Beginning in the second year of the program and continuing throughout the remainder of the program (a minimum of seven semesters), students integrate their academic knowledge with practical experiences through a series of practicum experiences. Practicum training is sequential, cumulative and graded in complexity, and provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate profession-wide competencies. The first year of practicum training is at internal sites (i.e., Psychology Training Clinic or Assessment, Support and Counseling Centers) where students are supervised by core program faculty. Practica involve opportunities to work with diverse and underserved populations. Students progress from gaining culturally relevant competency in assessment and evidence-based interventions, to preparing for more advanced supervisory, consultation, and organizational leadership roles in applied settings.
Practicum Sites and Supervision: Placements include on and off campus practice settings. In addition to on-site supervision, students also participate in group supervision with a faculty member who is a licensed psychologist.
Assessment Support and Counseling (ASC) Centers
- School-Based Mental Health Placements
Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center
Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
Chrysalis Center for Counseling and Eating Disorder Treatment
Counseling and Psychological Services Center
- University-Based Counseling Center
Crossroads Counseling Center, Hickory
Integrated Behavioral Health Services
Mountain City Extended Hours Health Center
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
- Community-Based Clinic
Placement: Practicum placements are made by the core program faculty in consultation with the student and sites. Student trainees are evaluated by on-site clinical supervisors. Practicum grades are assigned by supervising faculty in consultation with on-site supervisors.
Background Check: Some practicum sites require a criminal background check and drug screen before starting (cost covered by student). Students should check with the Director of Clinical Training to determine what is required for each practicum.