The WMCC internship program requires the completion of a 2000 hours, of which, 500 hours are to be direct service. The training program at the WMCC aims to provide a supportive and comprehensive doctoral-level internship in health service psychology. Our training philosophy emphasizes an experiential approach coupled with didactic seminars, and an interactive process-oriented learning experience. Woven throughout the training program is an appreciation for the diversity of all people. A multicultural lens and issues of social justice are central to our mission, our service delivery, and our training program. An important component of the WMCC philosophy of training is the belief in the need to integrate scientific/scholarly knowledge and critical thinking into clinical practice and clinical/ethical decision making. Similarly, considering the role of the self as a therapeutic tool, we encourage, but not require, exploration of personal experiences that could impact clinical work. We strive to provide a collegial and supportive atmosphere in which interns feel safe but challenged to develop a flexible and integrated repertoire of skills and competencies. Interns benefit from formal and informal consultation with supervisors/staff members who are diverse in terms of age, gender, race and cultural heritage, national origin, discipline, theoretical orientation, interests, and skills. Staff members are highly committed to the training program and serve as mentors for interns.
Interns fulfill the multiple roles of counseling center psychologists. Individual and group therapy, assessment, crisis intervention, on-call coverage, outreach programming and consultation, and supervision of a practicum student, are all roles our interns perform. Our training program is designed to prepare interns to work in health service psychology as ethical, multiculturally sensitive, and competent clinicians. We strive to facilitate the integration of knowledge, scholarly work, and skills and the consolidation of a solid professional identity.
Our Center has transitioned to a hybrid model of service delivery in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in effort to prioritize the health and safety of our staff, trainees, and clients. Currently, staff work primarily from the office providing both in-person and telemental health services. Certain criteria must be met for clients to be eligible for either in-person or telemental heath services. Telemental health services are offered via the HIPAA-compliant Zoom Healthcare platform. Trainees video record sessions via this platform. Office space allows for social distancing and PPE and disinfecting supplies are provided to staff. Training meetings and supervision may be conducted remotely. Accommodations can be pursued for staff and Interns who may experience a condition that would present concerns from being on-site. Center operation policies and procedures may evolve in conjunction with the state of the pandemic. Candidates are encouraged to reach out to the Training Director for the most up-to-date information on procedures in the future.