Practicum Training Overview

Our practicum training program provides an academic year (August - May) of supervised training for masters and doctoral level students who are interested in gaining experience in a University Counseling Center setting. This is a full academic year commitment. CAPS accepts three practicum trainees per year. Practicum trainees have the opportunity to develop their therapeutic skills in individual therapy and may have an opportunity to co-facilitate a psychoeducational group or process observe a group. Practicum trainees may also have the opportunity to provide outreach programming to the university student community. Advanced level practicum students who have at least two consecutive semesters of prior practica are strongly preferred, but previous work and volunteer experience will be considered as well.

Policy: Former/Current CAPS Clients as Potential Trainees

In order to minimize the potential for dual relationships, students in Purdue University’s Counseling or Clinical Psychology doctoral programs who have received treatment at CAPS and who subsequently seek training at CAPS as a practicum or doctoral intern clinician will not be considered for a training position until a period of 1 year has elapsed since their last clinical contact. This does not include a brief initial assessment or emergency appointment that resulted in a referral outside of CAPS.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Candidates for the CAPS Practicum must be currently actively pursuing one of the following degrees in an accredited academic program:

Degree of Ph.D./Psy.D. in Counseling or Clinical Psychology
You must also show proof of student liability insurance either provided to you through your academic department or else your own liability insurance (if you don't currently have student liability insurance, it can be reasonably purchased through The Trust).

Go To: CAPS Practicum Training Model and Philosophy
Go To: Practicum Training Program Description

How to Apply for Practicum:

Interested candidates should submit:

A cover letter which describes your interest in a practicum at Purdue CAPS, how you became interested in a psychology career, and the previous experiences you have had which have prepared you for working in the profession.
A completed application form (Go To: Practicum Placement Application).
A current curriculum vita which includes the names and contact information for 2 references.
Certification of Eligibility for practicum from Graduate Training Director/Coordinator (Pages 4-5 of the Practicum Placement Application linked above).

The documents above are fillable forms and are also downloadable in .pdf format.

If you do not have Acrobat Reader for .pdf files, you can download Acrobat Reader for free.

All application forms should be submitted by February 28, 2021. Once an application is received and complete, the applicant will be contacted via email or phone to schedule a SKYPE interview with the CAPS Training Staff. Interviews typically take one hour and will occur mid-March during Purdue's Spring Break. An interview is required for placement in the CAPS Practicum.

Send Application Materials and Direct Questions to:

Nancy L Badger, Ph.D., Psychology Resident
Assistant Director for Clinical Training
Counseling And Psychological Services
Purdue University
703 Third Street, Rm 1120
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2081
(765) 494-6995 Fax: (765) 496-3004

nlbadger@purdue.edu