Evaluation & Schedule

Intern Evaluation and Completion Requirements

  • Intern evaluation focuses on the stated training goals/commitments, i.e., skill development across modalities and settings, diversity awareness and sensitivity and personal and professional growth. Interns are evaluated by their supervisors and through self-evaluation throughout the program. Written evaluations are completed at the midpoint of each term (October and April) and at the end of each semester (January and July).
  • Evaluations are based on direct observations, video and audio recordings and information obtained during the process of supervision. The purpose is to help the interns monitor their progress and to allow ample time and opportunity to modify their behavior and/or goals. The intern and the supervisor both review the evaluation and then sign off after the feedback has been completed.   The program does not use any distance education technologies for training and supervision.
  • A summary of the evaluation feedback is sent to the Director of Training at the intern’s home institution at midyear. Throughout the year, the interns are invited to give feedback about their internship experience and the program. This information is forwarded to the Training Committee and contributes to continual growth of the internship program.
  • Completion requirements for the program are as follows: satisfactory ratings on competencies listed on final evaluation, completion of a formal case presentation, completion of outreach programs, completion of evaluation forms, participation on the Training Committee, supervision of practicum trainees, completion of activity log, presenting a training seminar, and participation in professional development activities sponsored by the internship, such as retreats and diversity themed discussions.

Supervision Assignments

  • Interns are supervised by licensed psychologists, all of whom are Health Service Providers in Psychology (HSPP) in Indiana. Supervisors are assigned by the Training Committee, and supervisors change assignments at the midpoint of the internship.

Weekly Intern Activities

Approximate breakdown of 40 hours per week:

Monday–Thursday (32 hours)

  • 24 hours client contact (individual, group, consultation)
  • 2 hours outreach
  • 2 hours individual supervision
  • 1-2 hours supervision provided to a practicum student
  • 1 hour research (except for May, June, & July)
  • 2 hours case management

Friday Training Day (8 Hours)

  • 2 hours doctoral seminar
  • 2.5 hours group supervision and group supervision of supervision
  • 1.5 hours intern support group
  • 2 hours case staffing
  • 1 hour outreach supervision/diversity themed discussions

Other Internship Activities

Doctoral Seminars

Interns will participate in weekly two-hour topical seminars presented by internship staff and area professionals. Topics vary by year but have included Crisis Intervention, Professional Identity, Mindfulness, Psychopharmacology, Grief/Loss, Eating/Body Issues, Gender and Sexual Minorities, Group Therapy, Trauma Recovery, Ethics, and Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Intern Retreat

Each year interns participate in either a day-long or overnight retreat with interns and training directors from several other university-based internships in Indiana. This is an opportunity for interns and training directors to connect with colleagues, take some time for self-evaluation and self-exploration and, most importantly, to relax and have fun. Interns are expected to participate in this retreat in the late spring semester.

Professional Development

Throughout the year, interns are encouraged to attend conferences that contribute to their professional development. Depending on budget limits, the internship program may also include time and funding for the interns and staff to attend a local/regional conference as a staff.

Time away from the internship for the purposes of conference attendance, employment interviewing and/or dissertation defense is considered professional development time and may be included in the hours toward completion of the internship depending on the activity. Interns request time away through the Training Director. A maximum of five days away from the internship is permitted for this purpose. Additional time away is approved on a case-by- case basis and may involve the intern using allotted vacation time.

Research/Presentations

Interns have one hour of research time each week built into their schedules, except for the months of May, June, and July when CCS operates on summer hours. Interns use this time to work on their dissertation, or, if their dissertation is completed, assist with CCS-related outreach research. Professional Development time is available for presentations at conferences and workshops.

Staff Development

The Counseling Services staff places a high value on staff development for purposes of team-building as well as increased exposure to current professional issues and concerns. As part of that commitment, interns will participate in staff retreats in August and January. Interns will also be involved the practicum trainees’ orientation and will attend regular staff development seminars on topical areas. Local conferences, as mentioned above, can also serve as an important staff development opportunity. Senior staff and interns engage in diversity themed discussions monthly aimed to increase cultural awareness and cultural humility in professional relationships. Finally, senior staff provide opportunities for casual connection amongst colleagues through events such as our chili cook off, winter holiday party, volleyball or pickle ball tournaments, and excursions into the Indy area.