Program Competencies

The aim of our training is to prepare doctoral interns in clinical or counseling psychology to become entry-level Psychologists through participation in a year-long counseling center internship program.  Interns are expected to develop the following nine competencies over the course of the internship year:

1.   Clinical Intervention focuses on interns’ development of competencies in individual and group counseling and crisis intervention utilizing evidence-based interventions.  This area includes competence in using supervision and other available resources toward growth in clinical competence.

2.   Provision of Supervision focuses on interns’ development of competence in the provision of clinical supervision.

3.   Outreach, Consultation, and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills focuses on interns’ development of competencies in the provision of outreach and consultation services to members of the University community and working collaboratively with other professionals in health service psychology.

4.   Individual and Cultural Diversity focuses on interns’ developing sensitivity to, knowledge about, and clinical skills to practice effectively within a multicultural framework.  This area includes exploration of how personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may impact practice.

5.   Ethics and Law focuses on interns’ acquisition of a working knowledge of, and sensitivity to, the ethics and laws affecting the practice of psychology; and application of these in their clinical work, research, consultations, and relationships with colleagues.

6.   Assessment focuses on developing competence in conducting evidence-based assessment that complements clinical work within a university counseling center.

7.   Research focuses on the development and demonstration of independent ability to critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activities.

8.   Communication and Interpersonal Skills focuses on interns’ use of effective interpersonal skills and written and oral communication in the development of effective relationships with the wide range of individuals encountered while fulfilling professional responsibilities.

9.   Professional Identity, Values, and Attitudes focuses on each intern’s development of an identity as a psychologist who engages in reflective professional practice and ongoing learning and who reflects the values and attitudes of psychology.