Internship Program Description
Clinical Training Opportunities at Counseling Services
A counselor-in-training (CIT) internship at SIUE Counseling Services is for second year masters level students majoring in social work, psychology, or counseling that requires a minimum of 20 hours per week. CITs will conduct individual initial assessments (i.e., intakes), provide individual counseling, co-facilitate group counseling as available, and participate in outreach efforts as schedules allow. Hours available for this position are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CITs will have access to an office in order to provide individual counseling whether in-person or virtual. Each week CIT will receive at least one hour of individual supervision, and 90 minutes of group supervision. CITs are matched with senior staff members who supervise their work throughout the placement. Audio and/or video recording of all client sessions is required. Review of the tapes is an important component of supervision.
Clinical services are facilitated via teletherapy and in person. Crisis appointments are facilitated in person.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduate coursework in theories of psychotherapy and counseling techniques and interviewing skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate coursework focusing on multiculturalism, diversity, and ethics
- Previous clinical experience (e.g., employment, practicum)
- DSM-5 Diagnosis and Psychopathology
Internship Program Tracks
Graduate
- The Clinical Internship is available across a broad range of disciplines, including clinical mental health counseling, psychology, and clinical social work.
- Under the supervision of a Senior Staff Provider, you will facilitate the following:
- Psychotherapy in Individual and Group treatment modalities
- Psychological assessment among existing client pool for differential diagnostic and ADAAA accommodations purposes
- Crisis Interventions
- Outreach
Undergraduate
- The Social Services Internship, a two semester commitment, is currently available for SIUE BSW candidates. Under the supervision of the Staff Counselor & Social Services Coordinator, you will facilitate the following:
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- Case Management
- Food and Housing Assistance
- Assistance with Medicaid Enrollment
- Assistance with Referrals for Community Care
- Data collection on local supportive resources
- Life Skills sessions
- For more information about this program, including applying, please contact Counseling Services at cougarcare@siue.edu.
- Application Deadline for Fall: April 1st.
Field Study
- Description: This one semester program provides opportunities for students enrolled in undergraduate psychology and public health to engage in special projects and assist with outreach and prevention initiatives.
- For more information about this program, including applying, please contact Counseling Services at cougarcare@siue.edu.
Mandatory Orientation for Graduate Internship
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Interns participate in an extensive orientation. The orientation typically occurs two weeks prior to the start of the first semester and provides an overview of our department’s policies and procedures, a refresher on the basics of counseling practice, as well as a review of ethical and legal issues and responsibilities.
Terms of Placement for Graduate Internship
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To allow for continuity of treatment for clients, internships require a two consecutive semester commitment with an August start. This placement requires a minimum of 20 hours per week. Please note that your academic program may require more hours. The internship experience does not offer a stipend.
Application Materials for Master's Level Internships
Counseling Services accepts master's level clinical interns (a two-semester experience) beginning typically during the Fall semester (August), for which the deadline to apply is March 1. Occasionally Spring semester internships are accepted. Please submit the following documents to the attention of Counseling Services at cougarcare@siue.edu:
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript (a photocopy is acceptable)
- Cover letter detailing reasons for application and qualifications
- Two recommendation forms with attached professional letters of reference. Emailed forms are welcome.
Application Procedure
- To ensure fairness to all interested parties, Counseling Services’ clinical supervisors will review the applications and selected candidates will be invited to interview. During the interview, each candidate will meet with the entire Counseling Services staff. Please allow one hour for this process. The staff will select the most qualified candidates. In the event that a selected practicum student resigns, the placement may be offered to another qualified candidate.
Dual Roles
- It will be at the discretion of the department's senior leadership team to entertain applications from current/former clients to ensure a professional boundary remains intact.
