University Counseling Center Training Program
The University Counseling Center (UCC) at UND is committed to a developmental training philosophy that supports professional growth within a diverse and dynamic university environment.
Our mission is to prepare trainees to become competent and ethical mental health professionals who can serve effectively in university and community settings. The training program is guided by two overarching aims:
- Train culturally responsive, entry-level therapists prepared to work across diverse settings.
- Foster professional identity grounded in ethics, science, and lifelong learning.
Trainees develop these aims through progressive, experiential learning opportunities that combine supervised clinical service, didactic instruction, mentorship, and reflective practice. The UCC is dedicated to supporting this growth in a manner that is developmentally appropriate for each training level, from practicum through doctoral internship.
Program Overview
As part of the University of North Dakota, the UCC serves as a training site for graduate and doctoral-level trainees in counseling, psychology, and social work. Training opportunities are structured in a developmental sequence that reflects the progression of competencies and responsibilities across levels.
First and Second clinical placement for master’s students, emphasizing foundational skill development in assessment, intervention, case conceptualization, and professional practice.
Some academic programs may refer to advanced master’s-level training as “internship.” UCC designates all master’s-level placements as practicum to maintain consistency within our developmental model.
Learn About Master's Practicum
Advanced training for doctoral students focused on strengthening assessment, intervention, consultation, and cultural responsiveness. Trainees are expected to integrate prior academic learning into increasingly complex clinical cases, with greater autonomy under supervision.
Learn About Doctoral Practicum
A full-time, pre-doctoral internship year designed to consolidate and refine competencies necessary for entry-level practice. Interns demonstrate advanced proficiency across clinical services, consultation, outreach, and professional identity formation in preparation for independent practice.
Learn About Doctoral Psychology Intern
Development Model
Training is supported by a developmental model in which supervision, mentorship, didactic seminars, case consultation, and reflective practice are integrated at every level. Trainees are also encouraged to engage with the broader professional roles of counseling center staff, including outreach, consultation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and program development.
Goals
The goals of the UCC training programs flow directly from our educational mission and Aims.
Aim 1: Train culturally responsive, entry-level counselors, psychologists, and social workers for diverse settings.
This aim is achieved by providing trainees with opportunities to develop, refine, and integrate clinical competencies through supervised clinical practice, didactic instruction, and reflective learning. Trainees gain experience in assessment, individual and group therapy, consultation, crisis intervention, outreach, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on developing skills that can be applied across diverse populations and settings.
Aim 2: Foster professional identity grounded in ethics, science, and lifelong learning.
Foster professional identity grounded in ethics, science, and lifelong learning. This aim is achieved by supporting trainees in clarifying professional values, strengthening ethical decision-making, and cultivating a reflective practice approach. Professional identity formation is nurtured through supervision, mentorship, structured reflection, and progressive responsibility, enabling trainees to transition successfully from graduate learner to early-career professional.
Together, these Aims ensure that trainees are prepared to deliver effective, ethical, and culturally responsive services while maintaining a commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning