Advanced Counseling Practicum

Advanced Clinical Practicum Program

Fall 2020 - Spring 2021

Dear Practicum Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the ASU Counseling Services advanced training for graduate students. We invite applications from students enrolled in Master of Counseling, Master of Social Work, and Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology degree programs. Our training site endorses a developmental model of supervision and training, reflecting a focus on development of competencies consistent with a trainee's experience. Threads of cultural competence are woven throughout all aspects of training. To enhance the learning process, our staff is committed to integrating development of clinical competence and ethical practice with professional growth in the context of a supportive environment.

We know the application and decision-making process can be challenging. Providing you with information to make a well-informed choice is important to us. I am glad to answer your questions about the training program. Please feel free to contact me by email at Lilia.miramontes@asu.edu or by phone at 480-965-6146.

Thank you again for your interest in our Practicum training program!

Sincerely,
Lilia G. Miramontes, Ph.D.
Training Director
Senior Staff Psychologist
480-965-6146

Training Philosophy

The staff of ASU Counseling Services (ASU CS) is committed to the growth and development of new professionals in the fields of mental health. We strive to ensure that training is provided in an atmosphere of support and collaboration. Endorsing a developmental model of supervision and training, the Practicum Training Program is designed to allow learning to evolve at an optimal pace. As practicum students bring their own unique competencies, our task is to further refine and build upon these existing strengths. We believe that the professional practice of psychotherapy is not simply dependent upon the acquisition of skills; rather, it reflects the synthesis of clinical competence, professional ethics and practice, personal integrity, and compassion. These ideals guide our training and supervision efforts. ASU CS training staff believes that self-awareness and the ability to continually reflect on one’s own personal dynamics are critical to the development of effective professional skills. Toward this end, trainees may be asked to engage in a process of personal exploration. Supervisors will encourage trainees to reflect upon and discuss how their experiences, personal qualities, and interpersonal dynamics relate to professional functioning. Creating a training relationship characterized by trust, safety, and respect is central to our mission. Additionally, supervisors are mindful of differentiating between therapy and supervision. The focus of discussion, therefore, directly relates to the trainee’s professional functioning and development.

Practicum Components

  • Preliminary orientation and training focused on ASU CS mission, programs, operations and procedures.
  • Weekly practicum seminar that offers support and collegial interaction, specialized training, and opportunities to develop case conceptualization and presentation skills.
  • Weekly clinical supervision provided by professional staff, including doctoral interns and/or postdoctoral residents.
  • Risk assessment, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
  • Diagnostic assessment, conceptualization, and treatment planning.
  • Individual and group psychotherapy.
  • Provision of outreach presentations and consultation. 
  • Engagement in individualized reading and self-study to supplement professional growth.

Requirements

ASU CS offers an advanced clinical practicum. A student's readiness for this experience is assessed, in part, based on the following minimum selection criteria:

  • Prior supervised practicum experience
  • Interest in working with a diverse student population
  • Comfort in working with clinically challenging cases
  • Ability to demonstrate timely completion of clinical documentation, effective time management, and organizational skills
  • Willingness to actively engage in supervision and consultation processes

Commitment to providing a minimum of the following for the academic year:

  • ASU Master of Counseling & Doctoral Counseling Psychology -- 20 hrs/week
  • ASU Doctoral Clinical Psychology -- 16 hrs/week
  • ASU Masters of Social Work -- 16-20 hrs/week
  • Other graduate programs – 16-20 hrs/week

Trainees are expected to participate in orientation training, seminar, clinical supervision and outreach.

Application Process

The following must be submitted by for consideration to begin placement during the Fall 2020 semester:

  • Cover letter
  • Current vita or resume
  • Application form
  • Reference form completed by a recent clinical supervisor (form provided)

You may submit documents to Valerie Foster-Yazzie electronically through e-mail to Valerie.Foster@asu.edu OR
You can print, complete, and submit the 2 forms below along with your cover letter and vita or resume to:

Counseling Services - Arizona State University
Student Services Building, Room 334
P.O. Box 871012
Tempe, AZ 85287-1012
Attention: Lilia Miramontes, Ph.D., Practicum Training Director

For Ph.D. and Psy.D. students in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology:

  • Application materials are due by February 14, 2020.  
  • Interviews will be conducted February 19-26, 2020.
  • All offers will be communicated February 27 - March 3, 2020.

For MSW students and MA students in Counseling Psychology:

  • Application materials are due by March 6, 2020.
  • Interview will be conducted March 16-20, 2020
  • All offers will be communicated March 23-27, 2020.