Practicum Training Program

The TAMUCC University Counseling Center offers semester long placements, 12-20 hours per week for master’s level graduate students training to become counselors. This practicum training experience provides an excellent opportunity for the developing counselor to gain clinical experience within a University Counseling Center setting. We offer opportunities to gain experience in academic success skills training (ASST), individual counseling, group counseling, intake assessment, and outreach activities. Opportunities are also available to pursue special interests in a particular clinical area (e.g., substance abuse, assessment, and stress management).

Print Application for Practicum Training Program.

Program Description

The goal of the practicum program is to prepare counselors to practice independently in fulfilling the multiple roles required of a university counselor. This is facilitated by developing the practicum students’ basic helper skills in addition to skills related to his/her duties assigned as determined by the student, supervisor, and service needs of our clients. As guided by the mission of the University Counseling Center and TAMUCC we strive to provide an atmosphere that is professionally supportive and growth-oriented to assist the practicum student in reaching his/her personal, academic, and professional goals.

Requirements

For satisfactory completion of the practicum experience, students and interns are required to be engaged in on-site clinical activities for a minimum of 12 hours per week for at least 14 weeks during the semester. Students can make arrangements for additional practicum hours depending on the requirements of their academic program.

Practicum students will be expected to be involved in the following weekly activities:

• 1 hour of individual supervision
• 1 hour of group supervision (weekly Practicum/Intern Seminar)
• 5 – 6 hours of direct service (e.g., individual counseling, outreach, group counseling, testing)
• 2 – 3 hours of indirect services (e.g., case notes, preparation for sessions, reviewing counseling video tapes, preparing for outreach presentations and/or group sessions)

Application Procedures

• Submit a Counseling center application by the Friday of the second week of the semester no later than 6 weeks prior to the start of the semester.  (Fall deadline = July 15th, Spring deadline = December 15th)
• Submit a Graduate transcript (a copy is acceptable).
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae that includes any relevant mental health experience.
• Submit a cover letter that addresses the following:
  1. Your expectations and goals for the practicum training.
  2. Your strengths and weaknesses as a counselor in training student.
  3. Expectations of a supervisor and qualities that you look for in a supervisor.
  4. Any other information that you feel is relevant for your application.
• Two letters of recommendation.
  1. One letter should be from a supervisor who has recently monitored your clinical work. If you do not have previous clinical training experience, please furnish a letter from a professor who has observed your skills in class (e.g, role plays, assessment).
  2. The second letter may be from a professor or work supervisor.
• All Materials should be submitted to Sarah Skelton, Psy.D., Practicum Training Program Coordinator.

University Counseling Center Professional Staff

Theresa Sharpe, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Interim Director, University Counseling Center

Claudia Ayala, MS, LCDC, LPC-S, University Counselor
Assistant Director, University Counseling Center
Coordinator, Drug & Alcohol Services

Suzanne Bonds, M.Ed., LPC, University Counselor
Coordinator, Practicum Training Program

Alison Marks, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist
Coordinator, Outreach Programs

Sarah Skelton, Psy.D., Psychologist

Debby Hammond, M.S., LPC, University Counselor

Alyssa Good, M.A., Ed.S., LPC, University Counselor

Ana M. Salazar, M.S., LPC, Case Manager