’s work. UT Arlington Counseling and Psychological Services routinely provides outreach to the campus community on topics including suicide prevention, mental health and wellness, and stress management.
One practicum student is offered a position at UTA CAPS each year. To be considered for the practicum program, applicants must have prior practicum experience.
How To Apply
Prospective candidates must submit:
- Completed application
- Cover letter indicating preferred training emphasis and goals
- Curriculum vitae
Following the review of application materials as described above, preferred candidates are invited for face-to-face interviews. Applicants will be notified by e-mail on or before March 17, as to whether they have been selected to come in for an interview. Interviews are held in late March to early April.
Each application is initially reviewed by the Practicum Training Director. Applications that meet the minimum requirements specified above are rank ordered by the practicum training team based on several factors. These factors include the breadth and relevance of the candidate’s clinical training experiences; the perceived “fit” between the candidate’s stated training goals and priorities and the experiences that UTA CAPS has to offer; and the contributions that the applicant might make to the organization.
The interview schedule includes a general overview presented to all applicants, and a consistent set of questions that all practicum applicants will be asked to address. Applicants will meet and speak with all members of the training team. Opportunities for questions will be provided during the interview. Practicum students will interview at UT Arlington Counseling and Psychological Services. Following the interview, the training team will convene a meeting to determine final rankings and an offer will be made.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Vickie Goins at vgoins@uta.edu