Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Resources

Clinical Mental Health Resources

Overview

The purpose of the clinical mental health counseling experience is to provide students with an entry-level professional clinical training opportunity, under supervision, in a clinical setting appropriate to the clinical mental health counseling specialty of interest to the student. This training opportunity is intended to provide students the chance to perform a number of counseling activities and duties performed by practicing community counselors. During the course of the clinical experience, students will learn additional practical skills, as well as practice skills that have been taught in the didactic portion of their training program. Many counseling and non-clinical learning opportunities are available through work in a real agency setting. Students are provided with the opportunity to see real clients, develop and implement clinical intervention plans, determine which strategies are most effective with specific clients and client situations, experience the diversity of clients and their unique challenges, and, finally, to work in the environment as practicing clinicians with fellow clinicians. The clinical training portion of the Counseling Program is a critical element in the overall preparation of competent and effective community counselors.

FIeld Placement Handbook

General Requirements for Practicum Placement

1. Completion of 15 semester hours of counseling course requirements with a B or better in:

Counseling Theories

Counseling Techniques
Ethics
Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling
Group Counseling (pre- or co-requisite)
**Introduction to Play Therapy (pre- or co-requisite)

**Note: Introduction to Play Therapy is required only for individuals working with children aged 10 or younger**

2. Display of appropriate disposition(s) as defined by the contract you signed upon entering the Counseling Program.

3. Possession of active liability insurance

4. Complete and approved background check

General Requirements for Internship Placement

1. Completion of:

Practicum
Advanced Techniques (pre- or co-requisite)
Introduction to Play Therapy (only for those working with children 10 years of age or younger)

2. Display of appropriate disposition(s) as defined by the contract you signed upon entering the Counseling Program.

3. Possession of active liability insurance

Student Expectations

You are responsible for knowing and following practicum and internship guidelines. You risk complicating the practicum or internship process, which may affect your progression through the program. If you are unsure how to proceed, consult your faculty advisor and the counseling clinical coordinator.

Since these guidelines cover your on-site actions as well, check with your site supervisor to make sure that you are acting according to the institution or school policies and procedures. For example, know and follow the procedures for requesting a professional day or taking sick leave. As noted earlier, practicum and internship students, even unpaid ones, must adhere to professional, institutional, and ethical standards.

The minimum number of on-site hours for the practicum is 150, with a minimum of 60 hours of direct client contact.

The internship experience consists of 600 hours of on-site work, across two consecutive semesters, with 240 total hours expected in direct contact with clients.

Typically, direct client contact comes in four different forms, (a) individual counseling, (b) group counseling, (c) psycho-educational or classroom guidance groups, and (d) parent or family meetings. All other activities are considered non-direct hours.

Important Forms and Documents

Document	Link
UNC Charlotte Clinical Field Site Placement List
Permission to Record Form ADULT CLIENT
Permission to Record Form ADULT CLIENT (Spanish Translation)
Permission to Record Form MINOR CLIENT
Permission to Record Form MINOR CLIENT (Spanish Translation)
Site Supervisor Final Evaluation Form

Websites and Platforms

DocuSign

DocuSign Resources

GoReact

GoReact Resources

Note: GoReact will only be available through your canvas course. To access your assignment, please log in through Canvas, and open the corresponding Course and Assignment.