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Graduate Training Program

About the Program

ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Counseling Services offers advanced training for graduate students in the fields of clinical psychology, counseling, and clinical social work. We offer a 10-month internship for students in the second year of a master's program in Professional Counseling, Social Work, or related degrees. We also offer a 10-month pre-doctoral externship for students enrolled in Clinical or Counseling doctoral graduate programs.

BMC Counseling Internships/Externships are 10 months; trainees work 3 days a week for 32 weeks during the academic year. Trainees are expected to be on-site approximately 20 hours a week and typically see 8-12 clients, provide case management, attend an hour of individual supervision, and 1.5 hours of group supervision weekly.

Our externship experience is designed to expose trainees to the work that occurs in a diverse college counseling setting, while also providing generalist training to assist in the development and enhancement of culturally sensitive clinical skills. Our training mission is to foster the growth of previously acquired competencies and professional interests; facilitate the development of new clinical competencies; and support and nurture professional growth. The areas of functioning emphasized at our training site include individual and group psychotherapy, brief clinical assessment, crisis intervention, outreach, and consultation. 

  • Apply knowledge of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct of your professional discipline (APA, NASW, etc.) and act in accordance. 
  • Demonstrate developmentally appropriate effective skills in assessing and developing case conceptualizations and treatment plans.
  • Apply sensitivity and understanding regarding individual and cultural diversity factors, and employ culturally competent interventions through assessment, treatment, and consultation.
  • Explore individual therapeutic style.
  • Demonstrate accurate self-assessment of competency and work towards the recognition of limits of knowledge and skills and seek means for growth.
  • Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.
  • Consult and collaborate effectively with peers, supervisors/Counseling staff, faculty, and other professionals.
  • Participate in outreach activities.
  • Individual therapy: While BMC Counseling works within a short-term, flexible care model, trainees may work with their supervisors to identify 2-3 longer-term clients. Trainees typically have a max caseload of 10-12 clients.
  • Intakes: When working with a new client, trainees will conduct a full intake. At the beginning of externship, trainees will shadow triage and intake appointments before conducting their own.
  • Triage: BMC Counseling conducts 20-30 minute brief initial assessments with clients to determine disposition, assess for safety, and gain a better understanding of the client's needs and goals for treatment. Trainees will have opportunities to participate in triage as they show readiness in their clinical skills development.
  • Group Therapy and Workshops: Trainees are expected to co-facilitate one group or workshop per semester. 
  • Outreach: Trainees have the opportunity to participate in various types of outreach to the BMC community throughout the academic year. 
  • Consultation: Consultation may occur with students, faculty, staff, parents, and/or other treatment providers. 
  • Individual Supervision: Trainees receive one hour per week of individual supervision with either an LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT or licensed PA psychologist, depending on their professional discipline needs.
  • Group Supervision Seminar: Seminar meets once a week for 1 hour and is required for all trainees. This seminar includes a multidisciplinary case presentation component and didactic training on a range of topics. Trainees also participate in weekly staff meetings, which also include clinical case discussions. 

Please begin submitting application materials after December 16, 2024

Minimally, applications must include:

  • Cover Letter explaining your interest in the externship.
  • Update resume/curriculum vitae

Please submit all materials to Dr. Luci MacNamara, Director of Counseling Services: .