Professional Training Programs

The University Counseling Center offers a variety of training opportunities for both master’s and doctoral students. Please use the links below to learn more about these exciting training opportunities, as well as our Multicultural Counseling Rotation Toolkit.

APA Doctoral Internships

Doctoral Internships in Professional Psychology

The Counseling Center at the University of Pittsburgh offers four full-time, doctoral internships to graduate students in counseling and clinical psychology. The internships are accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The current internship year extends from August 7, 2023 to August 2, 2024.
The upcoming internship year extends from August 4, 2024 to August 1, 2025.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone: 202-336-5979
apaaccred@apa.org
APA Accreditation

This internship site agrees to abide by all APPIC policies.

Doctoral Internship Training Program

Letter to Applicants

Dear Prospective Intern Applicant:

On behalf of the Training Committee and the entire staff of the University Counseling Center, thank you for your interest in our American Psychological Association accredited doctoral internship site. Our program is proud of its long history and accreditation since 1987.

Our internship program is based on a developmental-practitioner model of training that emphasizes creating an experience that will allow interns to grow from an identity based primarily on being a graduate student to an identity as an entry-level practitioner. This is accomplished through a program with developmentally graded experiences and training whereby interns work more autonomously as the year progresses. We start with a slow entrance to internship since there is so much acclimation occurring all at once.

Our client population represents the broad spectrum of presenting concerns/diagnoses and varies in race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, age, socio-economic class, physical ability, and religious affiliation. Our staff represents diversity along some of these same characteristics. Our training program and Counseling Center adheres to the Student Affairs anti-discrimination policy, which in turn is based on the University of Pittsburgh’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy. In addition to the University’s anti-discrimination policy, incoming students are required to sign the Pitt Promise, which includes upholding the respectful and ethical treatment of those different from themselves.

As a Training Director, I value and recognize the importance of Professional Development that many interns have not had the opportunity to explore in training settings. It is my hope that discussing themes related to system dynamics, the impact of world events, and community/campus movements as clinicians will help interns more clearly understand not only what to look for as they interview for Post-Doctoral Fellowships or Senior Staff positions, but which work environments are a better fit for them.

Pittsburgh, with all of its little cultural neighborhoods, three rivers, unique history and small town flavor with a city feeling, is an exciting place to live! Many people are surprised by all that Pittsburgh has to offer, along with its affordability for a mid-sized city. If you are not familiar with Pittsburgh, please check out our section on the program’s setting with information about the various neighborhoods and attractions, University of Pittsburgh, and our Counseling Center.

I am often asked at interviews what qualities we are looking for in our interns. We are looking for a diverse group of interns who share our value of commitment to serving our student population and UCC work. We are also looking for individuals who can both celebrate their strengths and be open to examining and discussing their growing edges as psychologists in training. We are hoping to have adept interns who are energized about becoming part of our community and building strong relationships with each other within a fast-paced Center.

Our application deadline is November 10, 2023 at 11:59pm. At that time, all applicants will be thoroughly reviewed for compatibility between background, training goals, and available training opportunities. Candidates assessed to be most closely compatible with the opportunities available in our program will be invited to participate in a two-hour videoconference interview. Applicants who will be invited to interview will be notified by November 28th, 2023. Interviews will be scheduled virtually during the week of December 11th, 2023. Our Center abides by all APPIC policies regarding the sharing of any ranking information prior to the Uniform Notification Day.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center Doctoral Internship Training Program. We are thrilled you are considering our Training Program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions about our site or the application process. I look forward to receiving your application materials. Best wishes as you enter the hectic process of applying for internship. Be sure to engage some self-care during this busy time!

Sincerely,
Camille Velazquez, PhD
Associate Director for Training
she/her/ella

About the University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is a state-related research university, founded as the Pittsburgh Academy in 1787. Pitt is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), which comprises 63 preeminent doctorate-granting research institutions in North America.

About the University Counseling Center (UCC)

Mission Statement
The mission of the University Counseling Center (UCC) is to provide high quality services and programs that foster the academic and personal development, as well as the psychological well-being, of Pitt’s diverse student body. From outreach and prevention to crisis intervention, the UCC is dedicated to supporting and empowering students to maximize their college experience and realize their fullest potential.

University Counseling Center Diversity Statement
The UCC is privileged to work with a diverse and talented student body. We understand that, while some facets of one’s identity are readily apparent, others may not be. We appreciate that students’ identities are diverse and intersecting, affecting how students perceive the world and experience relationships. We are attentive to the ways that society’s response to these identities may have important effects on students’ mental health.

Consistent with the University of Pittsburgh diversity policy, our mission as a Center is to provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment that allows all students to reach their therapeutic goals. As a team with our own diverse identities, we are committed to providing services that honor students’ unique needs, concerns, and personhoods. When receiving services at the UCC, a student’s identities interacts with their clinician’s identities in important ways that shape the therapeutic relationship and, in turn, a student’s sense of belonging, safety, and ability to be vulnerable in service of their goals. We understand that, to some students, working with a clinician that shares one or more of their identities is key to promoting a sense of safety. To others, it is important to work with a clinician whose identities are different from their own. When possible, we do our best to honor these requests in service of student growth.

Psychology Internship Training Manual

University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center - Doctoral Internship Training Manual 2023-2024

Training Model & Goals

The University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center (UCC) offers a full-time twelve-month professional psychology doctoral internship program. The internship program has full APA accreditation, first accredited in 1987 and most recently re-accredited in 2019 for 10 years. The most recent self-study was completed in March of 2019 and the APA site visit was completed in July of 2019.

The Doctoral Internship Training Program at the University of Pittsburgh UCC offers a developmental-practitioner model of training for interns that emphasizes our valuing of a developmental perspective in the formation of our professional identities as psychologists. The doctoral internship at the UCC is designed to build on the foundation of interns’ training in their academic programs. It is our belief that this is best accomplished through the establishment of strong mentoring relationships with practicing psychologists and professionals from other mental health disciplines who provide the interns with models of ethical practice and a strong professional identity. The internship is viewed as an apprenticeship, in which the interns learn through a combination of supervised practice, consultation, and observation of the practicing psychologists and other mental health professionals.

The internship program is designed to provide a broad-based training experience in a setting that is heavily oriented toward the direct delivery of mental health services. As colleagues-in-training, interns are actively involved in all UCC efforts to provide a wide range of mental health and consultation services to students, faculty and staff throughout the University.
The training aims of the UCC include nine areas of profession-wide competencies as outlined in the Standards of Accreditation. This internship in health service psychology uses a variety of training methods and aims to prepare interns for entry-level practice in all capacities of a professional psychologist within integrated and multidisciplinary university counseling center settings. The goals, objectives, and expected competencies of the internship program are as follows:

I. Research:
a) Independently critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., case conferences, presentations, publications) at the local (including the University of Pittsburgh), regional or national level
b) Integrate theory and research to inform your practice across all professional activities with a university counseling center setting

II. Ethical & Legal Standards:
a) Identify and act in accordance with ethical principles and legal issues based on local, state and national statutes and guidelines in your work as a psychologist
b) Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas
c) Conduct yourself in an ethical manner in all professional activities

III. Individual & Cultural Diversity:
a) Continually evaluate and understand how your own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how you understand and interact with people different from you
b) Demonstrate a current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation and service
c) Integrate your awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles, and independently apply frameworks for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural differences you have not previously encountered that may/may not create conflict with your own cultural values

IV. Professional Values, Attitudes, & Behaviors:
a) Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others
b) Engage in self-reflection regarding your personal and professional functioning, as well as engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being and professional effectiveness
c) Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision
d) Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence

V. Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
a) Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services
b) Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated, as well as demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts
c) Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and an ability to manage difficult communication well

VI. Assessment:
a) Demonstrate current knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including considerations of client strengths and psychopathology
b) Understand human behavior within its context (e.g., family, social, societal and cultural)
c) Apply knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors including context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process
d) Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources (i.e., CCAPS, clinical interviews) and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient
e) Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective
f) Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a wide range of audiences

VII. Intervention:
a) Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services
b) Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals
c) Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables
d) Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision-making
e) Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking
f) Evaluate intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation

VIII. Clinical Supervision:
a) Understand models of supervision; supervise, mentor and monitor Interns and others in the development of competence and skills in professional practice; and effectively evaluate those skills
b) Act as a role model maintaining responsibility for the activities you oversee

IX. Consultation & Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills:
a) Intentionally collaborate with other individuals or groups to address a problem, seek or share knowledge, or promote effectiveness in professional activities
b) Directly consult with individuals and their families, other healthcare/multidisciplinary professionals, interprofessional groups, or systems related to health and behavior

Internship Activities

Interns at the UCC participate in a wide variety of activities including individual psychotherapy, relationship counseling, group therapy, and outreach; supervision and provision of supervision; as well as training seminars that reflect their roles as professionals-in-training. Interns are asked to take on increasing responsibility and independence as the year progresses in accordance with the training program’s developmental perspective.

The Weekly Activity Profile on the following page represents an intern’s average week, but interns’ actual schedules vary greatly depending on the time of the academic year, training rotations, and additional responsibilities. Generally, interns are expected to complete 20 hours of direct service work each week. Following the weekly profile is a brief description of each activity. Interns will receive more detailed information about these activities throughout their orientation period.

Weekly Intern Activity Profile

*Average hours/week	Fall	Spring	Summer
Direct Services
Individual Psychotherapy and/or Relationship Counseling	10+	10+	10+
Group Psychotherapy	2+	2+	2+
Outreach	1+	1+	1+
Drop-In	6	6	6

Consultation	1+	1+	1+

Supervision
Individual	2	2	2
Rotation Supervision	2/month	2/month	2/month
Group (Sup of Sup, MCC)	3	3	3
Group Supervision from Co-Facilitator	.5+	.5+	.5+
Providing to a Practicum Student	1	1	0
Supervision Prep	3	3	2

Training/Seminars
Professional Practice Seminar	1/month	1/month	1/month
ICU Seminar	1/month	1/month	1/month
Outreach Seminar	1/month	1/month	1/month

Meetings
Staff Meeting	1	1	1
Training Program Check-In	1/month	1/month	1/month
Wellness Center Consultation	2/month	2/month	2/month
Consultation Team	2/month	2/month	2/month

Administration
Documentation/Clinical Notes	5+	5+	5+

Direct Service

Individual Psychotherapy
Interns will provide short-term individual and/or relationship counseling to a wide variety of clients throughout the internship year. While caseloads will vary throughout the year depending on other clinical activities (e.g., groups, outreach, drop-in), interns are expected to complete at least 10 hours a week of individual psychotherapy.

Initial Consultations
Interns will conduct clinical intakes for individual and/or relationship counseling and group therapy via or from Drop-In, and at times based on student’s self-referral to group screening from UCC website. The number of initial consultations will vary by time of year and requests for UCC services. Interns will conduct clinical interviews, write up intake reports, make DSM-5 TR diagnoses as appropriate, and conduct ongoing assessment as they formulate conceptualizations of their clients’ concerns.

Group Counseling
Interns are expected to co-facilitate at least one and up to three groups with a senior staff member throughout each semester during (fall, spring, and summer). Interns work closely with the Clinical Service Team, their supervisors, and staff members leading groups to determine the number and types of groups in which they will be involved during each part of the year. Based on training rotations, interns will be required to co-facilitate particular groups. Responsibilities will include assisting the co-leader with planning and marketing the group, conducting pre-group interviews and screens, reviewing the group agreement forms, co-leading the group, and assisting the co-leader in documentation and evaluation of the group.

Crisis Intervention
Interns will provide crisis services including screening for voluntary and involuntary hospitalization. As the year progresses, and while also considering an intern’s prior experience, the intern moves from handling urgent and emergent client contacts in ongoing coordination with the supervising psychologist to handling urgent and emergent client contacts autonomously with support from senior staff members for consultation and debriefing.

Furthermore, interns will encounter urgent/emergency situations during the Drop-In hours. Within a multiculturally attuned framework, interns will work with clients to assess the nature and immediacy of the urgency/emergency and work with the client to determine what steps need to be taken.

Outreach
The Counseling Center’s Outreach program, led by the Associate Director - Outreach, is an integral part of the UCC’s services. Through the outreach program and from the perspective of cultural humility, the UCC provides wellness workshops and psychoeducational information to students, strengthens its ties with faculty and staff throughout the university community, and ensures that students are well-informed about its services from orientation through graduation. Interns play an important part in the Outreach program. They are expected to plan, deliver, and evaluate workshops and outreach programming. Interns are required to complete at least 30 hours of outreach during internship.

Supervision of Practicum Students
During the fall and spring semesters, interns will have the opportunity to supervise psychology practicum students from doctoral programs in the area. Interns have primary responsibility for individual supervision of practicum students throughout their practicum rotation at the UCC. Interns are supervised by a licensed senior staff member, as well as by two staff members in Supervision of Supervision seminar.

Supervision & Training

Individual Supervision
Individual supervision consists of two hours per week of clinical supervision throughout internship utilizing a primary or hybrid model of supervision. In the primary model, two hours are provided by a primary supervisor each week. In the hybrid model, one hour is provided by the intern's primary supervisor and the second hour by a different, delegated staff psychologist. While the primary model of supervision allows continuity and the opportunity to foster a deeper supervisory relationship, the hybrid model allows interns the opportunity to work with supervisors who have different theoretical orientations and supervisory styles. Generally, at the midway point of internship, interns begin working with new supervisors.

Supervision models and arrangements are determined by the Training Committee based on various factors including UCC staffing needs; Intern’s self-assessment, training goals and needs, and interpersonal style; and the supervisor’s professional competencies and interests, supervision style, theoretical orientation and clinical approach to treatment. Additionally, there may be instances where one Intern is being supervised through the primary model, while another Intern is being supervised through the hybrid model.

In the primary model of supervision, the primary supervisor provides two hours of individual supervision weekly and coordinates the intern's activities at the UCC with the Associate Director - Training. In the hybrid model of supervision, the intern's delegated supervisor provides one hour of individual supervision weekly, collaborates with the primary supervisor and defers overall decisions about the intern’s activities and administrative responsibilities to the primary supervisor. Both supervisors provide oral feedback to the intern from written evaluations and comment on the intern’s overall performance within the UCC. Lastly, Interns may be expected to maintain a client log at the discretion of their supervisors (individual and rotation) to assist in the supervisory process.

Group Supervision
Supervision of Supervision
In Supervision of Supervision, Interns learn the Guidelines for Clinical Supervision in Health Service Psychology, as well as various models of supervision. Depending on the needs of the intern and practicum student cohorts, interns will supervise one student throughout both semesters, or engage in supervision with two practicum students, each for one half of the practicum rotation. In Supervision of Supervision, the interns present material from their work with practicum and discuss challenges they might encounter during various aspects of supervision provision.

Culturally Responsive Care Seminar (CRC)
In CRC, interns have an opportunity to give and receive peer-supervision on cultural aspects of their individual cases. There are opportunities for both self-exploration and case presentations, with a focus on the intersectionality of identities and cultural humility. The goal of CRC is to conceptualize cases from various theoretical perspectives, to consider new ideas regarding intervention decisions, to heighten awareness of therapist reactions and experiences, and to evaluate diversity variables and the intersection of identities. Diversity variables discussed include, but are not limited to, age/generational influences; body type; physical, learning and other abilities; health/illnesses; race; ethnicity; nationality; culture/heritage; languages; religion/spirituality, socioeconomic status, education, and vocation; sexual orientation, behaviors and identity; gender identity and presentation; as well as relationship orientation. CRC focuses on stages of identity awareness from both majority and minority perspectives and examines the implications these stages of identity development have for therapists and clients. Moreover, this seminar provides an opportunity to practice client presentation skills prior to the case presentations that interns are required to present to the staff; as such, this exercise helps interns prepare for clinical case presentations in a professional setting).

Training Seminars & Meetings
Consultation Teams
Consultation Team meetings, include having different “rooms” virtually where staff meet with groups they would like to consult, these include a room with psychiatrists from SHS, an Eating Disorder room, Substance Use room, Culturally Responsive Care room and a General Consult room. These meetings occur every other week and provide an opportunity for interns to gain greater awareness of how multidisciplinary staff members work with clients, to develop skills in informal case presentation, as well as to learn how to seek and provide consultation and feedback.

Clinical Skills Seminar
Learning how to effectively obtain and integrate clinical information from the initial interview into meaningful conceptualization and treatment planning is an important part of the internship experience. As part of the Clinical Skills Seminar, interns will be presented with a didactic introduction to the clinical interview and to common DSM-5 TR diagnostic categories for the college population. Interns will also have training on crisis intervention skills and will be responsible for weekly Drop-In service hours. Interns will also receive training on ethical issues that may arise during their initial contacts with clients and how to collaborate with providers in higher levels of care if intensive outpatient services or hospitalization is required.

Psychological Assessment Seminar
During the hour, interns will learn about the test that they will be administering, how to score and help with interpretation. Test that interns will administer are the DKEFS, PAI, CPT – 3, WAIS IV, WIAT and BRIEF. As well as screeners such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI–2), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) – Symptom Checklist. They will also learn about therapeutic assessment model and how to incorporate this into testing at the UCC.

Outreach Seminar
This seminar focuses on the theoretical understandings of outreach and its effectiveness within university settings and provides Interns an opportunity to develop outreach programming from a multiculturally affirming perspective with individualized guidance. Interns will learn how to assess needs for program development, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of their outreach interventions.

Additional Intern Activities
Staff Meetings
The staff meeting, is an important part of the training experience. Interns regularly attend staff meetings, which include an update on the various functions of the UCC. During this meeting, Interns have the opportunity to participate in the administrative functioning of a university counseling center. Interns are encouraged to feel empowered to share their ideas, current perspectives, and valuable past experiences.

Presentations
Interns will be required to complete multiple professional presentations during the internship year to present to staff. These include a case conceptualization presentation (which will be planned and organized in CRC) and two presentations on topics related to the intern’s primary rotations (which will be planned and organized with rotation supervisors).

Training Rotations

Interns will be required to complete two 6-month primary training rotations. Additionally, Interns can choose to complete an optional secondary rotation during the Fall and Spring semesters. Interns will rank their preference of training rotations and will be assigned them by the Training Committee. The Training Committee will equitably assign training rotations to all Interns to maximize training opportunities during the internship. Primary training rotations should account for at least 25% of all clinical work. While primary rotations vary in nature, most include a mix of individual, relationship (when applicable), and group therapy, outreach consultation, treatment teams, and committees. Based on the assigned rotation, each Intern’s responsibilities and schedule will vary greatly.
If an Intern elects to complete a secondary rotation, their schedules will vary depending on the responsibilities of the rotation. The Training Committee will work with the Intern and their Primary and Rotation Supervisors to determine the allocation of time for completing the rotation. Each rotation (primary and secondary) requires one hour of biweekly individual supervision with a delegated supervisor. Rotation supervisors will include licensed Staff Clinicians in the UCC. For each primary rotation, Interns will be required to complete a presentation on a topic related to the rotation to present to the staff.

Primary Rotations
Eating Disorders
This rotation will focus on providing counseling services to students with eating and body image concerns through a multidisciplinary and multiculturally attuned approach. Interns will provide individual and/or group therapy to students who seek counseling services at the UCC and will provide referral services when a higher level of care is warranted. Additionally, Interns will provide outreach services including workshops for students with body image concerns. Moreover, Interns will participate on the Eating Disorder Treatment Team that includes a physician who specializes in the medical management of eating disorders, a registered dietitian with expertise in eating disorders, and clinicians that specialize in the psychological treatment of eating disorders.

Psychological Assessment
The psychological assessment rotation focuses on providing evaluations to students who have symptoms related to attention deficit disorder. The intern will screen students who would like to be tested and evaluate if they are appropriate for psychological testing. They will be expected to complete between 4-6 report during their rotation.

LGBTQIA+ Community
This rotation will focus on providing counseling services to and regarding students in the LGBTQIA+ community through a multidisciplinary approach. Interns will work with students who are exploring intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of their sexual or gender identity, the coming out process, or how their gender or sexuality intersects with other identities. Interns will also work with students from the LGBTQIA+ community seeking services for other mental health concerns, provided that they fit within the UCC scope of service. Additionally, Interns will participate on the Gender Affirmation Treatment Team that includes a physician that provides transgender health care, as well as clinicians that specialize in providing mental health, physical health, and dietetic treatment for transgender students. Moreover, Interns with serve as liaisons for the Rainbow Alliance and the Gender & Sexuality Living Learning Community. Lastly, Interns will have an opportunity to participate in the Allies Network Training that is designed to provide support to LGBTQIA+ students and employees.

Multicultural Counseling
This rotation will focus on providing counseling services to diverse students that belong to marginalized groups on campus. Interns will prioritize individual and group work with students to address concerns around race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, SES, varying abilities, and other marginalized identities that lead to experiences of prejudice, discrimination, oppression, racism, and/or violence. Moreover, Interns will participate on the Multicultural Care Team and the Student Affairs Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Lastly, Interns will participate in Let’s Talk consultation services in the Office of Cross-Cultural Leadership and Development, and the Global Hub.

Trauma
This rotation will focus on providing treatment to students who are experiencing psychological trauma. Interns will provide counseling services to students who have experienced acute concerns related to psychological trauma and/or sexual misconduct, (i.e., rape/sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment, and/or stalking) including individual and group therapy. Additionally, Interns will participate on the Trauma Treatment Team that includes clinicians who specialize in providing psychological treatment for trauma.

Secondary Rotations
Outreach
This rotation will focus on providing campus outreach to the University of Pittsburgh community including students, staff, and faculty. From a multiculturally attuned perspective, outreach services provide preventative interventions to promote wellness across campus and to connect with students who may not seek out clinical services. Additionally, outreach services may include tabling events to provide information about the UCC or trainings to promote staff and faculty development. Moreover, Interns will have the opportunity to create outreach initiatives that are aligned with their clinical interests and training goals. Lastly, Interns who complete this rotation will be required to complete an additional 20 hours of outreach that does not include the required 30 hours of outreach for the completion of internship.

Crisis
This rotation will focus on providing crisis counseling to help students with coping and support during and after a major crisis. Interns will provide multiculturally attuned short-term therapy with a focus on achieving stability and safety and determining appropriate resources and support. While on day-call, Interns will meet with students who present with crisis and urgent concerns. Additionally, Interns will be required to cover an additional shift of day-call during the week. Moreover, Interns will participate in related outreach including providing psychological first-aid and campus connect trainings. Lastly, Interns will have an opportunity to work with the Campus Crisis Support Team.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee
This rotation will focus on provision of multiculturally-focused outreach, and diversity/inclusion-related professional and personal development opportunities. Interns will have an opportunity to participate on the Student Affairs Diversity & Inclusion Committee. This committee develops, plans, and executes training events for staff, faculty, and students, in order to foster cultural humility and promote an inclusive campus environment. The work on this committee will count toward the outreach requirement for the completion of internship.

UCC Administration
This rotation will focus on gaining administrative experience in a university counseling center. Interns will have an opportunity to work with the Director, Associate Director - Clinical Services and Associate Director - Training to learn about the administrative functions of a counseling center. Moreover, Interns will have an opportunity to participate in UCC committees and workgroups including Policy & Procedures, Digital Presence & Marketing, and the Innovation Team, among others.

Wellness & Resilience Course
This rotation will focus on providing support to the lead instructors for the Wellness & Resilience course. The Wellness & Resilience course is designed to teach students resilience skills in the face of commonly experienced stressors and difficulties. The course provides a personalized set of strategies and skills for self-care and optimizing the student’s academic and social experiences while at the University and beyond. Interns will have an opportunity to serve as Teaching Assistants for this course, which will include assisting in preparing and delivering lectures, and grading.

Evaluation

Philosophy of Evaluation
Training is an important process by which interns develop professional, personal and interpersonal skills to become psychologists. Interns are expected to progress toward attainment of the competencies outlined in Section II of this manual. In addition to the responsibility to provide feedback to students, trainers have monitoring responsibility to the profession and the public. This section discusses this necessary process of ongoing, formative feedback.

Evaluation Procedures
Evaluation is a continued, ongoing process with both informal and formal elements. The expectation of the Training Committee is that all staff who agree to provide training and supervision make a commitment to provide detailed oral and written feedback to interns and to other supervisors as appropriate. All trainers, including supervisors of individual counseling work, training rotation supervisors, group co-facilitators, seminar leaders, and outreach co-facilitators provide ongoing feedback to interns both individually and as a group. The interns will have two hours weekly of clinical individual supervision where they will be given informal verbal feedback on their performance throughout the year. The training program check-in meeting, led by members of the training committee, is held regularly to support the interns’ supervisors and other staff involved in training throughout the year. The primary supervisor relays information from these meetings as appropriate to support their supervisees. If the intern is struggling in any area, the intern and primary supervisor discuss concerns and decide on a plan for growth and direction. If problems persist, members of the Training Committee will be consulted with to provide guidance and future directions to support the Intern.

At the midway point and conclusion of the internship, interns receive written feedback from their individual clinical supervisors, and from seminar and group supervision leaders. Group co-facilitators provide written feedback at the conclusion of group each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). A written progress report is submitted to the intern’s graduate program along with copies of all evaluations at the midway point and conclusion of internship. If an intern and a supervisor disagree on any written evaluation, the intern may submit additional comments that are then placed in the intern file along with the evaluation.

Application & Benefits

To Apply

Applicants must be doctoral candidates in counseling or clinical psychology programs. They must have completed all coursework, and comprehensive examinations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have completed their dissertation proposal prior to the start of internship.

Preference will be given to applicants who as of November 10, 2023 (11:59 p.m., EST) have:

Conducted over 400 hours of individual therapy (at least 50% with adult clients).
Preferred/but not a requirement to have completed a practicum at a university counseling center by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Have successfully defended their dissertation proposal.

Doctoral Interns are considered employees at the University of Pittsburgh and for this reason they must follow the vaccine mandate. It states the effective December 6, 2021, the University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt affiliates on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. This includes:

Faculty (including full-time, part-time, and adjunct)
Staff (including full-time, part-time, and temporary)
Students (including both graduate, professional, and undergraduate)
Postdocs

More information can be found at this link: Vaccine Requirement | Power of Pitt | University of Pittsburgh

The application process occurs on-line. Please see the APPIC web site for more information. All the application materials will be uploaded via the applicant portal on the APPIC website. We will not accept any paper materials. We require 3 letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a clinical supervisor. We do not require any supplemental materials.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Stipend and Benefits
The stipend for the internship placement will be approximately $42,900*. Interns will be eligible for benefits through University Human Resources including public transportation health insurance for self, spouse, domestic partner and children. For further information, please visit: Benefits | Human Resources | University of Pittsburgh
As well, interns will accrue time off per the University’s policies and have access to the on-line University Library System.
*Subject to change with each new budget year

Psychology Practicum Training Program

The University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center (UCC) offers a part-time, 9-month psychology practicum program. The practicum experience is designed to build on the foundation of psychology students’ prior training in their academic programs, offering a developmental-practitioner model. The psychology practicum is designed as an apprenticeship, in which students learn via a combination of supervised practice, consultation, and direct observation of the doctoral interns and practicing UCC mental health professional staff clinicians. Values and practices of cultural humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to the provision of UCC services, programs and training. The practicum would be approximately 20 hours weekly with Friday being a required day.

The UCC staff represents a multicultural group of professionals, including senior staff (Clinical Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists), doctoral psychology interns and practicum students, social work interns, clinical counseling practicum students and interns as well as support staff. Practicum interns are considered an integral part of the UCC and are included in all operations of the UCC. Clinical service and training are given high priorities, with room for practicum interns to pursue projects of particular interest to them.

The UCC is a department within the Division of Student Affairs, with a mission of providing high quality services and programs that foster the academic and personal development, as well as the psychological well-being, of Pitt’s diverse student body within the framework of the Personalized Care Model. The main location of the UCC is housed on the second floor of Nordenberg Hall, within the University Health and Wellness Center. As well, The UCC has the ability to provide services, programs and trainings in a virtual format

This program will begin with onboarding and orientation training at the beginning of August every year. There will also be opportunities for further professional development training throughout the semester as well once the fall academic semester concludes. The overall emphasis of the experience will be advanced clinical psychology training.

Application Due Date – February 23rd, 2024

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send applications to, or for further questions contact:

Camille Velazquez, PhD
Associate Director of Training
cav93@pitt.edu

Clinical Experience

This practicum/internship experience involves supervised direct service of counseling (individual, relationship and/or group) workshops, and psychoeducational outreach activities. Interns participate in orientation, staff meetings, drop-in services, team building meetings, and crisis appointments.

This program is designed to meet the needs of those second-year students seeking intense supervised training in clinical counseling with college students with diverse concerns from multicultural backgrounds.

Preferences will be given to candidates who have a desire for a clinical career path and want the challenges and rewards of a rigorous clinical placement. Some clinical experience and related course work are preferred, as the candidate will begin providing clinical services after the orientation process concludes.

Multidisciplinary Training Experience

We are dedicated to training psychology graduate students and view training as an essential component of the UCC. We have a multidisciplinary training group of psychology, social work, and counseling students. Practicum students have an excellent opportunity to learn about the multiple aspects of support that UCC provides congruent with the Personalized Care model, as well as the importance of the clinician's understanding of self.

The number of psychology practicum positions will vary each year. Currently up to 4 to 5 positions are available for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Application Requirements

Requested application materials consist of:

Current CV or resume
Two essays (1-2 pages each)
- Statement of Interest (1-2 pages double spaced): Your statement should express your interest in training at our site and include a discussion of your relevant coursework and work experiences that make you a good candidate for our training program.
- Training Goals and Expectations (1-2 pages double spaced): Please discuss your training goals, interests, and expectations for your training year while also highlighting your commitment to serving our students through a lens of cultural humility with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Two letters of reference, one of which is to be from a current or recent clinical supervisor.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send applications to, or for further questions contact:

Camille Velazquez, PhD
Associate Director of Training
cav93@pitt.edu

The University Counseling Center is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Application Process/Contact

The Psychology Practicum Intern Selection Committee adheres to the following selection process:

The committee will review all completed applications submitted on a rolling basis and offer interviews to chosen candidates in a timely manner.
The candidates selected for the internship will be contacted by phone. All other applicants will receive a letter of appreciation from the Intern Selection Committee.

Clinical Counseling Training Program

The University Counseling Center’s (UCC) part-time 9-month or 12 – month Counseling internship is designed for students currently enrolled in a CACREP or MPCAC accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling. The internship’s primary emphasis is on advanced training in clinical mental health and the provision of supervised clinical interventions.

The UCC is a department within the Division of Student Affairs, with a mission of providing high quality services and programs that foster the academic and personal development, as well as the psychological well-being, of Pitt’s diverse student body within the framework of the Personalized Care Model. The main location of the UCC is housed on the second floor of Nordenberg Hall, within the University Health and Wellness Center. As well, The UCC has the ability to provide services, programs and trainings in a virtual format.

The UCC requests that interested applicants commit to a one-semester practicum as well as two-semester internship with the UCC. Internship would consist of approximately 20 hours weekly with Friday being a required day for practicum and internship. This program will begin with onboarding and orientation training in August 2024.

Application Due Date - February 23rd, 2024

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send applications to, or for further questions contact:

Camille Velazquez, PhD
Associate Director of Training
cav93@pitt.edu

The University Counseling Center is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Clinical Experience

Multidisciplinary Training Experience

We are dedicated to training professional mental health counselors and view training as an essential component of the UCC. We have a multidisciplinary training group of counseling, psychology, and social work students. Trainees have an excellent opportunity to learn about the practice of therapy, as well as the importance of the clinician's understanding of self.

The number of clinical counseling intern positions will vary each year. Currently up to three positions are available for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Application Requirements

Requested application materials consist of:

Current CV or resume
Two essays (1-2 pages each)
- Statement of Interest (1-2 pages double spaced): Your statement should express your interest in training at our site and include a discussion of your relevant coursework and work experiences that make you a good candidate for our training program.
- Training Goals and Expectations (1-2 pages double spaced): Please discuss your training goals, interests, and expectations for your training year while also highlighting your commitment to serving our students through a lens of cultural humility with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Two letters of reference, one of which is to be from a current or recent clinical supervisor.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send applications to, or for further questions contact:

Camille Velazquez, PhD
Associate Director of Training
cav93@pitt.edu

The University Counseling Center is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Clinical Social Work Training Program

The University Counseling Center’s (UCC) part-time 9-month Clinical Social Work internship is designed for students currently enrolled in a CSWE accredited graduate program in social work. The internship’s primary emphasis is on advanced training in clinical mental health and the provision of supervised clinical interventions. Internship consists of approximately 20 hours weekly with Friday being a required day.

Application Due Date – May 17th, 2023

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send applications to, or for further questions contact:

Camille Velazquez, PhD
Associate Director of Training
cav93@pitt.edu

The University Counseling Center is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Clinical Experience

This internship involves supervised direct service of counseling (individual, relationship and/or group), same-day drop-in services and crisis appointments, workshops, and psychoeducational outreach activities. Interns can also participate in orientation, staff meetings, team building meetings, and other professional development opportunities.

This program is designed to meet the needs of those second-year students seeking intense supervised training in clinical social work with college students with diverse strengths, concerns, and goals as well as from multicultural backgrounds.

Multidisciplinary Training Experience

The number of clinical social work intern positions will vary each year. Currently up to two positions are available for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Application Requirements

Completed applications should include the following:

Current CV or resume
Two Essays (1-2 pages)
- Statement of Interest (1-2 pages double spaced): Your statement should express your interest in training at our site and include a discussion of your relevant coursework and work experiences that make you a good candidate for our training program.
- Training Goals and Expectations (1-2 pages double spaced): Please discuss your training goals, interests, and expectations for your training year while also highlighting your commitment to serving our students through a lens of cultural humility with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Two letters of reference, one of which is to be from a current or recent clinical supervisor.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send applications to, or for further questions contact:

Camille Velazquez, PhD
Associate Director of Training
cav93@pitt.edu

The University Counseling Center is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Multicultural Counseling Rotation Toolkit (MCRTK)

The Multicultural Counseling Rotation Toolkit (MCRTK) has been collaboratively designed for training sites to construct or modify a rotation that focuses on perspectives and applications of cultural humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The funding for the MCRTK is made possible by grant funding from the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) Call to Action on Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, Justice, and Social Responsibility RFP.

Training experiences are multidimensional and can include:

Engaging in clinical services (e.g., individual, group, relationship, and/or family counseling and assessment)
Developing and implementing outreach initiatives (e.g., facilitating workshops and discussions)
Participating in related setting committees (treatment and care teams including a Multicultural Care Team)
Being involved in administrative endeavors (e.g., providing feedback on a setting’s Diversity Plan)
Having individual supervision specific to the rotation as well as weekly seminars
Trainees engaging in further professional development by attending conferences when possible

Throughout, there are opportunities for trainees to receive and provide feedback, verbally and formally in writing, on their rotation experiences. The MCRTK includes summary descriptions of the different components of the rotation, evaluation tools, and references to aid professional development. Tools were designed to be adapted to setting needs, expectations, and populations.

View the Multicultural Counseling Rotation Toolkit »

If you have any questions, concerns or feedback regarding the Toolkit, please contact us by calling 412-648-7930.

APA Doctoral Internships

Doctoral Internship Training Program

Weekly Intern Activity Profile

To Apply

Psychology Practicum Training Program

Clinical Counseling Training Program

Clinical Social Work Training Program

Multicultural Counseling Rotation Toolkit (MCRTK)

Wellness

Engagement

Experience

Belonging