Program Aims

Program Aims & Competencies

The training program is organized around 4 fundamental aims which represent the major areas of training defined as necessary for entry into professional practice as a health service psychologist. Each aim is subdivided into corresponding skills with the expectation that interns will achieve intermediate to advanced competency in every area by the completion of the program.

1. Development of broad and general range of clinical skills, in the areas of:
   • Initial screening and assessment
   • Case conceptualization
   • Individual psychotherapy
   • Couples therapy (optional)
   • Group therapy
   • Urgent care and crisis intervention
   • Psychological assessment
2. Development of a broad and general range of outreach, consultation, and training in the areas of:
   • Consultation theory and evaluation
   • Effective consulting relationships
   • Mental health consultation
   • Workshop design, delivery and evaluation
   • Supervision theory and methods
   • Provision of effective supervision to paraprofessional helpers (i.e. Peer Educators, LGBT Mentors, COACHes, or Right To Know Peers—CARE)
   • Goals in Action program
3. Development of general professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the areas of:
   • Ethical, legal and professional standards, including ethical decision-making
   • Professional judgment and behavior (e.g., knowing one’s limits, when to consult, aware of one’s impact in the services provided)
   • Attitude as a trainee in supervision and training seminars (e.g., open, curious, initiating, respectful, collaborative)
   • Development of a professional identity as a psychologist (e.g., demonstrates increasing autonomy and confidence around own abilities)
   • Relationships with colleagues (e.g., collaborative, and conflict resolving)
   • Projection of a competent image (e.g., visible, respected member of CC within and outside CC)
   • Administrative and written responsibilities (e.g., responsible follow through and timely completion of notes and reports)
4. Development of broad and general range of skills, knowledge and attitudes for working with diverse populations in the areas of:
   • Self awareness (e.g., awareness of own culture, examines own biases and how these affect their work)
   • Knowledge about cultural and individual diversity (e.g., understands how diversity affects assessment and therapy; understands how oppression, discrimination and stereotyping may affect clients)
   • Sensitivity and awareness in working with and relating to others (e.g., understands how students may have different attitudes toward counseling services; empathic understanding of others’ frames of reference)
   • Culturally effective service delivery