Counseling and Psychological Services Graduate Training Program

Level: Advanced Traineeship (Previous clinical experience recommended though not required)

Contact: Eric Nelson, Ph.D., Director of CAPS
ernelson@xlqx.net
(805) 565 6003

Westmont CAPS begins accepting applications for training positions in January (see the bottom of page for deadlines). The training positions are 9 months in duration beginning generally the 3^rd/4^th week of August and ending mid May. The position is focused toward training and providing high quality learning experiences to graduate students in counseling and clinical psychology for a career in mental health. The bulk of the trainee’s experience will be in individual psychotherapy. Duties may also include intake assessment, crisis intervention, consultation (e.g., parents, faculty, other campus staff), couples counseling, delivering workshops, and group therapy. If scheduling permits, trainee will attend monthly staff meetings and case conferences. Supervision is primarily provided individually, though on occasion we will use triadic supervision. 

****There is also an "Assessment Track" training position at CAPS which provides the trainee with exposure to ADHD, ASD and other psychological testing experience. If interested in this, please include in your cover letter. 

CAPS treats students of the college facing a wide variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, disordered eating, adjustment, trauma, relationship problems, and others. The center is co-located with the Westmont Health Center, providing opportunities for collaboration with medical staff. CAPS is established as a comprehensive center, with focus on developmental and life skills interventions, consultations, and outreach to students. Short-term psychotherapy is the primary means of direct service. 

A nationally ranked liberal arts college in Santa Barbara, Westmont College provides a rigorous academic program in a residential Christian community and seeks to cultivate thoughtful scholars, grateful servants, and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world. Undergraduates on the wooded, ocean-view campus choose from more than 100 majors, programs and concentrations. With a low student-to-faculty ratio and small classes, students develop close relationships with outstanding faculty.  U.S. News & World Report includes Westmont in the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation.

In consideration for the position, strongest candidates will be those with at least one year of previous clinical experience; however, we also encourage first year trainees to apply. We also seek applicants with a personal affirmation of the Christian mission of the College, and ability/willingness to affirm personal agreement with the Westmont Statement of Faith.

Westmont College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, mental or physical disability in its employment practices, except where physical fitness is a valid occupational qualification. As allowed by federal and state law, Westmont chooses to exercise religious preference in all areas that it deems appropriate for its mission.