Introduction

Welcome to the CPS training program website! CPS offers both an APA accredited Doctoral Internship program in Health Service Psychology as well as Pre- and Post-Master's Internship positions. CPS staff members value and are committed to assisting students in their development as mental health professionals. Trainees are embraced as significant members of the CPS team and are exposed to all components of counseling center mental health. Both training programs provide broad, generalist training and prepare trainees for entry level practice.

We view the environment of the center as a strength. Respect for individuals' differences, cultural humility, the significance of relationships, and professional and personal growth are all values upheld in the center and are pivotal components of the training program. 

Doctoral Internship in Health Service Psychology

Montana State University Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) offers a full time, 12- month, APA accredited Doctoral Internship in Health Service Psychology.  The training program provides an array of experiences typical of university counseling centers including: provision of therapy (individual, couples, group); crisis assessment and  intervention; outreach, consultation and interdisciplinary collaboration; psychological assessment (intakes, psychological evaluation); provision of supervision; exposure to and training in diversity, ethics and scholarly activities;  support and mentorship in professional development; as well as other activities appropriate to a counseling center setting.  The training program is highly supportive while also challenging interns to further develop clinical skills, advance professional development, and to highlight self-reflection, respect, and humility in working with minoritized populations. 

Our training program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1988.  To verify our accreditation status or for questions related to accreditation of internships and training programs, the Commission on Accreditation can be contacted via phone (202-336-5979), email, website or at: 

Commission on Accreditation 
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 
American Psychological Association 
750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242

 

Applications are completed using the AAPI online application form. Please refer to the APPIC website to learn more about the AAPI On-Line application process. To complete the AAPI online, please go to the applicant portal.

This internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant.

Please see the 2024-25 Online Brochure  which includes a comprehensive description of the program, application process, and placement data.

We miss the personal contact present in the days prior to on-line applications and welcome direct contact by phone or email! For questions or for additional information, please contact the Assistant Director for Training via EMAIL or phone at 406-994-4531.

Thanks!                          
Ryan Niehus, Psy.D., Assistant Director for Training

 

Pre- and Post-Master’s Training Program

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. 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. For additional details about this training opportunity and the application procedures, please see the link below. We also welcome questions at any point!

Thank you!

Ryan Niehus, Psy.D., Training Director

Phone: 406-994-4531 or EMAIL 

Please click here to view details regarding the internship.