Student Counseling Center

The UTD Student Counseling center offers practicum training for graduate students in counseling and clinical psychology. The typical practicum comprises two academic semesters, beginning in August and concluding in May. UTD Student Counseling Center typically offers three practicum positions each year.

UTD is committed to intensive supervision and to the furthering of trainees' personal and professional growth. Trainees receive broad exposure to the many professional activities that exist in our service-oriented agency. Training activities are tailored to address each trainee's developmental needs.

The University of Texas at Dallas

The University has a student population in excess of 14,000, including a significant number of graduate and international students, creating a diverse client population.

Student Counseling Center

The primary emphasis of the Student Counseling Center is to provide programs and services designed to assist students in achieving the emotional well-being necessary for success. The multidisciplinary professional staff includes five doctoral-level practitioners, one masters’ level practitioner, three predoctoral psychology interns, and psychiatric residents. Licenses held include Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. UT Dallas is a partner in the Dallas Metropolitan Consortium in Psychology which is an APA- accredited internship program.

Services provided by the center include:
• Individual, couples, and group counseling
• Educational programs and workshops
• Consulting
• Psychiatric referrals
• Psychological testing

Typical Week

Direct Client Contact*: 7-9 hours
Individual Supervision**: 1 hour (minimum)
Group Supervision: 1
Training: 1
Administrative: 4-5
Outreach: Varies by week
Meetings: 1
Total = 18-20 hours

*Direct client contact includes individual therapy, intakes, assessment and group therapy.

** Supervision will be conducted by both staff members as well as predoctoral psychology interns who are supervised by staff members.

The atmosphere of the counseling center lends itself well to an open door policy and trainees have the opportunity to consult with all members of the staff depending on specialty area.

Application Procedure:

A complete application includes:
- A vita describing educational and employment experiences
- Cover letter stating your interest and confirmation of your completion of prerequisite courses including: ethics, prepracticum counseling skills and theories of psychotherapy.
- The names of three references.

Applications will be reviewed beginning in April and will continue until positions are filled.

Applications and all inquiries should be directed to the attention of Dr Smitha Bhat, Practicum Program Coordinator.

There are currently three positions available yearly for practicum students. The counseling center will expect a full year commitment that includes a fall and spring semester.