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Prac II and Master's Internship

The UNC Counseling Center provides 1-2 Master's level Prac II and/or Master's internship positions each academic year. Prac II positions are available for UNC Master's students, whereas Master's Internship are available to students from CACREP programs. While Prac II placements don't automatically qualify individual for Master's Internship placements so as to allow interns and our site the opportunity for more informed decision-making, the vast majority of our Prac II students stay on to complete their internship at our site. These positions are designed to assist counselors to develop and hone their skills in clinical interventions commonly used in a University Counseling Center or similar mental health settings.

Training Model

The model of training that we have adopted at the Counseling Center is best described as a "developmental apprenticeship" approach. We believe that becoming a competent professional counselor is a developmental process requiring graduated experiences and a combination of experiential and didactic training with close supervision and mentorship.

Professional training will focus on the development and refinement of clinical skills and will include providing:

  • Individual, couples and group therapy
  • Developing diagnostic case conceptualization
  • Conducting initial consultations
  • Treatment planning
  • Case management
  • Documenting psychotherapy in ethical, concise, and timely manner
  • Providing outreach presentations & consultation
  • Collaborating as part of a treatment team
  • Developing multicultural awareness and skills
  • Translating ethical and legal issues into professional behavior

Master's level training largely consists of experiential learning supplemented by didactic information and close supervision and mentorship. As part of our developmental model, the staff encourages interns to assess their professional strengths and limitations and assists them in developing appropriate learning experiences to guide their growth within the parameters of the training opportunities offered here.

Over the course of the internship, as we see competence and confidence levels increase for the intern, we are committed to creating opportunities across all skill areas that will foster greater autonomy and independent functioning.

  • Case Conference (Clinical Staff Meeting)

    Case conference is designed to give interns additional opportunities to dialog about their clinical work with other interns and senior staff, and provides an opportunity for group supervision. Interns are asked to informally present either an intake or an ongoing client for group discussion. One formal case presentation will also be required each semester.

  • Outreach and Prevention Programs

    Interns participate in a variety of outreach activities, such as presentations, university-wide fairs, and consultation projects. An average of 1-2 hours per week of outreach and consultation is allotted in the weekly schedule (some weeks there will be no opportunities for outreach, while other weeks might require 3+ hours). Occasional evening and weekend outreach events will be required.

    Examples of outreach activities include, but are not limited to:

    • Participation in the Mental Health Summit
    • Eating Disorder Awareness Week
    • Staff the UNC Student Involvement Fair
    • Assistance with RA training
    • Alcohol/Depression/Eating Disorder Screenings
    • Other trainings/presentations as requested by various campus and community agencies
  • Individual Supervision

    The intern's primary supervisor will provide a minimum of 1-2 hours per week of individual supervision. The assigned supervisor will be a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed psychologist. At times Master's Interns may also receive secondary supervision with a Doctoral Intern (under the supervision of a licensed staff psychologist).  The supervisor will review client video recordings and have knowledge of all clients being seen by the intern. The supervisors will also serve as an advocate and consultant for other center-related activities and will assist the intern in decisions relating to professional development. Supervisors will provide written feedback at mid-semester and end-of-semester evaluation meetings.

    Interns typically have a different supervisor each semester. The Training Director assigns the supervisor pairings on the basis of the interns' stated preferences, their training needs, and the available resources within the center. Intern input is always welcome.

Average Week (Master's Internship)

  • 10-12 individual clients
  • 3 intake sessions
  • 1-2 hours (minimum) of individual supervision
  • Opportunity to process observe an Interpersonal Process Group
  • Participate in clinical weekly meeting
  • Opportunities for outreach and consultation (as needed)
  • Paperwork
  • Participation in Group Seminar (if leading a therapy group)

Requirements

  • We only accept candidates from CACREP programs
  • Internship must be completed across 2 consecutive semesters
  • 600 total hours required, 240 must be direct service (Note: we will adjust these requirements in order to meet needs of different programs).
  • Must commit to attending orientation (dates TBA)
  • Commit to at least 20 hours a week (some will need to devote 25-28 hours a week to compensate for lighter clinical loads at slower student traffic times in order to complete the 600 hours requirement)
  • Attend weekly group supervision, clinical and/or other meetings (Tuesday morning, 8:00am-12:00pm)
  • Participate in supervision of group therapy (if applicable) and in various trainings and seminars throughout the year.
  • Please be aware that students who have received counseling services through the UNC Counseling Center within the last 2 years will not be eligible for this position. Applications will be reviewed by those applicants who received services more than 2 years ago on a case by base basis to minimize and avoid the potential of dual role relationships. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Director of Training, Dr. Jeffrey Roche at jeffrey.roche@unco.edu or call 970-351-2496.   

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials via email to our Director of Training, Dr. Jeff Roche at jeffrey.roche@unco.edu.

  • Letter of interest describing your experience and interest working in a university counseling center setting
  • Curriculum vitae
  • 1 letter of reference (someone who is familiar with your clinical work)
  • Please email materials as a single PDF document

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.  If selected for an interview, you will join us for a 1-hour in-person interview. 

If you have questions about our training opportunities or the application and interview process, please email Dr. Jeffrey Roche at jeffrey.roche@unco.edu or call 970-351-2496.