Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Resources
Clinical Mental Health Resources
Overview
The purpose of the clinical mental health counseling experience is to provide students with an entry-level professional clinical training opportunity, under supervision, in a clinical setting appropriate to the clinical mental health counseling specialty of interest to the student. This training opportunity is intended to provide students the chance to perform a number of counseling activities and duties performed by practicing community counselors. During the course of the clinical experience, students will learn additional practical skills, as well as practice skills that have been taught in the didactic portion of their training program. Many counseling and non-clinical learning opportunities are available through work in a real agency setting. Students are provided with the opportunity to see real clients, develop and implement clinical intervention plans, determine which strategies are most effective with specific clients and client situations, experience the diversity of clients and their unique challenges, and, finally, to work in the environment as practicing clinicians with fellow clinicians. The clinical training portion of the Counseling Program is a critical element in the overall preparation of competent and effective community counselors.
General Requirements for Practicum Placement
1. Completion of 15 semester hours of counseling course requirements with a B or better in:
- Counseling Theories
- Counseling Techniques
- Ethics
- Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling
- Group Counseling (pre- or co-requisite)
- **Introduction to Play Therapy (pre- or co-requisite)
**Note: Introduction to Play Therapy is required only for individuals working with children aged 10 or younger**
2. Display of appropriate disposition(s) as defined by the contract you signed upon entering the Counseling Program.
3. Possession of active liability insurance
General Requirements for Internship Placement
1. Completion of:
- Practicum
- Advanced Techniques (pre- or co-requisite)
- Introduction to Play Therapy (only for those working with children 10 years of age or younger)
2. Display of appropriate disposition(s) as defined by the contract you signed upon entering the Counseling Program.
3. Possession of active liability insurance
Student Expectations
You are responsible for knowing and following practicum and internship guidelines. You risk complicating the practicum or internship process, which may affect your progression through the program. If you are unsure how to proceed, consult your faculty advisor and the counseling clinical coordinator.
Since these guidelines cover your on-site actions as well, check with your site supervisor to make sure that you are acting according to the institution or school policies and procedures. For example, know and follow the procedures for requesting a professional day or taking sick leave. As noted earlier, practicum and internship students, even unpaid ones, must adhere to professional, institutional, and ethical standards.
The minimum number of on-site hours for the practicum is 150, with a minimum of 60 hours of direct client contact.
The internship experience consists of 600 hours of on-site work, across two consecutive semesters, with 240 total hours expected in direct contact with clients.
Typically, direct client contact comes in four different forms, (a) individual counseling, (b) group counseling, (c) psycho-educational or classroom guidance groups, and (d) parent or family meetings. All other activities are considered non-direct hours.
Important Forms and Documents
Websites and Platforms
DocuSign Resources
GoReact Resources
Note: GoReact will only be available through your canvas course. To access your assignment, please log in through Canvas, and open the corresponding Course and Assignment.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Resources
Map of Clinical Counseling Sites
American Counseling Association Website
Play Therapy Resources
I’m unhappy at my current site. Can I switch to another agency or practice?
There are rare incidents when a practicum or internship ends early. Early separation may be site or intern initiated, or a combination of both. The goal of an early separation is to make it a positive learning experience for the student and to maintain positive programmatic working relationships with the site. Permission for early separations is granted only after other efforts to address the situation have been unsatisfactory. In the event an early separation is appropriate, it will occur with the mutual consent of all parties (see policies and guidelines) and requires active consultation and participation with the Clinical Director Should problems arise, we strive to maintain positive working environments for the student and a positive working relationship with the site.