Internships at Counseling Centers

[psychgal]

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I am a PsyD student from a university based program (6-7 students accepted per year) applying to internship for the first time. I would really like to get an internship at a university counseling center but have read that they tend to prefer Counseling PhD students. I have made my list and have only included counseling centers that have accepted PsyD students in the last few years as well as 5 child sites I am qualified for. I have had 4 years of practicum (3,500 hours total, 1150 assessment and intervention) with one year at a university counseling center (last year). I also have a great deal of experience with children and adolescents but would really prefer a counseling center as this is my chosen career path for the time being. Does anyone have any experiences in this area- either on a committee or as an applicant? Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks

 

[Zigman]

I'm a PsyD student from a university based program as well. I know that our program sends numerous students to university counseling centers every year. This isn't my area of interest but my understanding is that, if you have experience at a university counseling center (as well as all the other supporting experiences), you have a great shot.

 

[JockNerd]

I'm at a Counseling psych PhD program. If you've had experience at a university counseling center and you are applying to sites that have taken PsyDs before, you'll be fine.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I too came from a university-based Psy.D. program, and two of my friends/cohort-mates landed at counseling centers. I think the biggest factor is having prior college counseling experience. I am sure there is a case where someone with no prior CC experience landed at a CC, but they are few and far between.

 

[futureapppsy2]

I actually know someone first hand who secured an internship at an APA accredited, pretty competitive (I think, anyway) university counseling center with no prior univ. counseling center experience--she had experience in the program clinic, a prison setting, and CMHC but had a lot of hours, by virtue of applying during her sixth year. This was during the 2006-2007 match cycle (internship was 2007-2008), so things may have gotten more competitive since then. She was from a university-based program PhD, not PsyD, program, though. FWIW, she really liked the site, though they expected a lot from their interns--a lot of 50-60 hour weeks.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

Just wanted to chime in a word of warning about counseling centers. They really want you to have previous counseling center experience (sounds like you do, so that is good).

I really wanted to work in a counseling ctr for internship, but the fact that I had worked in a community clinic instead really hurt me (that and a "bad" essay 1--see other thread). Mini-rant: why are counseling centers so exclusive? I have worked in community mental health with the deeply troubled and the chronically mentally ill, so I'm unqualified to work with motivated, high-functioning clients??! Arugh!


Dr. Eliza

 

[JockNerd]

why are counseling centers so exclusive? I have worked in community mental health with the deeply troubled and the chronically mentally ill, so I'm unqualified to work with motivated, high-functioning clients??!

My clients at CC were not all motivated and high functioning. Most of those people got closed at triage with some relaxation techniques or spend 4 sessions in psychoeducation. My clients presented with anxiety, panic attacks, clinical depression, suicidality, sexual assault, blossoming personality disorders....

 

[Sendtrees]

I think the OP should be fine. I know two people from a PhD program *without* CC experience who got matched to one this yr. APA accredited, even.

 

[psychgal]

Thanks for all the advice and comments. I feel encouraged about pursuing CC's. Doctor Eliza I hope you will be able to match at a counseling center as well. Many people have posted that friends without CC experience received a match with a CC.
I was wondering how all of you are progressing through your application? Wow! what a long application- even though it is necessary it sure is taking some time to fill out. I currently have 22 sites on my list but am trying to get it down to 18-20 ( so many cover letters to write!). I am having a difficult time crossing off anymore from my list. Is anyone else in the same boat? Truth is I'm scared- I feel like I have a good application but the match stats are a little frightening. My university has a great match rate but once in a while someone doesn't match. This forum has been a great support. Feel free to answer on the internship thread. I will post the second half of my post there. Thanks 😀