Course Syllabus
HR 5283 - Clinical Practicum
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
- HR 5003 - Theoretical Foundations in Human Relations Counseling / HR 5533 - Counseling Theories in CMHC
- HR 5402 - Psycho-Social Development / HR 5923 - Human Growth & Development
- HR 5883 - Introduction to the Counseling Profession
- HR 5483 - Diagnosis in Human Relations Counseling
- HR 5453 - Ethics in Human Relations Counseling
- HR 5643 - Crisis Intervention / Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
- HR 5893 - Psychopharmacology
- HR 5663 - Psychopathology
- HR 5433 - Group Counseling
- HR 5613 - Assessment & Evaluation in Counseling
- HR 5463 - Counseling Skills
- HR 5493 - Couples & Family Counseling
- Note: Depending on which semester your cohort started, you may or may not have completed this course prior to the Practicum and that is okay. There may be situations where you are taking this course while in the Practicum course.
Other Prerequisites
Acceptance in Candidacy and departmental consent.
Course Materials
Required
- Jungers, C.M. and Scott, J. (2019). Practicum and internship. Routledge.
Recommended
- DSM-5 TR (5th edition, text revision)
- This manual can be accessed through the OU Library by using your OU 4 x 4 and password.
CACREP Standards
Proficiencies for this course are designed to align with the national counseling standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Entry-Level Professional Practice
- Students are covered by individual professional counseling liability insurance policies while enrolled in practicum and internship.
- Supervision of practicum and internship students includes program-appropriate audio/video recordings and/or live supervision of students' interactions with clients.
- Formative and summative evaluations of the student's counseling performance and ability to integrate and apply knowledge are conducted as part of the student's practicum and internship.
- Students have the opportunity to become familiar with a variety of professional activities and resources, including technological resources, during their practicum and internship.
- In addition to the development of individual counseling skills, during either the practicum or internship, students must lead or co-lead a counseling or psychoeducational group.
Practicum
- Students complete supervised counseling practicum experiences that total a minimum of 100 clock hours over a full academic term that is at a minimum of 10 weeks.
- Practicum students complete at least 40 clock hours of direct service with actual clients that contributes to the development of counseling skills.
- Practicum students have weekly interaction with supervisors that averages one hour per week of individual and/or triadic supervision throughout the practicum by:
- a counselor education program faculty member
- a student supervisor who is under the supervision of a counselor education program faculty member or
- a site supervisor who is working in consultation on a regular schedule with a counselor education program faculty member in accordance with the supervision agreement.
- Practicum students participate in an average of 1½ hours per week of group supervision on a regular schedule throughout the practicum. Group supervision must be provided by a counselor education program faculty member or a student supervisor who is under the supervision of a counselor education program faculty member.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Standards
Section 5: Entry-Level Specialty Areas
C. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Foundations
- history and development of clinical mental health counseling
- theories and models related to clinical mental health counseling
- principles, models, and documentation formats of biopsychosocial case conceptualization and treatment planning
- neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders
- psychological tests and assessments specific to clinical mental health counseling
- Contextual Dimensions
- roles and settings of clinical mental health counselors
- etiology, nomenclature, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders
- mental health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care, such as inpatient, outpatient, partial treatment and aftercare, and the mental health counseling services networks
- diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis and the use of current diagnostic classification systems, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
- potential for substance use disorders to mimic and/or co-occur with a variety of neurological, medical, and psychological disorders
- Impact of crisis and trauma on individuals with mental health diagnoses
- impact of biological and neurological mechanisms on mental health
- classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation
- legislation and government policy relevant to clinical mental health counseling
- cultural factors relevant to clinical mental health counseling
- professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling
- legal and ethical considerations specific to clinical mental health counseling
- record keeping, third party reimbursement, and other practice and management issues in clinical mental health counseling
- Practice
- intake interview, mental status evaluation, biopsychosocial history, mental health history, and psychological assessment for treatment planning and caseload
- techniques and interventions for prevention and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues
- strategies for interfacing with the legal system regarding court-referred clients
- strategies for interfacing with integrated behavioral health care professionals
- strategies to advocate for persons with mental health issues
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Counseling Session Videos | 2 counseling session recordings | 10% |
| Case Presentation | Presentation based upon 1 of the student's cases in clinical experience | 5% |
| Attendance & Participation | Practicum Work (Hours Log), Live Sessions, Mid-Semester & Final Evaluation, and Student Evaluations of Site & Site Supervisor | 80% |
| Goal Discussions | Pre and Post Practicum Discussions | 2.5% |
| Reflection Paper | Written assignment | 2.5% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 80–100% | Pass |
| 79% or below | Fail |
Course Components
Counseling Session Videos
For supervision purposes, each student must submit recordings of counseling sessions for individual and group supervision. In addition to the video recording, you will submit a transcript, and skill frequency evaluation sheet.
Evaluation of the videos will consist of written and/or verbal feedback from the instructor. Evaluation will occur during individual and group supervision sessions.
Case Presentation
Each student will present one case presentation drawn from their work with clients. This could be a difficult client, interesting client, one that made a lot of progress, etc. Your case presentation will include a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Attendance & Participation
This grade will comprise of 80% of your grade in this course.
Learning in this course is based on interaction and participation. CACREP specifies minimum clock-hour requirements in terms of individual supervision and group supervision. Credit will not be awarded unless these standards are met.
You will earn the required points by:
- Turning in your completed Hours Log each week starting in week 2.
- Attending the weekly Live Sessions, which are mandated to last an hour and a half each week, per CACREP standards.
- Note: You are not provided an option to make up the Live Session hours in this course due to the nature of the practicum as well as the mandated requirements that must be adhered to.
- Mid-Semester Evaluation
- Final Evaluation
- Student Evaluations which will consist of:
- Site Supervisor Evaluation
- Site Evaluation
Goal Discussions
For this assignment, you will engage in a pre and post-practicum discussion. The first discussion will involve setting goals for your practicum experience. The second discussion will involve evaluating those goals and discussing how you were able to achieve them or how you might be able to achieve them with different strategies for the future.
Reflection Paper
For this assignment, you will reflect upon your “Professional Self.” Discuss your learning process over the course of this semester. Think about how you are developing your professional identity and your professional behavior (e.g., as a counselor, a supervisee, a student, a colleague/peer, a group member, and a leader).
Discuss how that identity and behavior represent your strengths, growing edges, theoretical orientation. Also, include what you have learned this semester about counselor and client wellness. In other words, write about who you are today as a person and professional with a past, present, and future professional career. Make this assignment meaningful for you.
Course Policies
Communication
Please send messages directly through your OU email instead of Canvas. I will reply within 24 hours M-F and will check email twice a day Saturday and Sunday.
I prefer to be addressed as Dr. H and I highly encourage you to communicate with me via email and text if needed. This is a significant portion of your graduate studies and I am here to support you!
Feedback
We will be working on cases in each practicum meeting. You will be able to get feedback from your peers in group supervision and I will give feedback on your tapes and tape scripts. If you have issues with clients, be sure to bring it up in our meetings, schedule a meeting with me and always involve your site supervisor!
Late Policy
Please be on time with your hours logs and video recordings. I need to have time to watch your videos and give feedback.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|