Psychology Practicum

All about the psychology practicum

The psychology practicum is a part-time clinical training program for doctoral students in psychology. The goal of the practicum is to provide students with clinical fieldwork experience in advance of their predoctoral internship. The CAPS psychology practicum is available to students enrolled in doctoral programs at Indiana University Bloomington, IUPUI, and the University of Indianapolis.

At CAPS, we do not subscribe to a single theoretical orientation. However, we do draw from interpersonal-psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral perspectives to frame clinical problems and guide treatment.

Who can apply

CAPS accepts a limited number of practicum students each year through their doctoral programs. Practicum clinicians are expected to have completed at least two semesters of supervised clinical or counseling practicums prior to their arrival at CAPS.

CAPS staff support and appreciate trainees engaging in their own counseling/therapy work, and we will be pleased to make referrals for students who are interested in such work. However, due to dual role conflicts, any master’s level or doctoral student who has accessed IU CAPS services since April 15, 2010, is not eligible for training opportunities at CAPS.

Learn how to apply

Psychology practicum responsibilities

Although non-IU students may apply and be offered a position, the psychology practicum is structured to meet the guidelines of the Counseling Psychology Department in the School of Education. The practicum is approximately 16 weeks each semester (in addition to any supervision provided by students’ home departments) and follows the IU academic schedule.

Approximately two weeks before the fall semester begins practicum students participate in a series of orientation activities. Responsibilities include:

  • Intake sessions—3 hours per week
  • Follow-up availability—6 to 8 hours per week
  • Individual supervision—1.5 hours per week
  • Group supervision—1 hour per week
  • Supervision preparation and administrative duties—3.5 hours per week
  • Multidisciplinary team meetings—1 hour per week

Practicum participants are also invited to observe a process-oriented group therapy experience in addition to their 16 hours of primary responsibilities. If you are interested in observing a group, talk to the practicum coordinator and the senior staff member facilitating the group.

Diversity

Indiana University recognizes the importance of a diverse student body and of appropriate services for students. The Commission on Multicultural Understanding dates back to 1982 and has led the university's efforts to promote understanding and tolerance within the campus community. More recently, the post of Vice President for Student Development and Diversity and the Office of Academic Support and Diversity were founded as part of a recommitment of the university to selection, recruitment, retention, and graduation of Latinos, African Americans, Native Americans, and other underrepresented students. CAPS and the internship program likewise are committed to supporting these goals of the university.

By establishing and developing liaison relationships with campus offices and programs that support the diverse student body, CAPS builds bridges to traditionally underserved populations. Interns can participate in these liaison relationships, expand on current offerings, and develop new ones.

On the Bloomington campus, approximately 9 percent of students identify as African American, Native American, Asian American, or Hispanic. Among our CAPS clientele, nearly 13 percent identify as members of these populations. Approximately 7 percent of Bloomington students are from outside the United States. Approximately 5 percent of CAPS clients are international students.

How to apply

CAPS accepts up to three psychology practicum students per year. CAPS begins its search for advanced practicum clinicians with a February visit to the IU Counseling Psychology practicum class to discuss in more detail the program and applying to the program. Applications are usually due in early March with in-person interviews to follow. Talk to your program’s Director of Training for more information.

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