Advanced Doctoral Practicum Program

Type of Clients Served

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a large, urban, access-oriented, commuter campus located in downtown Denver and home to one of the most diverse student bodies in Colorado. The Counseling Center’s client base represents the enrollment of the approximately 17,500 students at MSU Denver, who are ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse.

Approximately 55% of MSU Denver students are students of color. MSU Denver is also a designated Hispanic-Service Institution (HSI) and is committed to serving DACA and undocumented students.

Approximately 15% of the Counseling Center’s clients identify as LGBTQ. Our clients also range across age and stage of life development, with an average age of 25, and include a significant portion of non-traditional and transfer students. Over 85% work full or part time while pursuing their education and 60% of MSU Denver students are 1^st generation college students.

Coupled with their diverse backgrounds, students receiving services at the Counseling Center present with a full range of clinical concerns, affording our Practicum Students a robust and versatile training experience unique among university settings.

Services Provided

Short-term, goal-focused, individual psychotherapy; group psychotherapy (process, support); initial screenings, intake assessment, walk-in and crisis intervention, case management and referral services; outreach and psychoeducational workshops on a range of mental health topics; campus-wide mental health awareness events. These services are offered in both virtual and in-person formats.

Duties of Advanced Doctoral Practicum Students

Practicum Students will divide their time among the following (responsibilities will vary). A breakdown of an average week is provided below.

1) individual psychotherapy
2) co-facilitation of groups (subject to interest/availability)
3) initial screenings, intakes, walk-in/crisis coverage, and case management
4) outreach programs
5) individual supervision
6) professional development and training seminars
7) staff meetings
8) documentation and planning

Supervision (English & Spanish Options)

Each Practicum Student will be supervised by a Licensed Staff Psychologist. Staff have doctoral degrees in clinical or counseling psychology, practice from a wide variety of theoretical orientations, and are committed to continued growth in multicultural competence. Bilingual supervision is also available. Staff also work closely with multi-disciplinary psychiatric providers at the on-campus Health Center.

• Format: A minimum of 1 hour weekly of individual supervision, plus 2 hours of weekly in-service presentations or case discussions and 1-hour biweekly training seminars. Staff practice a collegial, open-door policy for additional supervision as needed.
• Ratio: One hour of supervision will be provided for approximately eight clinical hours.

Time Commitment

Approximately 17 hours per week, consisting of one full 8-hour day and two half-days, with some availability on Fridays. Attendance on Wednesday mornings is required for:

• Staff Meetings (8-9 a.m.)
• Biweekly Trainee Seminars (9-10 a.m.)
• Professional Development (10-11:30 a.m.)
• Case Consultation (11:30-noon)

Attendance at monthly Psychiatric Consultation meetings (Tuesday 9-10 a.m.) is optional but strongly encouraged.

Start/End Dates: The practicum runs from Monday, August 11th, 2025 through Friday, May 15th, 2026. The Center will be closed December 25th thru January 1st. It reopens again on the first working day after January 1st.

Stipend: A stipend is offered on a biweekly basis for the duration of one’s participation in the program.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of 2 years of a clinical or counseling psychology doctoral program with good academic standing; 2 years of experience providing psychotherapy; good intake assessment and treatment skills; interest in group therapy; interest conducting outreach programs; knowledge and skills relating to multicultural competence and experience with diverse client populations. Personal qualities include: reliable, self-reflective, good communication and interpersonal skills, and professionalism.

Application Process

Application Deadline for Fall 2025: Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, by 3 p.m. MST

To Apply: Submit (1) Cover Letter, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references and (4) a copy of an Unofficial Graduate Transcript to [email protected]

Selection Process: Interviews will be scheduled with selected applicants who have submitted complete applications before the application deadline. Interviews will be scheduled in early February. The MSU Denver Counseling Center abides by the Mutual Selection Date (Friday, February 21^st, 2025), established in collaboration with other area university counseling centers. Per guidelines, we will offer placements to our top-selected applicants, who will have until this date to respond to our offer but are welcome to accept or decline beforehand if desired.

For more information, please contact:

• Andrew Sia, Ph.D., Associate Director of Training, [email protected]