Psychology Practicum Training Program
The University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center (UCC) offers a part-time, 9-month psychology practicum training 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 training 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 2022. 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.
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 in May.
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 positions are available for the 2022-2023 academic year.
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:
Heather Arment, LCSW, BC-TMH
Lead Clinician – Masters Training Program
armenth@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.
Applications for Fall 2022 placement are now closed.
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.