APA Accredited Internship in Health Services Psychology

The conceptual framework of Drexel University's Counseling Center's training model is based on a practitioner-scholar model that incorporates issues of equity. We facilitate learning through the integration of science and practice under clinical supervision, mentorship, and didactic programming. Our mission in training is four-fold:

1. To foster the growth of previously acquired competencies and personal interests
2. To facilitate the development of a broad range of new clinical competencies using clinical theory and empirical research
3. To support and nurture professional growth as our interns prepare to become independent practitioners
4. To facilitate reflective practice around how one's identity and personal history influences therapeutic engagement

There are a number of activities we view as crucial components to our training philosophy, which include clinical supervision, didactics, informal peer-to-peer consultation, mentorship, consultation with staff members, and review of professional literature. We believe in the importance of using a developmental and individualized approach that tailors supervision for each intern. We encourage the exploration of identities and beliefs to understand how our unique experiences and background informs our approaches to treatment. The areas of functioning emphasized at our training site include: individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, supervision, outreach, and consultation.

Professional Development

We believe professional development to be a cornerstone of training during internship year. Interns at DUCC are trained as generalists to prepare them to enter a career as a psychologist in an array of settings not only college counseling centers. Interns are expected to develop skills and qualities that will assist them in becoming a valued professional. In our view of professionalism, we focus upon emphasizing clinical care, collegiality, and encourage reflection of how one's views can be influenced by our context and relationship to systems of oppression. Support to interns is provided in the form of supervision, collaboration opportunities with other staff, mentorship, and seminars focusing on important topics.

Diversity and Inclusion

Drexel University is a culturally-diverse, urban institution, attracting students from around the globe. Our center treats students with various identities and, therefore, is committed to training interns to integrate an intercultural approach into all areas of their work. Trainees are expected to provide individual and group therapy to students from diverse backgrounds, as well as participating in outreach efforts with multicultural groups on campus, and to consult and collaborate with culturally diverse professionals. Ongoing supervision and diversity seminars are provided with an expectation that interns self-reflect to better understand how their lived experiences and backgrounds shape their work with students and others, as all interactions are intercultural in nature. 

Interdisciplinary Approach

Our site is comprised of psychologists, a psychiatrist, a licensed professional counselor, social workers, and a case manager. Additionally, the Counseling Center is integrated within the university; collaborating with various departments including physicians through the Student Health Center, Center for Black Culture, the Career Counseling office, the Office of Disabilities, and the International Student Support office. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of consultation and collaboration from an interdisciplinary approach. Through case conference and staff meetings, supervision, seminars, and staff collaboration, interns are supported in their development of interfacing with various campus partners.

Goal #1: Conceptualization and Intervention

Interns will further develop case conceptualization and intervention skills and will use these skills when working with a range of presenting problems and identities in various treatment modalities (individual and group therapy).

• Objective #1A: Interns will demonstrate effective skills in formulating and conceptualizing cases and planning interventions utilizing evidence-based interventions.
• Objective #1B: Demonstrate effective evidence-based, brief therapy skills to a diverse student body presenting with a range of psychological issues and concerns.
• Objective #1C: Provide effective group therapy service to a diverse student body.

Goal #2: Assessment and Diagnosis

Interns will acquire intermediate to advanced skills in clinical assessment and diagnosis of problems.

• Objective #2A: Develop competence in clinical interview assessment in initial consultation, group consultation, workshops, and crisis situations.
• Objective #2B: Demonstrate competence in using outcome assessment information/data to establish a client baseline, monitor progress of treatment, and formulate diagnosis based in the context of stages of development.
• Objective #2C: Develop competence in acknowledging how systems of oppression and institutional trauma affect client presentations.

Goal #3: Responding to Crisis Situations

Interns will demonstrate the ability to respond to crisis situations and display sound clinical judgment when performing crisis intervention services.

• Objective #3A: Interns will demonstrate the consultation, collaboration, and documentation skills necessary to effectively assess all safety and risk factors.
• Objective #3B: Interns will participate in on-call rotation (with ongoing clinical backup from Director/professional staff) and will provide clients with crisis interventions/services that fit the needs of the clients (e.g., attentive listening, containment, etc.).
• Objective #3C: Interns will demonstrate the ability to effectively handle disposition and follow-up with crisis situations.

Goal #4: Providing Supervision

Interns will demonstrate intermediate to advanced skills in clinical supervision.

• Objective #4A: Interns will gain familiarity and understanding of models of supervision theory and issues related to providing clinically competent supervision.
• Objective #4B: Interns will engage in the provision of supervision and will maintain effective supervisory relationships.
• Objective #4C: Interns will develop skills in honoring the sociopolitical identities and histories of supervisees.
• Objective #4D: Interns will practice clinical supervision within a legal and ethical framework.

Goal #5: Multicultural Competence

Interns will increase their awareness, sensitivity, and skills in providing culturally-competent care with all individuals.

• Objective #5A: Interns will demonstrate the awareness to monitor and examine one’s own attitudes, assumptions, behaviors, values, and worldview in working with individual and cultural diversity issues. This awareness will attend to sameness and difference of identities and perspectives.

Goal #6: Professional Development

Interns will further develop behavior that reflects ongoing professional development and identity as a psychologist.

• Objective #6A: Interns will demonstrate the ability to interact professionally with clients, peers, supervisors, and professional staff.
• Objective #6B: Interns will demonstrate professional responsibility with case management, documentation, and time management.
• Objective #6C: Interns will demonstrate emerging professional identity as psychologist.

Goal #7: Consultation and Outreach

Interns will demonstrate the ability to support the work of others in the University and perform consultation and outreach functions in a university setting.

• Objective #7A: Interns will demonstrate knowledge and competent application of outreach.
• Objective #7B: Interns will demonstrate knowledge and competent application of consultation skills.

Goal #8: Ethical Standards and Law

Interns will demonstrate the application and awareness of an ethical decision-making model and function in an ethically and legally sound manner.

• Objective #8A: Interns will increase their knowledge of A.P.A. Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct.
• Objective #8B: Interns will demonstrate knowledge of the laws, statutes, rules, and regulations related to the practice of professional psychology in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Objective #8C: Interns will integrate their own moral principles/ethical values in professional conduct.

Interns at Drexel University receive ongoing formal and informal evaluative feedback from their supervisors throughout the training year. These evaluations are comprehensive in nature, and are based on our program's training model, philosophy, goals and objectives, and competencies and benchmarks established by our profession. Twice a year, the Internship Training Director sends the Intern’s Director of Clinical Training a letter summarizing the intern's performance to date along with a copy of the primary supervisor's evaluation of the intern. Therefore, if you are enrolled in an academic training program that requires additional training contracts and/or evaluations, these will not be completed by the Drexel University training staff. Your program may choose to use the data from the Drexel University evaluations to complete their own forms. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your Director of Clinical Training or the Drexel University Counseling Center Training Director if you have questions about this policy.

The stipend for the training year is currently $38,094.00. Interns are entitled to full university employee benefits, including health insurance and vacation. Interns will need to document completion of at least 2,000 hours as a part of satisfactorily completing the internship program, at least 500 of which must be in direct clinical service. Interns are entitled to the following benefits:

1. A total of fifteen (15) annual vacation/personal/sick days
2. Paid leave for all major holidays, including: Labor Day; Columbus Day; Thanksgiving break; Christmas break; New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Memorial Day; and Independence Day
3. Flex time for on-call duties and late-night coverage
4. Leave time for professional development and dissertation defense
5. Health insurance
6. Use of University facilities such as the library

Internship Program Tables

Updated: October 2023

Internship Program Disclosures

Does the program or institution require students, trainees, and/or staff (faculty) to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution’s affiliation or purpose? Such policies or practices may include, but are not limited to, admissions, hiring, retention policies, and/or requirements for completion that express mission and values: NO

If yes, provide website link (or content from brochure) where this specific information is presented: N/A

Internship Program Admissions

The Drexel University Counseling Center Internship Program offers four full-time 12-month positions to applicants enrolled in APA–accredited graduate programs in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. Applicants who may be a strong fit should have and be able to demonstrate the following: Interest in and commitment to university counseling work and college student development; willingness and ability to use self-awareness and self-reflection; flexibility, openness to feedback, team player mentality, maturity and ability to work in a fast-paced environment; and dedication to diversity and deepening multicultural awareness/sensitivity and competence.

Does the program require that applicants have received a minimum number of hours of the following at time of application? If Yes, indicate how many: YES, 450 intervention hours

Total Direct Contact Intervention Hours: Yes, 450 hours

Total Direct Contact Assessment Hours: No, N/A

Describe any other required minimum criteria used to screen applicants:

• Current enrollment in an APA-accredited (or CPA-accredited) doctoral program in Counseling or Clinical Psychology
• Completion of all required coursework prior to the application deadline for internship
• Successful completion of comprehensive exams prior to the application deadline
• Dissertation proposal approved by the start of internship
• Certified as ready for internship by doctoral home program
• A minimum of 450 intervention hours by the application deadline

Financial and Other Benefit Support for Upcoming Training Year*

Annual Stipend/Salary for Full-time Interns: $38,094.00

Annual Stipend/Salary for Half-time Interns: N/A

Program provides access to medical insurance for intern: Yes

Trainee contribution to cost required: Yes

Coverage of family member(s) available: Yes

Coverage of legally married partner available: Yes

Coverage of domestic partner available: NO

Hours of Annual Paid Personal Time off (PTO and/or Vacation): 15

Hours of Annual Paid Sick Leave: Included in the 15 above

In the event of medical conditions and /or family needs that require extended leave, does the program allow reasonable unpaid leave to interns/residents in excess of personal time off and sick leave?: Yes

Other Benefits:

• Paid leave for 10 University holidays and is closed for a week between December 24 to January 2nd (Drexel announces these holidays on an annual basis)
• Access to excellent University facilities (e.g., library, athletic facilities)
• Faculty/Staff discount at the campus bookstore
• Dissertation and Licensing exam release time
• Flextime for on-call participation and late night coverage

PROGRAM CODE 2260.

The Drexel University Counseling Center considers applicants from APA of CPA accredited Clinical and Counseling Psychology programs. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a strong and genuine interest in working within a college counseling center and demonstrate a commitment to assisting clients of diverse backgrounds who present with a wide range of clinical presentations. Applicants should have passed their comprehensive exam by the application deadline and have their dissertation proposal approved by the start of internship. Applicants should have a minimum of 450 intervention hours and be certified as ready for internship by their doctoral programs.

Electronic application should include:

1. The completed AAPI online application form;
2. Cover letter;
3. A current vitae/résumé;
4. Transcripts of all graduate work;
5. Three letters of recommendation by professionals who are familiar with your counseling/clinical experiences and skills. At least one letter should be from a supervisor of a recent clinical experience.

Drexel University strives to provide the safest possible environment for all in the University community, including Student Workers, Faculty, Professional Staff, Temporary Staff, Non-Employee Associates, Volunteers, and Finalist Candidates. This policy supports the University’s efforts to minimize institutional risk and assists hiring authorities in making sound hiring decisions.

Applicants should note that under the revised Drexel University Background Check Policy, the University will require all new hires to have their background check clearance from Human Resources prior to starting employment. There is a provision in the policy for a waiver that would possibly allow a new hire to start work prior to obtaining the clearances if certain specific criteria are met. In addition, all new and current Drexel faculty, professional staff (including those affiliated with a collective bargaining unit), student workers, volunteers, temporary staff, and non-employee associates who have direct contact with minors (which includes Drexel students under the age of 18) must undergo the Act 153 background checks, which include: FBI Fingerprinting, PA State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH), and PA Child Abuse History Clearance. These checks are valid for 36 months. Those individuals who have already obtained the Act 153 clearances through Drexel are not required to renew them for 36 months from the issuance date.

Since under the law a minor is considered to be anyone under the age of 18, Human Resources will be conducting background checks for all current faculty, TAs and GAs who teach freshman classes and/or labs or are involved in programs that include minors. Those covered under this policy will not be permitted to have any contact with minors until the Act 153 background checks are completed and cleared by HR.

Policy

The University will conduct background investigations on Faculty, Professional Staff Members, Student Workers, Volunteers, Temporary Staff, Non-Employee Associates, and Finalist Candidates to determine or verify background information. This is to ensure that individuals who serve the University are well qualified, have a strong potential to be productive and successful, and have accurately presented their background and qualifications in oral representations and in written materials including the Application for Employment Form and résumé.

The University complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates the use of information gathered by consumer reporting agencies and which may determine an individual’s eligibility for employment, credit, or insurance. Results of the background investigation are kept confidential by Human Resources, but may be shared on a strict need-to-know basis.

The University reserves the right to decline an Applicant or Finalist Candidate or to discipline, revoke the privileges of and/or terminate any Faculty, Professional Staff Member, Student Worker, Volunteer, Temporary Staff Member, Non-Employee Associate, or other person to whom this policy applies, who has provided false, misleading, erroneous, or deceptive information on an application, résumé, or during an interview or who has omitted material information during the hiring process. The University reserves the right to share false, misleading, erroneous, and deceptive information to probation officers and other appropriate authorities. Drexel University reserves the right to conduct a background investigation at any time as a matter of law or based on the nature of the position. Please review the Background Check Policy at: http://drexel.edu/hr/resources/policies/dupolicies/hr52/ and direct any questions related to Act 153 Background Checks to Monée Pressley, HR Compliance Specialist, at 215.895.6245.

It is expected that each intern will secure professional liability insurance prior to the start of internship. Professional liability insurance is available at a nominal fee to student members of APA. Information about student liability insurance can be obtained by contacting the APA Insurance Trust at 800.477.1200.

We abide by the APPIC Policy on Internship Offers and Acceptances. This internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant. For the most updated Policy statement, please access the APPIC website. Drexel University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, lifestyle, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability. Inquiries concerning the above should be referred to Drexel University Human Resources at 215.895.2000.

The Drexel University Counseling Center internship program is a participating member of APPIC. The internship program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone (202) 336-5979
Email: apaaccred@apa.org