PRE-DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIPS

The Training Program

The Counseling and Testing Center pre-doctoral internship in psychology is designed to provide training in a wide range of skills assisting interns in the development of their professional identities and interests. The program offers training and supervision in counseling and psychotherapy, crisis intervention, outreach, program development, and experience working in a health care setting. The interns see clients at the Counseling and Testing Center and the Student Health Center. The rotation in the Student Health Center gives interns the opportunity to provide counseling services to non-traditional students from the Western Technical College.

The Center has trained pre-doctoral interns from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Temple University, the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, the University of Georgia, the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and the University of St. Thomas. The program emphasizes personal growth, self-exploration, professional initiative, and a collaborative approach to learning.

Internship Activities

Direct Service A full-time intern would normally expect to conduct weekly intake sessions, carry an individual caseload, and rotate through the afternoon on-call emergency service. Interns are not required to be on-call after hours. The opportunity to facilitate groups and workshops are options based on the intern’s experience, training, and interests.

Outreach and Consultation. The Counseling and Testing Center has developed outreach programs in the areas of anxiety management, alcohol education and prevention, and relationship violence. Interns are expected to contribute to these efforts, and/or develop other outreach programs based on interest and expertise. Interns are also encouraged to establish consultative relationships with various campus offices, including the Office of Residence Life, Disability Resource Services, the Pride Center, the Office of Student Life, and Recreational Sports.

Supervision and Training. The Counseling and Testing Center has one full time and one half time licensed psychologist, a licensed professional counselor, and a certified clinical social worker. The psychologists function in the primary supervisory role, but the interns are invited to learn from all counseling staff. The entire staff is available for consultation in their respective areas of expertise. The Counseling Center has excellent facilities for using videotape as a primary training tool. Philosophically, the Counseling Center staff is highly committed to helping interns develop their skills in an atmosphere of trust and respect.

Administrative Activities. From the beginning of the training year, interns are viewed as administratively responsible individuals whose contributions are valued and requested. Therefore, interns participate in decision-making meetings and will represent the Counseling and Testing Center to the University community.

Qualifications

Applicants must complete all required courses, practica, and comprehensive examinations in a doctoral level counseling/clinical professional psychology program prior to the internship starting date.

Stipend and Benefits

The twelve month internship has a stipend of $7,000 with excellent, low cost health insurance. The Counseling and Testing Center is able to fund two pre-doctoral interns for the 2008 - 2009 fiscal year.

The Setting

The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse (UW-L) is one of 13 comprehensive universities in the prestigious University of Wisconsin System. U.S. News and World Report ranked UW-L second for Midwest regional public universities in its 2006 edition of “ America’s Best Colleges.” Men’s Fitness magazine (October 2005) ranked UW-L No. 10 in fitness among all sizes of campuses nationwide. The survey looked at the campus culture of fitness, exercise, and factors that influence health and well being. UW-L is affiliated on the national level with NCAA Division III. The student athletes have won 33 national titles in nine different sports since 1991.

The campus is located in a residential section of La Crosse, Wisconsin, a city of 52,000. With towering bluffs to the east and the Mississippi River to the west, scenic La Crosse is situated in the heart of the beautiful 7 Rivers Region. A regional center for shopping, business and industry, La Crosse combines big city excitement with small-town warmth and neighborliness. Densely-wooden coulees (gorges between the bluffs) and a lush marsh provide prime locales for all kinds of outdoor pursuits.

Application

The training program is not a member of APPIC, but will participate in the 2008 APPIC Clearinghouse as a non-member. Telephone and/or on-site interviews will be conducted the week following Match Day (February 25, 2008). Completed applications should include a letter of interest , copy of transcripts, three letters of reference, statement of readiness from your training director, and a resume/vita.

For more information contact:

Jon A. Hageseth, Ph.D., LP
Director, Counseling and Testing Center
112 Wilder Hall, UW-L Campus
La Crosse , WI 54601
(608) 785-8073
hageseth.jon@uwlax.edu