Advanced Doctoral Practicum Program

Type of Clients Served

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. Our student population consists of over 58% first generation college students and over 54% students of color.

Approximately 15% of the Counseling Center’s clients identify as LGBTQ. Our clients also range across age and stage of life development, with an average age of 25, and include a significant portion of non-traditional and transfer students. Over 85% work full or part time while pursuing their education.

Coupled with their diverse backgrounds, students receiving services at the Counseling Center present with a full range of clinical concerns, affording our Practicum Students a robust and versatile training experience unique among university settings.

Services Provided

Individual psychotherapy (brief therapy model); group psychotherapy (process, support, psychoeducational groups); intake assessment, walk-in and crisis intervention, case management and referral; outreach and psychoeducational workshops on a range of mental health topics; campus-wide mental health awareness events. These services are offered in both virtual and in-person formats.

Duties of Advanced Doctoral Practicum Students

Practicum Students will divide their time among the following (responsibilities will vary):

1) individual psychotherapy
2) co-facilitation of groups (subject to interest/availability)
3) intakes, walk-in/crisis intervention, and case management
4) outreach and workshops
5) individual supervision
6) professional development and training seminars
7) staff meetings
8) documentation and planning

Supervision (English & Spanish Options)

Each Practicum Student will be supervised by a Licensed Staff Psychologist. Staff have doctoral degrees in clinical or counseling psychology, practice from a wide variety of theoretical orientations, and are committed to continued growth in multicultural competence. Bilingual supervision is also available. Staff also work closely with multi-disciplinary psychiatric providers at the on-campus Health Center.

• Format: A minimum of 1 hour weekly of individual supervision, plus 2 hours of weekly in-service presentations or case discussions and 1-hour biweekly training seminars. Staff practice a collegial, open-door policy for additional supervision as needed.
• Ratio: One hour of supervision will be provided for approximately eight clinical hours.

Time Commitment

Approximately 17 hours per week. Attendance on Wednesday mornings is required for:

• Biweekly Trainee Seminars (8-9 a.m.)
• Staff Meetings (9-10 a.m.)
• Professional Development (10-noon)

Attendance at Psychiatric Consultation meetings (every other Tuesday 9-10 a.m.) is optional but strongly encouraged.

Start/End Dates: The practicum runs from Monday, August 12th, 2024 through Friday, May 16th, 2025. The Center will be closed December 25th thru January 1st. It reopens again on the first working day after January 1st.

Stipend: A stipend is offered on a biweekly basis for the duration of one’s participation in the program.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of 2 years of a clinical or counseling psychology doctoral program with good academic standing; 2 years of experience providing psychotherapy; good intake assessment and treatment skills; interest in group therapy; interest conducting outreach programs; knowledge and skills relating to multicultural competence and experience with diverse client populations. Personal qualities include: reliability, good interpersonal skills, and professionalism.

Application Process

Application Deadline for Fall 2024: Monday, January 22nd, 2024, by 3 p.m. MST

To Apply: Submit (1) Cover Letter, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references and (4) a copy of an Unofficial Graduate Transcript to [email protected]

For more information, please contact:

• Andrew Sia, Ph.D., Associate Director of Training, [email protected]