Department : Counseling Center

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 1750
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: University of San Diego
Department: Counseling Center
Address: 300 Serra and Tekakwitha Hall
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, California 92110
Country: United States
Metro Area: San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
Distance from Major City:
Phone: 309-438-7407
Fax: 309-438-7476
Email: ktajii@sandiego.edu
Web Address: http://www.sandiego.edu/counseling-center/
Brochure Website's Address: http://www.sandiego.edu/counseling-center/doctoral-internship/
Primary Agency Type: University Counseling Center
Additional Agency Types:
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Kevin Tajii
Chief Psychologist: Laura Thackray
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 5
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 2
Position Information
Start Date: 08/01/2024
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 3
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 39520.00
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): Staff have use of university libraries and databases, gym, recreational classes, and discounts at university shops. Perhaps the greatest benefit is our close proximity to outdoor activities--we are located about 15 minutes from the beach and an hour or so from the mountains.
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site Our internship takes place at a high energy site. A typical day may include several clients sessions, initial intake appointments, group session, documentation and follow up with students referred to the community. Other training experiences, depending on the day, might include individual supervision, group supervision, supervising a practicum student, Health, Equity and Accessibility Dialogue, or consultation on diversity or other areas of interest. Interns may individualize their training experiences by choosing a Clinical Focus Area to supplement the generalist training model.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? Yes
Doctoral Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Masters Psychology Practicum StudentsNo
Do Psychology Interns/Postdocs Have the Opportunity to Supervise Practicum Students?Yes
Is this program fully affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Is this program partially affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Internship Application Process
Accepting Applicants: Yes
Application Due Date: 11/01/2023 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are: Not Offered
A Virtual Interview is: Required
Interview notification date: 12/08/2023
Tentative interview date: 01/02/2024
Interview process description:

Interviews take place approximately January 2-12, 2024. To ensure equity and accessibility and in following COVID-19 guidelines, all interviews are 45 minutes - 1 hour via Zoom, with two to three staff members. Interview includes a vignette and brief (10-15 minute) case presentation. A virtual Open House will be scheduled January 19, 2024 and more information will be provided to applicants as it becomes available. 

We welcome your interest in our site and encourage you to let us know if you have any accessibility needs that might affect an interview.

Individuals offered contingent employment at the University of San Diego will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment background check, which is a national background inquiry that  includes a criminal  felony and misdemeanor search, national sex offender registry database search, SanctionsBase Plus database search, social security number validation and trace. Adverse information discovered in the background check will not automatically disqualify an individual from employment. Decisions concerning employment will be made on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with a review of the job description, requirements and university policy.

All clinical team members of the USD Wellness Area must secure and maintain immunizations as mandated by local medical authorities and recommended by the Center for Disease Control. 

How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: In the past few years we have matched with University of Houston, Alliant University, Seattle Pacific University, Roosevelt University - Chicago, Fuller Theological Seminary, George Fox University, University of Massachusetts - Boston, Azusa Pacifica, Pepperdine University, University of Colorado. For full listing of our past interns and their programs, please visit our website.
Internship Applicant Requirements
US Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a U.S. Citizen, Authorization to Work or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in the US is Required: No
Canadian Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a Canadian Citizen, Authorization to Work in Canada or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in Canada is Required: No
Masters Degree Required: No
Comprehensive Exams Passed: Yes, by ranking deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 450
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable):
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable):
Minimum Number of Years of Grad Training Required (if applicable): 3
Accepted / Not-Accepted Program Types
Clinical Psychology Accepted
Counseling Psychology Accepted
School Psychology Not Accepted
APA-Accredited Accepted
CPA-Accredited Accepted
PCSAS-Accredited
Non-Accredited Not Accepted
Ph.D Degree Accepted
Psy.D. Degree Accepted
Ed.D. Degree Accepted
This institution, department, internship, or postdoctoral program requires trainees to sign a statement about personal behavior and/or religious beliefs as a condition of admission and/or retention in the program: No
How to obtain text of statement:
Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation. At least two should be from clinical supervisors. In your cover letter, please describe any experience you have had in providing time limited therapy, specifying the number of semesters you have done so. Please note that the training committee will consider the impact of COVID-19 on intervention hours accrued when reviewing applications. All clinical members of the USD Wellness Area must secure and maintain immunizations as mandated by local medical authorities and recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Individuals offered contingent employment at the University of San Diego will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment background check, which is a national background inquiry that includes a criminal felony and misdemeanor search, national sex offender registry database search, SanctionsBase Plus database search, social security number validation and trace. Adverse information discovered in the background check will not automatically disqualify an individual from employment. Decisions concerning employment will be made on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with a review of the job description, requirements and university policy.
Program Description

The USDCC internship follows a practitioner-scholar model. We emphasize the role of the psychologist as an educated, thoughtful and self aware helper; we view science as a process in addition to a source of knowledge. Critical thinking, thorough assessment, and appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion as well as cultural humility are hallmarks of our services. An understanding of the impact of culture is integrated into every aspect of the work we do in direct services, training and scholarly activity. We define culture and diversity broadly, allowing our definition to encompass race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, nationality, acculturation, religious and spiritual beliefs, physical and mental abilities, size and appearance. To facilitate cultural competency and explore and challenge implicit biases, our Mental and Behavioral Health Team meets monthly for Health, Equity and Accessibility and interns are regularly included in this experience as participants and co-facilitators. The program provides initial self-assessment and close supervision utilizing aspects of developmental and competency based approaches. Independent thinking and self-appraisal are fostered. We offer generalist training in a university setting. Short-term services and outreach are emphasized. Cultural competency is promoted through seminars, experiential exercises, and supervision. In addition to generalist training, we encourage interns to develop interests through Clinical Focus Areas (optional). The internship focuses on the profession-wide competencies stipulated by the APA Standards of Accreditation. Competencies attained and specifics regarding training experiences are detailed on our website. Telebehavioral health for clinical services and training will be utilized throughout the training year as needed. 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations

Infants:
Toddlers:
Children:
Adolescents: Yes
Adults: Yes
Family:
Older Adults:
Inpatients:
Outpatients:
Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender: Yes
Ethnic minorities: Yes
Spanish-speaking: Yes
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired:
Students: Yes
International Students: Yes
Rural:
Urban: Yes
Low income: Yes
Homelessness:
Other:

Treatment Modalities

Assessment: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Individual Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Couples Therapy:
Family Therapy:
Group Therapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
Community Intervention: Experience (21% to 30%)
Consultation/Liaison: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Crisis Intervention: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Brief Psychotherapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Long-term Psychotherapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Primary Care: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Evidenced Based Practice: Experience (21% to 30%)
Evidence Based Research:
Supervision of Practicum students : Exposure (1% to 20%)
Other:

Experience

Health Psychology: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Women's Health: Experience (21% to 30%)
HIV/AIDS:
Eating Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Disorders:
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology:
Physical Disabilities:
Learning Disabilities: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Developmental Disabilities:
Assessment: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Neuropsychology-Adult:
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Anxiety Disorders: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Trauma/PTSD: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Abuse: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Substance Use Disorders: Experience (21% to 30%)
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology:
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Vocational/Career Development:
Multicultural Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Feminist Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Religion/Spirituality: Experience (21% to 30%)
Empirically-Supported Treatments: Experience (21% to 30%)
Public Policy/Advocacy:
Program Development/Evaluation:
Supervision: Experience (21% to 30%)
Research:
Administration: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - primary: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - specialty:
Other:

See our website for details about our training experiences. Please check back for the most updated information. Telebehavioral health will be implemented throughout the training year as needed.

Additional information about training opportunities: Not all rotations or training experiences may be available as described in the APPIC Directory. Please consult the program's application materials or their website at: www.sandiego.edu/counseling-center/  for a complete description of the training opportunities available at this training site. IF the site has not updated their information by August 1, feel free to contact the Training Director for additional information.

Summary of the Characteristics of the Specified Internship Class
2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024
Number of Completed Applications: 88 145 117 130 130 133 141
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
Total number of interns: 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 0 2 0 0 3 0 3
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 3 1 3 3 0 3 0
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 3 3 3 3 3 3 2
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 1 4 5 2 1 3 3
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 12 68 7 8 7 10 19
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023
Academic teaching:
Community mental health center: 0
Consortium: 0
University Counseling Center: 2
Hospital/Medical Center: 0
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 0
Psychiatric facility: 0
Correctional facility: 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0
School district/system: 0
Independent practice setting: 1
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 0