Training Opportunities
Overview
The primary objective of the training program at the counseling center is to cultivate proficient and versatile mental health professionals. This is accomplished through comprehensive training in clinical service delivery, outreach initiatives, and the provision of high-quality supervision, didactic instruction, and mentorship. The program places a strong emphasis on enhancing counseling and psychotherapy techniques to effectively address a wide range of psychological concerns and challenges encountered by college students. Services are available to enrolled full-time undergraduate students, and trainees will acquire practical experience in delivering both individual and group counseling, as well as pursuing professional development within the university counseling center setting.
The counseling center accepts applications from graduate students enrolled in counselor education, mental health counseling, clinical social work, and clinical or counseling psychology master’s or doctoral level programs. Students may complete a practicum, advanced practicum, or internship at the counseling center under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. The university or college of the student must be accredited in order to apply to UMW. Preference is given to trainees who can work both in the fall and spring semesters of an academic year. The counseling center is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Clinical hours are not available outside of these times.
Requirements
Trainees are required to be present on-site for a minimum of 16 hours each week and must engage in 1-2 hours of individual supervision weekly, in accordance with their graduate program requirements and relevant state licensing regulations. Additionally, trainees participate in a weekly group supervision session that includes formal case presentations and training on a variety of topics such as crisis management, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. All trainees receive supervision from our clinical staff, consisting of Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Residents in Counseling. Our program is equipped with webcams, and trainees are required to record all counseling sessions for review during supervision. While trainees have the opportunity to shadow the triage and intake processes, they are not permitted to shadow client sessions.
During this practicum or internship, you will gain valuable knowledge and experience in the best practices for treating a range of mental health diagnoses and concerns. These may include anxiety disorders, depressive disorder, interpersonal relationships, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, substance abuse, adjustment disorders, LGBT+ issues, family dynamics, coping with medical challenges, and school-related matters. Trainees will be introduced to various therapeutic interventions and orientations, all aimed at delivering the most effective treatment tailored to the unique needs of each client.
How to Apply
We are pleased to announce that applications for practicum and internship placements will be available beginning March 1, 2026. The application portal will open on that date and remain accessible through March 20, 2026 via this website. Placements are highly limited during the summer months (mid-May to mid-August).
Applicants should be prepared to submit the following materials:
- Completed application form (available through the portal)
- Current résumé or CV
- Cover letter outlining your interest in placement
If you have questions about the process or need additional information, please contact Dr. Chad Sims, Director of Talley Center for Counseling Services at csims3@umw.edu.
We appreciate your interest in applying for a practicum or internship placement and look forward to reviewing your application.