Service Activities
Individual Psychotherapy
Interns typically see between 12-14 ongoing cases per week, though they may have 20 cases on their caseload. Most clients are seen within the context of providing brief therapy, which generally lasts approximately 8 sessions. Additionally, each intern will have the chance to work with two long-term cases.
Group Counseling
Interns have the opportunity to facilitate or co-facilitate at least one group. Opportunities to lead structured and unstructured therapy groups are available. Depending on the level of experience, some interns may initiate the development of groups in their areas of interest and expertise.
Intake Assessment
Interns complete four intake interviews per week. Interns present their case conceptualizations of each intake in a treatment team meeting. Emphasis is placed on intake assessment and ability to express clinical impressions both verbally and in written form.
Crisis Intervention (On-Call Conseling)
Interns serve as the On-Call Counselor for two hours weekly, during which time they respond to students in crisis. The On-Call Counselor responds to those who walk into the center as well as those who have telephoned. From time to time, this includes responding to concerns of family members, University faculty and staff, and others who express concern for a student. Senior staff is always available to the interns for consultation and immediate supervision.
Outreach/Consultation
Interns gain experience with a variety of outreach activities and consultative roles within a university counseling center and complete at least 40 hours of outreach or consultation during the year. Typically, outreach activities include facilitating workshops and classroom presentations as well as training residence life staff and students. Paired with senior staff, interns are assigned as liaisons to residential housing and academic departments, acting as consultants to organizations and professional staff.
Supervision of Practicum Students
Each intern is assigned a psychology practicum student with whom he or she serves as one of the two primary supervisors for the academic year. Interns are supervised in this activity by the Director of Training or another member of the Training Committee in a Supervision of Supervision seminar.
Training on Training
Each intern designs and develops one original formal two-hour didactic/experiential training seminar for presentation to the psychology practicum and social work training classes. Interns attend a series of seminars with the Director of Training focused on reviewing various training models and presentation techniques.
Contact Us
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
133 South 36th Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday
Emergencies: 215-349-5490 (ask for CAPS Clinician On Call)
Tel: 215-898-7021
Fax: 215-573-8966
Email: caps@pobox.upenn.edu
