clinical work at practicum sites

Before beginning their one-year pre doctoral internship, students are required to complete at least seven semesters of practica.  Practicum placements have included a variety of psychiatric hospitals, private psychological practices, community mental health facilities, neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitative services, and criminal justice settings.  Additionally, the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program operates its own Psychological Services Center (PSC) where students work with a broad range of community clientele under the supervision of psychologists licensed in the state of Texas.

The PSC has a dual mission of providing general clinical services to the community and providing forensic services to the courts and the criminal justice system.  Clients are screened by the Clinic Director before being accepted or assigned to a student clinician.  Two advanced students are selected to serve as clinic coordinators.   In addition to providing clinical services, they also assist the Clinic Director with administrative matters, conduct telephone intakes as part of the screening process, and function as liaisons to community agencies. 

Thus far, clinical services have been provided to a broad range of clientele from a variety of demographic and ethnic backgrounds.  Since its inception in 1999, the PSC has opened over 1,000 cases, over 70% of which have involved general clinical services.  A broad range of both assessment and treatment services for adults, adolescents, families, and children are offered.  This includes individual, couples, and family approaches.  Group therapy for both adults and adolescents is offered through contracts with the Montgomery County Juvenile Probation Department.  Clients treated have been diagnosed with psychopathology ranging from mild adjustment disorders to active psychoses. 

Forensic assessments performed for the courts most commonly include evaluating various competencies, criminal responsibility, and risk assessment.  Inexperienced students begin as observers, accompanying the faculty supervisor.  As they gain more experience, they perform portions of the interviews and draft the final report; however, the licensed supervisor remains the primary evaluator.  Students often use the assessments completed at the PSC for their mock trial exercise during their Forensic Assessment class. 

Each student assigned to the PSC participates in the monthly supervision seminar in clinical supervision conducted by the Clinic Director.  This includes completing assigned readings and participating in class discussions.  They then have the opportunity to function as peer supervisors.

Ben Taub houses one of the public psychiatric inpatients units for the mentally ill in Harris County.  Students assigned may have the opportunity to conduct initial screenings with seriously disturbed patients, function as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team and conduct both individual and group therapy with clients of all ages.  They also have the option of co-facilitating a group especially designed for the treatment of persons with Borderline Personality
Disorder.

This is a residential facility functioning as part of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC).  It houses TYC’s Capital and Serious Violent Offender Program, as well as a specialty program for juvenile sex offenders and those who suffer from chemical dependency.  Students assigned to this placement have opportunities for both individual and group psychotherapy.

The agencies serve incarcerated and probated juveniles throughout the Houston and Conroe areas.  Student clinicians conduct a wide range of assessments and some therapy.  Clients come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.  Students generally have the opportunity to participate in some forensic evaluations.

Students assigned will have the opportunity to perform a wide variety of assessments needed by the probation departments to plan treatment and manage risk.  They will also provide regular individual and group counseling.  Students may also spend a part of their time providing treatment services at a residential substance abuse treatment facility.

“The Ranch” is nationally recognized as providing leading edge neurobehavioral rehabilitation.  The facility develops and provides state-of-the-art transitional, residential, and vocational rehabilitation services for individuals who have known or suspected brain injury.  Through a continuum of services, The Ranch assists these individuals in progressing to their highest functional potential.  Referrals typically come from commercial insurance, state rehabilitation agencies, the worker’s compensation system, private pay, and other placement environments.  The primary responsibility of the practicum student will be to provide individual, group, and family therapy to the institution population.  The student may also participate in resident staffing meetings, training seminars, and specialty groups.  Other areas of involvement may include developing and implementing behavioral protocols, assisting I vocational placement programs and conducting neuropsychological assessments.

Dr. Marsha Harman is on the SHSU psychology faculty and also maintains a private practice in Huntsville. Students will have the opportunity to work with (and observe Dr., Harman work with) Children, adults, and families.  They will also have the opportunity to accompany Dr. Harman in consultations to a number of local school districts.

Dr. Ronald Massey has maintained a general clinical psychology practice in the Conroe area for over 20 years.  As well as learning the ins and outs of private practice, students will see patients in psychotherapy.  They will also have the opportunity to work in tandem with Dr. Massey in seeing children and families.

Located in the Texas Medical Center, TIRR specializes in the assessment and rehabilitation of persons suffering from brain injuries or other neuropsychological disorders.  Before being given this assignment, students must have completed a graduate level course in neuropsychological assessment.  At TIRR, students have the opportunity to conduct neuropsychological assessments of both child and adult clients.  They also hone their skills at integrating data and constructing assessment reports.  Given that TIRR has training as a primary mission, students have an opportunity to work closely with peers from other programs, as well as interns and medical residents.  They are also afforded access to the numerous didactic programs that are conducted at the Texas Medical Center.

ADAPT is a private counseling practice that provides general clinical services to children and families.  They have developed a specialty in juvenile sex offender treatment and include registered sex offender treatment providers on the staff.  Referrals frequently come from the courts or from the Texas Department of Regulatory Services.  Practicum students co-lead groups, provide individual therapy, work with families, and assist with intake evaluations.  Practicum students also have the opportunity to attend inter-agency meetings with treatment staff and specialized probation staff.  Students can also participate in a monthly didactic training seminar which presents information on the assessment and treatment of both offenders and victims of sexual abuse.