Practicum Training at the Rutgers College Counseling Center

The practicum training program at Counseling, Alcohol and other Drug Assistance Program, and Psychiatric Services provides experience with the range of psychological services offered in a college counseling center.

Our training philosophy emphasizes the development and refinement of sound clinical skills, with an individualized approach to meeting the unique training needs of each student. In addition, practicum students have the opportunity to participate in a community-oriented consultation and education program, and possibly other more specialized experiences.

The counseling center staff is comprised of 17 doctoral-level psychologists and licensed clinical social workers who serve the students of Rutgers University in the New Brunswick and Piscataway area. The students are a diverse multicultural group with an equally wide range of presenting problems.

Practica Categories

Learning opportunities are available in the following:

intake assessments
individual therapy (brief and longer term)
group therapy
couples treatment
outreach workshops and presentations
consultation

Both advanced and novice students are encouraged to apply, though when applications exceed the avaiable number of slots, preference will be given to students with prior clinical experience.

Basic Requirements

Applicant must be a current graduate student in a recognized training program in a mental health discipline.

Applicant must be ready to make a time commitment of approximately 2 days per week for the academic year (Sept. - May). One and 1/2 day is spent in providing services and receiving individual supervision; an additional half day is spent in training seminars. We also have full and part-time internships, and post-doctoral opportunities available.

Training Experience

caseload of 3-6 individual clients
observation and eventual responsibility for intake assessments
attendance at Thursday morning meetings which include:
one hour of individual supervision
participation in outreach training component, designing and/or implementing programs.

Additional Opportunities:

Participation in our group therapy training program as a process observer or co-leader. We offer both theme - focused and general interpersonal groups.

Advanced students may consider specialized areas of concentration such as:

short-term dynamic psychotherapy
couples treatment
sports psychology/ consultation
special client populations:
- ethnic minorities
- diversity/sexual orientation
- sexual abuse issues
- eating disorders

The practicum training at Counseling and Psychological Services provides about 450 hours of specialized training, with approximately 200 hours in direct clinical service, and about 100 total hours in supervision (individual and group).

Further Information

To apply for a practicum: Send a cover letter, current resume and two letters of recommendation to the Coordinator of Training. Applications will be accepted starting January 15, 2009 for the 2009-2010 academic year.

For further information, please contact:

Mark J. Forest, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Training
Counseling and Psychological Services
8 Lafayette Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1004

Phone 732-932-3966
Fax 732-932-3968

For comments on this web-site, contact Mark J. Forest, Ph.D. or call 732-932-3966.

This page last updated: Sept 29, 2008

Rutgers, the State University is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution.