The purpose of the Practicum is aligned with the "scientist-practitioner" training model in Clinical Psychology, as is the entire MS program in Clinical Psychology. The aim of the practicum is to familiarize students with clinical work, which includes the assessment, diagnosis, prevention of, and intervention for various mental disorders and adaptation difficulties in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as their families.
The clinical training aims at the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge, along with an understanding of the clinical psychologist’s profession in practice within a multidisciplinary lens. Additionally, it fosters the development of reflective skills regarding one’s own responsibilities and actions, as well as those of others.
Structure of the Clinical Practicum
Students of the Master’s Program in "Clinical Psychology" in the Department of Psychology are required to complete a practicum in placements related to the field of Clinical Psychology (e.g., mental health centers, psychiatric clinics, general public, university, and military hospitals, day centers, rehabilitation units for substance users, community mental health centers, counseling centers, etc.). The practicum is mandatory.
The practicum takes place in the 2nd and 3rd years of the Master’s Program. Practicum A takes place during the 3rd and 4th semesters (3 days per week), while Practicum B takes place during the 5th and 6th semesters (5 days per week).
The content of the practicum includes:
- Assessment and diagnosis of cases using psychometric tools
- Managing cases under supervision
- Observing/conducting psychotherapy sessions
- Attending and participating in the activities of the organization
- Participating in interdisciplinary meetings
- Involvement in the educational and teaching activities of the service
- Participation in the research activities of the service