Pre-doctoral Internships in Professional Psychology
Training Model
The UCCS internship is an enactment of the local clinical scientist model of training (Stricker & Trierweiler, 1995; Trierweiler & Stricker, 1998). The model reflects the integration of scientific research, professional scientific practice, as well as setting-specific data in the application of scientific principles in clinical practice.
The UCCS internship has three broad goals:
- A developmental sequence of training in entry-level counseling skills, with an emphasis on providing services in a university setting.
- Development of multicultural awareness and skills.
- Socialization into professional psychology.
UCCS uses a brief approach to counseling. Clients and counselors set mutually agreed-upon goals following the initial assessment process and work toward achieving those goals. While it is anticipated that most clients will be served in a time-limited approach, some clients may be seen over a longer period of time. The UCCS Case Management Review Committee is charged with reviewing requests to extend counseling. Membership of this committee typically includes two senior staff and an intern.
Our training philosophy emphasizes the application of scientific inquiry to clinical practice, building on existing competencies of interns, continuous improvement of the program via regularly scheduled evaluation and providing the conditions to foster ongoing professional learning.