PSYC 689

PSYC 689
Practicum in Clinic Setting

1. Catalog Entry

PSYC 689
Practicum in Clinic Setting

Prerequisites: Enrollment in school psychology graduate program or permission of instructor. PSYC 631 with a grade of "B" or higher.

Corequisites: PSYC 785 and 635

Credit hours: (2)

This practicum will provide graduate students an opportunity to deliver psychological services in a clinic setting under the close supervision of a licensed psychologist. Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience providing counseling, assessment, consultation, supervision, clinical research and other applied work in a clinic setting (e.g., RU Center for Assessment and Psychological Services). Students will participate in individual and/or group supervision. Training related to psychological techniques, diversity, ethics and evidence-based practice will be infused throughout the course. Students may repeat this practicum.

2. Detailed Description of Course

This practicum will provide graduate students an opportunity to deliver psychological services in a clinic setting under the close supervision of a licensed psychologist. Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience providing counseling, assessment, consultation, supervision, clinical research and other applied work in a clinic setting (e.g., RU Center for Assessment and Psychological Services). Students will participate in individual and/or group supervision. Training related to psychological techniques, diversity, ethics and evidence-based practice will be infused throughout the course. Students may repeat this practicum. This is a Pass/Fail course.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The content of the course will cover the following:

• Standards of ethics and ethical behavior relevant to a psychology program and clinic setting. NASP, APA, and HIPAA ethical guidelines will be reviewed. Any additional ethical, legal, cultural or best practice guidelines relevant for the clinic setting, psychological techniques, or case study will be addressed.
• Theories of clinical supervision and expectations
• Case conceptualization, DSM diagnosis, and clinical intake diagnostic interview
• Selection of psychological techniques and case preparation for service delivery
• Administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological assessment instruments
• Monitoring response to intervention/therapy and outcome measurement
• Oral and written communication of assessment and intervention/therapy findings and recommendations
• Preparing for the case study oral presentation
• Evaluating the student’s professional dispositions and effectiveness as a clinician
• Evaluating the student’s role and effectiveness in supervision sessions

The course will be conducted in a practicum setting under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.  Students will typically engage in but are not limited to lecture, discussion, case study preparation, diagnostic techniques, therapeutic techniques, client outcome measurement, oral presentation, written reports and self-evaluation.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

This practicum will meet National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) training domains and American Psychological Association (APA) Learner-Centered Psychological Principles.  NASP, APA, and HIPAA ethical guidelines will be reviewed. Any additional ethical, legal or best practice guidelines relevant for the clinic setting will be reviewed.

• Students will apply psychological principles and knowledge to improving the cognitive, academic, behavioral, social, & emotional functioning of client. 
• Students be prepared to collect assessment data through a variety of methods, including the selection, administration, and interpretation of standardized assessment instruments, behavioral observation techniques, interviewing techniques, curriculum-based assessment/measurement, review of records and student products, and dynamic assessment. 
• Students will be able to apply assessment data to the development of workable and effective intervention plans for clients. Students may gain experience implementing intervention plans through indirect (consultation) service delivery and direct (intervention delivery) means. 
• Students will be able to write assessment reports that clearly communicate reason for referral, background information, observations, assessment results/monitoring, and suggestions for intervention planning. 
• Students will be able to conduct oral feedback conferences with clients and/or parents of clients that provide a clear and understandable explanation of assessment results (if applicable) or treatment plans (if applicable), including response to intervention/therapy (if applicable). 
• Students will be expected to participate in multidisciplinary team functioning with other clinic staff and/or graduate students.
• Students will be able to conduct a case study presentation. 
• Throughout the practicum experience, students will demonstrate appropriate professional, personal and ethical standards and behavior, including temperament, awareness, and attitudes. Students will complete a self-evaluation of professional skill sets and response to supervision.

5. Assessment Measures

Students will be assessed with a variety of measures, including but not limited to oral presentations, supervision participation, and instructor ratings based on psychological services provided (e.g., assessment administration, written psychological reports, video-taped therapy sessions with clients).

6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval
February 10, 2014

November 10, 2026