Practicum
Practicum
Practicum is the first field experience in Grace's CMHC program and is a 1-semester course. Students complete a minimum of 100-hour field experience with at least 40 hours being direct client care. These hours must be spread over the full semester. On average, students complete 8 – 10 clock hours weekly.
Practicum students are expected to complete intakes, create and implement treatment plans, and provide ongoing care to a small caseload of clients with less severe clinical issues. The minimum client age is 11 years old with the primary focus on clients age 16+. Most student begin with observation and co-therapy in the first few weeks and transition to more independent client work.
A summary of practicum requirements begins on page 6 of the Handbook linked below.
Practicum Requirements Checklist.docPracticum Checklist
Practicum Site Agreement v22Practicum Site Agreement
Handbook of Clinical ExperiencesPracticum/Internship Handbook
Taping & Tape Viewing/Listening Consent FormClient Consent to Record Sessions
When submitting the Practicum Checklist and Practicum Site Agreement, we cannot accept signatures that are font-based, regardless of whether they are made to mimic a signature through the use of a cursive-style font. This page provides guidance and tools for signing our documents digitally.
Practicum Competencies
By the end of Practicum, students should be able to demonstrate:
Proficiency in appropriate use of foundational skills with clients in the field.
Intake and risk assessments leading to an appropriate diagnosis.
Development of basic treatment plans with measurable outcomes.
Appropriate record keeping.
Identification of interventions appropriate to the client diagnosis.
Facilitation of a treatment plan while maintaining a client-centered focus in session.
Required Forms for Client Consent for Services
Students are required to use 1 of the 2 forms below to gain client consent for services at your site. The signed forms will be kept at your site in the client's file.
If your site already has a client consent for services form, students should use left-side form below, which gives specific consent to work with a student.
Consent to Work with a CITConsent to Work with a Student
Most often used
Grace Informed Consent - FullFull Informed Consent
Alternative with a more full consent
Employment / Field Experience Separation: If the Practicum student is a current employee at your site, guidelines for separating the work position from the practicum can be found in the Handbook above. The "Indication of Employment/Field Experience Separation" form can be found in the handbook appendix or at this link.
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