Master's and Doctoral Training

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the University of Richmond Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) training for graduate students. We invite applications from students enrolled in Master of Counseling (or equivalent) programs or Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology degree programs who have or will have already completed one practicum experience. Our training site endorses a developmental competency model of supervision and training, reflecting a focus on development of competencies consistent with a trainee’s experience. Our program is committed to incorporating multicultural and diversity perspectives throughout all aspects of training. We are looking for trainees who demonstrate a commitment to antiracism and racial justice and are eager to further develop their actions and skills in these areas. Our staff is committed to integrating development of clinical competencies and ethical practice with professional growth in the context of a supportive environment.

In 2020, CAPS became integrated with several other student development offices that form a Well-Being Unit, reflecting a commitment to UR students’ emotional, physical and mental holistic wellness. While CAPS operates as an independent center, we are closely aligned with our partners in the Student Health Center, Health Promotions and Recreation offices. While the training experience is predominantly with CAPS, trainees have opportunities to learn about and from these student development offices (as well as others) in gaining an understanding of college counseling center work within Student Development.

Staff at UR CAPS include clinicians with backgrounds in clinical and counseling psychology, (licensed clinical psychologists in VA), counselor education and masters in counseling (licensed professional counselors). Most staff are part of the Training Committee, which is highly committed to training and supervision. CAPS staff deeply value diversity and integrate a multicultural lens across all aspects of training. The practicum offers experience with diverse students in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, socio-economic class, physical ability, and religious affiliations, who are dealing with various presenting concerns on different levels of severity. The staff represents diversity along many of the same characteristics.

The selection committee seeks applicants who are a) looking for clinical experience in a fast-paced, dynamic setting, b) interested in intense training in brief consultation, individual counseling, skill-building programs, and c) learning and growing through support and challenge in a context that is committed to diversity and inclusion.

We know the application and decision-making process can be challenging. Providing you with information to make a well-informed choice is important to us. We are glad to answer your questions about our training program. Please feel free to contact us by email at caps@richmond.edu.

We appreciate your interest in our graduate training program!

Rachel L. Koch, Psy.D.
Assistant Director for Training

While the primary focus of UR CAPS training is clinical work with traditionally aged college students, the experience also provides broader training in college student development in a multicultural context. CAPS, as part of the Health and Well-Being Unit, is at the forefront of providing proactive programming and wellness-based outreach to the campus community. CAPS staff facilitate programs and seminars on such topics as stress management, mindfulness, emotional regulation, effective communication, self-care, and self/time management. CAPS also partners with other campus departments to provide additional offerings related to affinity groups, sexual assault advocacy, career exploration, and other foci. Trainees are given the opportunity to co-facilitate these workshops as well as lead them independently in some cases. (Adapted from Georgia Tech University)

An important value held by our staff is that the implementation of therapeutic skills must be adapted within different groups to meet unique needs. Students at University of Richmond have diverse identities and experiences. We recognize and appreciate the potential impact of diversity in terms of culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, level of ability, and other factors. We believe that effectiveness in our profession is not simply the result of skill acquisition but, rather, is the successful synthesis of competence and personal maturity, which results in self-awareness and ethical behavior. UR CAPS strives to develop its staff and trainees to this end. Opportunities in the training program reflect these values.

The training staff believes that psychological theory and research provide a foundation for conceptualization and intervention. Counselors and psychologists should strive to understand major counseling and psychotherapeutic theoretical models and their research base and utilize evidence-based practice in their clinical work. Members of the staff represent and draw on many different theoretical orientations in their approaches to therapy, supervision, and consultation. The Center staff welcomes discussions of professional issues with trainees.

While the Center’s staff utilizes different theoretical frameworks, there is a shared commitment to create an atmosphere conducive to professional and personal growth. The staff strives to provide practice and training experiences that create a challenging, intellectually stimulating, and open environment in which new ideas can be explored and nurtured. The staff encourages trainees to assess their professional strengths and weaknesses. The training committee makes every effort to honor requests to develop individual learning experiences in areas of desired professional growth. (Adapted from Appalachian State University)

The CAPS advanced graduate training model is developmental in nature, considering the experiences obtained from academic programs and during previous training experiences. Trainees are assisted in learning, applying, and refining their counseling and therapy skills, theoretical orientation, and conceptualization of clients through individual supervision, group supervision, instruction and on-going feedback using an apprenticeship model. Formal and informal feedback about the advanced practicum experience and the individual trainee’s development is completed and exchanged throughout the year.

1. Advanced Graduate Training in CAPS: This is a typical clinical training placement for one academic year, starting early August through mid-May, working 16-20 hours per week at the CAPS office and includes a stipend provided at the end of each semester.
   
   
2. Advanced Graduate Training in CAPS and Athletic Department: This combines the above training with specialized training and work with student athletes. Applicants must have expressed interest in working with student athletes to apply. This is a funded position for one academic year, ideally starting in late July through mid-May, 16-20 hours per week split between Athletics and CAPS with a flexible work schedule (early mornings/late evenings and weekends, depending on game and practice schedule of teams).
   
   
3. Advanced Graduate Training in CAPS and Residence Life & Housing Graduate Assistant: This combines the above AGT training at CAPS with a graduate assistant position in RLH, providing emergency and crisis management, wellness programming, staff training, and residential responsibilities.  This position includes on-campus living provided by RLH and a stipend and is ideally a 2-year placement, 16-20 hours per week in CAPS office in addition to RLH responsibilities.

Please review the position of most interest to you and complete the CAPS Training Application. You may apply to more than one position but please ensure you have noted in your cover letter your desired interest for the positions you are applying for. Thank you. 

Please note: CAPS prioritizes the relationships with academic programs and graduate students seeking clinical training.

If there is space available for additional trainees, CAPS can offer a part-time training opportunity for counselors working toward a license as a professional counselor to obtain experience in exchange for supervision provided by a CAPS LPC credentialed supervisor. LPC Residents are welcome to apply for one of the AGT training tracks or, if available, a Part-Time Staff Counselor position (current job openings would be posted here). If an LPC Resident applies and is accepted to the AGT training, you are expected to follow the requirements of the training program (i.e. all training activities) in order to receive the stipend.

If you apply and are accepted for the PT staff position, you can opt into training activities, as interested, but are not required to participate.

CAPS is currently accepting applications for our Outreach Intern track for the Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 school year. Click here to apply. The deadline for applications is March 15th, 2024.

Outreach Intern duties and responsibilities center on various outreach and educational programs on issues related to college student mental health and wellbeing, under the supervision of Dr. Charlynn Small. Outreach and program topics may include:

• Positive psychology
• Stress management
• Relationship issues
• CAPS services
• Online mental health screening tests
• Wellness issues (e.g., exercise, sleep)

CAPS interns are encouraged to collaborate and co-program with other groups and organizations. The CAPS interns are involved in planning a "Stress Out" event near the end of each semester usually in partnership with Chaplaincy staff.