Mental Health Clinical Experience in College Counseling at Counseling and Psychological Services - Job Training Program

The SkillBridge Mental Health Clinical Experience in College Counseling at Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) emphasizes a work experience focused on the training of "generalists"- highly competent and versatile professionals, who keep abreast of changes in the field and who use this information to inform their clinical practice. An additional goal of our program is the development of professionalism. As part of this, Skill Bridge participants will build upon their learning and abilities to engage in a process of self-evaluation of their work and its effectiveness. This is achieved through various supervision experiences (individual and group psychotherapy supervision), and through collaborative work with other professionals. Three major objectives which follow from this goal are: a strong emphasis on enhancing one's internal sense of ethical responsibility (conformity to accepted professional standards of conduct), social responsibility (sensitivity to the full range of human differences), and personal responsibility (awareness of self and one’s personal impact in professional interactions). Clinicians who complete this SkillBridge training experience will work closely with clinical and administrative supervisors and peers in the counseling center. They will maintain confidentiality, ethical treatment protocols and records management expectations to ensure compliance with policies and procedures of Penn State and CAPS. SkillBridge participants are also expected to adhere to the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Ethics Code for their specific field.

SkillBridge participants will provide individualized mental health services at our counseling center, with clinical activities tailored to their prior education and experience. Core responsibilities include:Individual Therapy: Conduct initial appointments and provide short-term psychotherapy to students presenting with depression, anxiety, interpersonal concerns, trauma, eating disorders, academic issues, developmental challenges and other concerns. Receive 1.5-2 hours weekly supervision with a licensed clinician.Group Therapy: Potential opportunity (time-based) to co-lead therapy groups (25+ groups offered per semester) based on clinical needs and participant experience. Includes comprehensive training on group therapy fundamentals, ethics, and facilitation. Receive 1-hour weekly group supervision if co-leading.Comprehensive and Varied Clinical Experience: Work with students from varied demographics and backgrounds during late adolescent/early adulthood developmental phase. Focus on developing multicultural competence and cultural humility through supervision and consultation.Additional Opportunities: May include triage/phone screenings, urgent evaluations, outreach, and psychological assessment based on system needs, participant background, and timing.All clinical activities include appropriate supervision and are designed to provide intensive, real-world mental health experience while ensuring quality client care.