Montana State University Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) offers placement and supervision for pre-master’s and/or post-master’s trainees in counseling, marriage and family therapy, and social work. These training positions begin in August and conclude in May. Applicants from MSU and outside universities are encouraged to apply. Pre-master's students selected for this internship will be asked to commit to two consecutive semesters at Counseling and Psychological Services for no less than 19 hours each week.  The experience will include both individual and group supervision by members of the CPS staff, a caseload of 10 client hours per week, participation in meetings and case consultations with senior staff, attendance at in-service training seminars, conducting intake assessments, and participation in CPS outreach and consultation activities. There is also the possibility of co-facilitating a group with a senior staff member in addition to the 19-hour commitment. Interns may be required to work during evening hours from 5-7 pm. Post-master's positions are discussed on an individual basis.

Trainees at CPS are a valued part of the staff. Pre and post-master's trainees are involved in many aspects of the work and gain broad training that will prepare them to function in a variety of work settings following this training experience. Interns at CPS tend to value the high- quality supervision, and the opportunity to work in a supportive setting, and as part of a multidisciplinary team in conjunction with our partners in Medical Services. To apply, please see the information below.

 

Applicant Qualifications:

The following requirements will be used for pre-master’s and post-master’s internship selection at Counseling and Psychological Services:

  1. Pre-master’s applicants must be enrolled in a master’s level Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Social Work program, and have completed at least one semester of clinical practicum by mid-May of the year of application. 
  2. Post-master’s applicants must have completed a master’s degree in mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, or social work prior to the start of the internship in mid-August.

Application Instructions and Selection Process: 

Please submit the following:

 

  1. Cover letter describing interest in the internship, academic background, and any related work experience.
  2. Curriculum Vita
  3. Two letters of recommendation including recommendations from any current practicum supervisors.  For students enrolled in the MSU Counseling program, their practicum supervisors can provide a verbal recommendation. 

An interview will be conducted for applicants who are finalists for selection.

 

Internship Expectations:

The following conditions or assumptions are understood regarding participation in CPS’s pre- and post-master’s internship.

  1. Pre-master’s and post-master’s interns will be encouraged to work closely with the entire Counseling and Psychological Services staff.  Intensive supervision is a core component of our training program; therefore, interest in and openness to feedback is highly valued.
  2. Experiences may be individualized in order to meet special needs and preferences of the interns.
  3. Pre-master’s interns will not provide counseling or psychological services for a fee during their tenure as trainees at Counseling and Psychological Services.
  4. Pre-master’s and post-master’s interns will not provide any counseling or psychological services outside MSU Counseling and Psychological Services without written approval from the center's Director and the Training Specialist.
  5. If post-master’s students provide counseling or psychological services outside of MSU Counseling and Psychological Services, they will sign a written contract delineating who will supervise them and be responsible for their outside services.
  6. While most of the interns’ time will be allocated to direct service, trainees are expected to participate in additional learning opportunities at CPS including seminars, outreach, and consultation.
  7. Post-master’s and pre-master’s interns will be required to obtain professional liability insurance at their own expense and provide documentation of their coverage at the start of their placement at CPS.
  8. The Director of Counseling and Psychological Services has the option of terminating the contract with pre-master’s and post-master’s interns at any time.

 

Application Instructions:

To apply, please email your application materials (CV, cover letter, and references) to Dr. Ryan Niehus atrniehus@montana.edu. Applications are due by 9:00 AM on Friday, February 23rd, 2024. Please call Dr. Niehus at 406-994-4531 if you have questions.