Clinical Practicum Practicum experience in Clinical Psychology begins in the first semester and continues for a minimum three years. The development of clinical skills occurs through the student's participation each year in a different role on a vertical practicum team that delivers a broad range of psychological services in a community-based outpatient clinic. Each vertical team is a cohesive, hardworking unit of four to seven members under the supervision of a clinical psychologist. First year students observe the work of the faculty and advanced students. Second year students perform comprehensive psychological assessments.
More advanced students maintain a psychotherapy caseload.
A year's service on the practicum team, no matter what the year level of the student, offers an intense, deep, practical experience with the orientation of the supervising psychologist. Many students in their fourth year elect to complete an externship. Research Experience Consistent with the program philosophy, students are expected to maintain active research involvement parallel with the coursework which provides them with systematic techniques and skills. Students conducting their master's theses and dissertations acquire skills in the development and direction of projects as well as in the supervision of less experienced members of research teams. Recent placements have included medical centers, VA and state hospitals, mental health clinics, counseling centers, and forensic facilities.