The Mental Health Counseling program requires internship experience for all students. Three related courses are required prior to the internship:
- Counseling Process Laboratory provides initial development in core counseling skills, reflective listening, and establishing counseling relationships.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides training in advanced intervention methods.
- Group Dynamics offers instruction and training in group counseling skill development.
The internship is completed during the last several semesters of the program. It entails 900 hours of supervised experience at one or several counseling agencies. Students generally work at their sites for approximately 20 to 30 hours per week over the course of a semester, and receive training in counseling and counseling related experiences. Some sites prefer to have students for longer periods of time with fewer hours per week.
We have established a connection with a number of excellent facilities in the immediate area that we refer students to for internship placement. Otherwise, if the student wishes to work outside of the Menomonie, Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls area they may need to make their own arrangements and receive faculty approval. A Student Internship Manual is available to students, listing and describing available sites in the surrounding area.
As a site manager you may have questions about the process, benefits, and procedures of hosting an intern. Please refer to the Supervisor Internship Manual with any questions you may have.