Graduate Practica

Practicum Opportunities

Western State Hospital is divided into two centers:

• The Civil Center of Excellence, and
• The Gage Center of Forensic Excellence

Licensed psychologists work in varied capacities including group therapy, milieu therapy, psychological assessment, program evaluation, forensic evaluation, civil commitments, mental status examinations, research projects, treatment team and clinical leadership positions, and much more.

Students will complete 16-20 hours per week on site. The site supervisors will provide at least two hours of supervision per week.  The practicum program has a degree of flexibility in allowing prospective graduate students to match placement and duties with professional goals and interests.

Doctoral practicum rotations run from September to the end of May, with some flexibility around exact dates. The master’s level practicum is offered on a rolling basis year-round due to different hour requirements. Graduate students in doctoral programs should start looking at placements in the winter prior to their practicum and are invited to consider whether the hospital is a good match for their academic, clinical, and professional needs.

Student Requirements

Successful practicum candidates are enrolled in an American Psychological Association accredited doctoral program emphasizing training in clinical counseling, or forensic psychology. Students who are enrolled in regionally accredited master’s degree programs are also eligible for practicum placements at WSH. All practicum students will be expected to complete the hospital’s required health screenings and attend new employee orientation. These are not paid positions. Practicum students will complete their hours on the hospital campus.

How to Apply

A graduate student in psychology must send a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and a letter from the training director indicating readiness. Send completed materials to: