Photo of a counseling speaking with a student during an individual counseling session.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is excited to invite applications for the 2023-24 Advanced Psychology Practicum positions. This program is designed to provide a bridge between the pre-intern level of graduate training and internship/entry-level positions in health service psychology. 

Who may apply

Minimum qualifications:

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in a doctoral (PhD or PsyD) program in counseling or clinical psychology. 
  • Applicants must have completed at least two semesters of supervised practicum experiences by the beginning of the fall semester when the practicum training program commences. 
  • Applicants must be considered in good standing at their current psychology graduate program.

Preferred qualifications

  • Previous clinical experience diagnosing, treating and delivering services to young adults and adults.
  • Experience providing crisis intervention.
  • Two or more years of experience providing clinical services through other practicum experiences/training clinics. 
  • Strong desire to work in a university counseling center. 
  • Successfully passed graduate program’s competency examinations.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the values of social justice and multiculturalism.

Orientation

Trainees are required to attend orientation prior to the start of the fall semester. The orientation is designed to acquaint all trainees with CAPS policies and procedures, university regulations, ethical and service delivery guidelines and campus resources. The orientation period will consist of 5-10 days spread out across the weeks of Aug. 7 to Aug. 25, 2023. The specific days and times will be determined after the practicum trainee selection period in order to best coordinate with trainee availability.

Compensation

We are offering $15 an hour for up to 20 hours per week. Onboarding assistance may be available depending upon annual budget allowance.

Training

  • Practicum placement begins Monday, Aug. 28, 2023
  • Practicum placement ends Friday, May 3, 2024

Practicum trainees will complete 16–20 hours/week for the practicum program. All trainees will gain experience in individual therapy and conducting workshops. Additional opportunities to gain experience in process group observation and/or crisis intervention may also be available. All trainees will be trained on the provision of telehealth services and opportunities for hybrid work may be available. 

Below is an example of a typical trainee weekly plan, spread out between 1 full day and 2 half days.

18 hr/week practicum plan Total hours Percentage
Direct service hours

Individual therapy: 6 hours
Skills workshops: 2 hours
Process group observation: 1.5 hours

 9.5 hours / week 53%
Administrative time

Staff/team meeting: 1 hour
Check-in with coordinator: 30 minutes
Paperwork/other administration: 2 hours

 3.5 hours / week 19%
Receiving supervision

Individual supervision: 1 hour
Process group supervision: 30 minutes
Workshop supervision: 1 hour

 2.5 hours / week 14%
Didactic training

Weekly seminar: 2 hours

 2 hours / week 11%
Lunch 0.5 hours / week 3%
TOTAL 18 hours 100%

Supervision

During the fall semester, one hour of individual supervision will be provided by a licensed clinician (PsyD, PhD, LPC, LCSW). During the spring semester, supervision pairings change and some of the trainees will be supervised by a doctoral psychology intern, who in turn is supervised by a licensed psychologist.

Didactic training and professional development

Trainees participate in a 2 hour/week training seminar throughout the academic year. Topics covered in the past include monthly DEI seminar, cultural sharing, transgender care, eating concerns, treatment for OCD, motivational interviewing approaches, trauma informed care, and applying for internship. Trainees are also expected to do a case presentation each semester in the training seminar.

Additionally, trainees are welcome to attend our All-Staff meetings and In-Service trainings, currently held every other Wednesday 9 a.m.–10 a.m. The time of these meetings/trainings are subject to change for the 2023–24 academic year.

Additional information

  • Trainees must provide a copy of all graduate academic transcript and documentation of an active policy of professional liability insurance before starting the practicum training program.
  • Trainees will also be expected to successfully complete a criminal background check.
  • Practicum trainees receive time off during all university holidays and break periods. Additional time-off requests must be approved in advance by the clinical supervisor and training coordinator.

How to apply

Required application materials

  • Cover letter, including:
    • Name of graduate program and whether this program is accredited by APA or a similar body;
    • Reasons for seeking a practicum position at CAPS, including how your specific training goals align with the roles, responsibilities and opportunities afforded by the practicum program
  • Current resume or CV
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your work in providing psychotherapy and/or graduate coursework
    • One (1) letter must be from a previous clinical supervisor or someone knowledgeable of your clinical skills
  • Table of hours completed, detailing your supervised clinical experience
    • Make sure to include actual number of hours already completed (by Jan. 1, 2023) and hours anticipated to complete (prior to August 2023).
    • Be sure to include a breakdown of hours providing individual and couples counseling, group therapy and skill workshops, crisis intervention, presentations, consultations, outreach and hours of supervision received.
    • You may also include descriptions and hours for other relevant experiences.

Application deadline

All applications are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2023.

Interviews will be conducted between Feb. 9 and Feb. 23, 2023.

In an effort to promote equity and fairness, we will be participating in the Mutual Selection Date for advanced practicum selection. The date this year is Feb. 24, 2023.

    Submit your application

    Please submit your application materials electronically to:

    Rachel LaHoda, Psy.D.
    Psychology Practicum Coordinator
    lahoda@colorado.edu

    Important notices

    More information

    For more information, please contact Rachel LaHoda, Psy.D. or call CAPS at 303-492-2277.