User:

Site Name: Biola University

Department: Biola Counseling Center

Department : Biola Counseling Center

Click on a section title to expand or collapse individual sections.
Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 2263
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: Biola University
Department: Biola Counseling Center
Address: 12625 La Mirada Blvd. Suite 202
La Mirada, California 90638
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA MSA
Distance from Major City: La Mirada is on the border of LA and Orange Counties
Phone: 562-903-4800
Fax: 562-903-4802
Email: michele.willingham@biola.edu
Web Address: http://www.biolacounselingcenter.org
Brochure Website's Address: http://www.biolacounselingcenter.org/internship
Primary Agency Type: University Counseling Center
Additional Agency Types:
  • Private Outpatient Clinic
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Michele Willingham
Chief Psychologist: Michele Willingham
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 6
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 4
Position Information
Start Date: 08/05/2024
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 4
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 36669
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Comp Time , Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): The University very generously provides 23 paid holidays (including bonus half-days), plus interns receive 5 days/40 hours of paid vacation, 5 days/40 hours of paid sick leave, and 8 hours of paid personal time. Additionally, BCC provides funding to support intern professional development activities including professional association student membership dues, professional liability insurance, conference registration fees, and travel expenses (approved by the Director of Internship Training).
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site Interns function as professionals in training and are an integral part of the BCC staff providing services to Biola University undergraduate and graduate students as well as serving individuals and couples from University faculty/staff and local community residents. These services include: short and long-term psychotherapy; group therapy; psychological assessment; on-call/crisis services; supervision of practicum students; and campus outreach and consultation.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? Yes
Doctoral Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Masters Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
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? Yes
Details of the above affiliations BCC's four full-time doctoral internship positions are partially affiliated with the Rosemead School of Psychology doctoral programs at Biola University. Qualified Rosemead candidates are given preference in ranking for two of the four positions. Qualified candidates from other doctoral programs are also considered and ranked and are strongly encouraged to apply.
Internship Application Process
Accepting Applicants: Yes
Application Due Date: 11/13/2023 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are: Not Offered
A Virtual Interview is:
Interview notification date: 12/01/2023
Tentative interview date: January 2-5, 2023
Interview process description:

Our interview period for Phase I of the Match will be January 2-5, 2024. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email no later than December 1, 2023. Per APPIC guidance, all interviews will be conducted virtually. 

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Candidate in an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology that requires internship training
- Certified as ready for internship by their doctoral program
- Successful completion of all comprehensive and/or professional qualifying examinations prior to the ranking deadline for the APPIC Match
- Dissertation or PsyD Paper proposal approved/accepted PRIOR TO APPLICATION for internship
- Dissertation or PsyD Paper COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF INTERNSHIP
- Completion of all required coursework and supervised practicum prior to the start date of internship
- Completion of at least 300 direct contact clinical/psychotherapy practicum hours with adults PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF INTERNSHIP 
- Completion of at least 50 direct contact assessment hours with adults PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF INTERNSHIP 
- Ability and willingness to demonstrate a spiritual attitude and a Christian lifestyle consistent with the beliefs, methods, and goals of Biola University (see Biola's Mission Statement)
- Ability and willingness to affirm that their personal theological beliefs and church practices are in agreement with Biola University's Articles of Faith
- Ability and willingness to uphold all Biola Community Standards of Conduct (see Employee Handbook Section 3.1 and 3.11)
- Ability and willingness to assert that they desire to work in an educational community where the Biblical Principles and Eschatology Teaching Position are embraced and taught
- Ability and willingness to submit to and pass a prospective employee background check (see Conditions of Employment)

The Intern Selection Committee takes the following preferred qualifications into consideration as well:
- Completion of more than 300 direct contact clinical/psychotherapy practicum hours prior to the start date of internship
- Dissertation or PsyD Paper COMPLETED or DEFENSE SCHEDULED PRIOR TO THE APPIC MATCH PHASE I RANKING DEADLINE, applicants should provide verification of completion or scheduled defense date to the BCC Internship Training Director no later than January 30th.  
- Strong interest in and commitment to serving a university community
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team of university health, mental health, and student development professionals
- Strong initiative and ability to independently complete tasks and projects
- Strong commitment to self-reflection and personal growth (e.g. having participated in individual psychotherapy)

The following is a summary of our selection process:
- Applications should be received by our deadline of November 13, 2023.
- The Internship Training Director reviews all applications to identify those that meet minimum requirements.
- Members of the Intern Selection Committee review every complete application identified by the Internship Training Director as meeting minimum requirements.
- Upon review of all eligible applications, the Intern Selection Committee discusses applicants and determines who to invite for an interview.
- Applicants will receive an e-mail indicating whether or not they have been selected to be interviewed by December 1, 2023. In accordance with APPIC policies, we notify all applicants of their interview status if they submit a complete application.
- Applicants selected to be interviewed will be contacted to schedule an interview.
- Interviews will be conducted between January 2-5, 2023.
- Applicants meet virtually with the Internship Training Director and with members of the Intern Selection Committee.
- Interviews consist of structured questions, responding to a case vignette, and an opportunity for applicants to ask questions.
- Opportunities to dialogue with current BCC interns and a virtual tour of BCC facilities are also provided.
- Please feel free to contact the Internship Training Director if you have any questions at any time throughout the process.
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: Alliant/CSPP Los Angeles, Clinical PsyD; Azusa Pacific University, Clinical PsyD; Chicago School of Professional Psychology Los Angeles, Clinical PsyD; Fuller Theological Seminary, Clinical PsyD and Clinical PhD; George Fox University, Clinical PsyD; Northwest University, Counseling PsyD; Regent University, Clinical PsyD; Rosemead School of Psychology, Clinical PsyD and Clinical PhD
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: Yes
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: Yes, by application deadline
Comprehensive Exams Passed: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Defended: Yes, by start of internship
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 300
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 50
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 Not Accepted
Non-Accredited Not Accepted
Ph.D Degree Accepted
Psy.D. Degree Accepted
Ed.D. Degree Not 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: Yes
How to obtain text of statement: As full-time employees of the University, BCC interns must demonstrate a spiritual attitude and a Christian lifestyle consistent with the beliefs, methods, and goals of the university. See Biola's Mission Statement here - https://www.biola.edu/about/mission. Candidates who match with the Biola Counseling Center internship program must affirm that their personal theological beliefs and church practices are in agreement with Biola University's Articles of Faith (https://www.biola.edu/about/theological-positions), as well as agree to abide by the University's Standards of Conduct (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rvUWoxD0Ijig4bLei6sxXOpiz0WPaPOf/view?usp=drive_link) while employed by Biola. Beyond this, matched interns are asked to assert that they desire to work in an educational community where the Biblical Principles and Eschatology Teaching Position are embraced and taught (https://www.biola.edu/about/theological-positions).
Other Requirements: All positions at Biola University require applicants to undergo a criminal background check that includes a review of any misdemeanor and felony convictions, pending charges, and the national sex offender registry. Results are evaluated on a case by case basis in terms of the severity of the crime and the department/position to which the candidate is applying. Please see outlined below details regarding the LA County Vaccination and Testing Requirements for Health Care Facilities updated 1/12/2022 and CA State Vaccination and Testing Requirements for Health Care Facilities updated 1/25/2022. As a behavioral health clinic that serves the public as well as the university, all staff and trainees at the Biola Counseling Center are subject to the following requirements: 1) All workers who provide services (paid or unpaid) in health care facilities where care is provided to patients in indoor settings, must have their first dose of a one-dose regimen or their second dose of a two-dose regimen by September 30, 2021. 2) All workers currently eligible for boosters must be "fully vaccinated and boosted" for COVID-19 receiving all recommended doses of the primary series of vaccines and a vaccine booster dose by February 1, 2022 (LA County) March 1, 2022 (State of CA). 3) Workers deemed by the facility operator to be exempt from vaccination requirements based on Religious Beliefs or due to Qualifying Medical Reasons must undergo testing for COVID-19, with either a PCR or antigen test, at least once weekly and wear a KN95 mask at all times. See http://www.biolacounselingcenter.org/internship/application.
Program Description

View our complete program description here:

http://www.biolacounselingcenter.org/internship

 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
Infants:
Toddlers:
Children:
Adolescents:
Adults: Yes
Family:
Older Adults:
Inpatients:
Outpatients: Yes
Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender: Yes
Ethnic minorities: Yes
Spanish-speaking:
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired:
Students: Yes
International Students: Yes
Rural:
Urban:
Low income: Yes
Homelessness:
Other: Christian, Suburban, 1st Generation College Students, Third Culture Students

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Individual Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Couples Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Family Therapy:
Group Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Community Intervention: Experience (21% to 30%)
Consultation/Liaison: Experience (21% to 30%)
Crisis Intervention: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Brief Psychotherapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Long-term Psychotherapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Primary Care:
Evidenced Based Practice: Experience (21% to 30%)
Evidence Based Research: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Supervision of Practicum students : Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Other: Christian Spiritual Integration

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology:
Women's Health:
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:
Anxiety Disorders: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
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:
Feminist Therapy:
Religion/Spirituality: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Empirically-Supported Treatments: Experience (21% to 30%)
Public Policy/Advocacy:
Program Development/Evaluation: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Supervision: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Research: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Administration:
Integrated health care - primary: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - specialty:
Other:

mood disorders, suicidality & self-injury, brief psychodynamic therapy, Christian spiritual integration

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.biolacounselingcenter.org  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: 47 34 38 36 45 36 45
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 22 24 24 24 30 23 24
Total number of interns: 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 2 2 3 1 2 0 0
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 2 2 1 3 2 4 4
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 4 4 4 4 4 3 4
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
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 7 2 8 2 2 0 1
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 46 24 14 26 34 53 21
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023
Academic teaching:
Community mental health center: 1
Consortium: 0
University Counseling Center: 0
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: 3
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 0
Back to the Search Page