SECTION IV: COUNSELING INTERNSHIP

Welcome to your Counseling Internship experience! (COUN 526/528) Please note that you are responsible for maintaining weekly and summary logs of activities and contact hours; for notifying your Site Supervisor of required dates for evaluations; and for ensuring that the necessary forms are available, signed, and submitted in a timely manner.

Note that it is the Counseling Intern’s responsibility to provide each Site Supervisor a copy of the Site Supervisor Handbook (available from Department webpage) in a timely, considerate manner. Both the Statement of Liability Insurance and a fully signed Internship Agreement must be submitted to the department prior to accumulating any hours towards internship.

Internship Requirements

Pre-Requirements

Prior to enrolling in the Counseling Internship the student will be eligible for Masters Candidacy and is expected to have completed the following Boise State University graduate level courses or equivalent:

FALL: YEAR 1 (9 Credits)

COUN 502 Counseling Theories
COUN 506 Lifespan Development
COUN 533 Introduction to School Counseling or COUN 545 Foundations of Chemical Dependency

SPRING: YEAR 1 (9 credits)

COUN 505 Counseling Skills
COUN 509 Culturally Aware Counseling
COUN 550 Diagnosis, Assessment, Tx Planning

SUMMER: YEAR 1 (5 credits)

COUN 501 Foundations
COUN 541 Addiction and the Family System or COUN 535 Classroom Mgt and Counseling Students with Exceptional Needs

YEAR 2: Fall or Spring (3 credits)

COUN 514 Counseling Practicum (minimum 100 clinical hrs / 40 direct hours)

FALL: YEAR 2 (6 credits)

COUN 513 Group Counseling
COUN 530 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention
COUN 549 Motivational Interviewing

SPRING: YEAR 2 (6 credits)

COUN 512 Research and Program Evaluation
COUN 534 Counseling Children and Adolescents or
COUN 548 Addiction and Behavioral Health Assessment and Intervention

SUMMER: YEAR 2 (4 credits)

COUN 504 Assessment and Testing
COUN 551 Psychopharmacology

Students with grades of Incomplete in the above courses may not be allowed to enroll in Internship. No student with an Incomplete in Practicum will be allowed to enroll in Internship.

In-Course Requirements

Hour Requirements

The student must be prepared to commit to a minimum of 350 clock hours each semester (a total of 700 clock hours for the year) to the Internship (approximately 4.75 hours per day or 24 hours per week over 15-week period):

A minimum of 140 hours of Direct Service with clients (140 Hours)
- Minimum 40% of total hours with direct one-to-one, group, couples, or families work
- Must include experience leading groups if not obtained during practicum experience
A minimum of one (1) hour of individual on-site supervision per week* (18 hours)
A minimum of one and one-half (1 ½) hours of group supervision per week (24 Hours)
- Accomplished in three-hour blocks eight times across the semester
Additional hours spent in peer or supervisor observation; case study preparation (168 hours**)
- Evaluation, and presentations; analysis of recorded sessions; staff meetings
- Other activities approved in advance by Site Supervisor

Minimum 350 hours***

* One (1) hour individual on-site supervision for every 20 internship hours (including both direct and indirect). If you obtain more than 20 hours in one week, you must obtain more than one weekly supervision session to meet IBOL requirements for LPC.

** Hours variable depending on Direct Service hours performed

*** 350 hours must be in a school setting for Pupil Personnel Certificate

Insurance

Each Counseling Practicum student is required to have some form of professional liability insurance. The American Counseling Association, the American School Counselor Association, and the American Mental Health Counseling Association offer complimentary liability insurance for student members. Students who are not currently members of a professional counseling organization are encouraged to join at this time, not only for the opportunity to be insured under the group program but also to begin participation in a professional organization serving the interests of the counseling profession. A student may secure insurance of his or her own choosing. Each student must submit a completed Statement of Liability Insurance form and attach Proof of Insurance prior to beginning practicum hours, and at any point that a renewal is needed (all forms should be submitted to the department before expiration date of previous coverage, where applicable).

Submission of required insurance documentation may be submitted through the following online form: Student Liability Insurance – Form Submission and Agreement

All proof of liability insurance must contain:

Your full name as listed on the policy
Your Member or Policy ID number
Coverage Specifications
Limits of Liability
Expiration Date

Site and Supervisor Policy

Internship Hours Across More Than One Site

Students completing internship hours at more than one site must ensure that the requirements of 40 direct hours to 60 indirect hours and the 20:1 supervision ratio are met at each site.

Site Supervisor Qualifications

Internship site supervisors must hold the license of LPC, LCPC, LMFT, LCSW, AND be Registered Supervisors with the Board of Occupational Licenses. Site supervisors can also be a Licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist in the state of Idaho who do not need to be registered supervisors with IBOL. Site supervisors must also be on site while the intern is on site

Internship Policies

Insurance

Each Counseling Internship student is required to have professional liability insurance. Students who are currently members of American Counseling Association (ACA) or American School Counselor Association (ASCA) are protected through their active membership status. Students who are not currently members of ACA are encouraged to join at this time, not only for the opportunity to be insured under its group program but also to participate in a professional organization serving the interests of the counseling profession. A student may secure insurance on his or her own. Each student is responsible for providing proof of insurance and current “Statement of Liability Insurance” form to the Campus Supervisor. This is completed prior to starting internship, and upon any expiration of policy.

Submission of required insurance documentation may be submitted through the following online form: forms.gle/gge1uDSrXTMHpDSD6

All proof of liability insurance must contain:

Your full name as listed on the policy
Your Member or Policy ID number
Coverage Specifications
Limits of Liability
Expiration Date

Client Records

Internship students who are counseling minors or other clients requiring special considerations due to limited understanding should follow the school district, agency, or health unit policy regarding approval by a parent or legal guardian prior to the initiation of counseling sessions. An additional release form may be required should the client be asked to participate in video or audio recording of a counseling session. Written communication to the Campus Supervisor and Site Supervisor is advised in questionable or unusual situations.

Monitoring Methods

A variety of methods is available and will be employed for monitoring student/client contact, including but not limited to:

Audio and/or video recording of sessions
Direct supervision
Presentation and discussion of case studies

Confidential Material Storage and Transport

Students completing internships at off-site locations will be required to bring audio/video tapes to campus for group supervision. In order to safely transport confidential client material, students need to utilize one of the approved taping and transfer procedures outlined below. Recordings

should NOT be transferred through the internet (Email, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Option 1: Department Video Camera and Lock Box
- Students are able to make reservations and check out department owned video cameras, SD cards, and lock boxes via the Department Resource Calendar. Upon utilizing the video camera to record a session, students must return the device to the lock box for safe transport to campus.

Option 2: Personal/Site Recording Device and Secure Flash Drive
- Students may utilize a personal or site owned recording device (e.g., laptop, camera). It is recommended this device be password protected. Upon completing the recording, the student needs to transfer the data file immediately to a 16GB Corsair Flash Padlock Thumb Drive. This is a transport method that utilizes encryption and has an integrated pin pad. The student needs to share the pin pad code with clinical faculty members to access the drive. Upon transferring the session data to the flash drive, the data file needs to be permanently deleted from the recording device.

Option 3: Personal/Site Recording Device, Personal Flash Drive and Lock Box
- Students may utilize a personal or site owned recording device (e.g., laptop, camera). It is recommended this device be password protected. If student is unable to utilize a secured flash drive, they may use a standard flash drive in conjunction with a lock box. Following recording, student would transfer the data file to the flash drive, delete the file from the recording device, and store the flash drive in a lock box. The lock box is then safely transported to campus.

It is the responsibility of the student to have a discussion with the site supervisor about recording procedures, and to follow any and all site policies. Questions regarding conflicting policies should be directed to your campus supervisor.

Dress Code

We require you to dress professionally when at your internship site and to follow all site-specific dress codes. Professional attire is “business casual” clothing and an overall neat and well-groomed appearance. If you have any questions about what professional attire is, please do not hesitate to ask program faculty. While we want you to feel comfortable, we expect professionalism and professional

Grading and Evaluation

Grading

Pass/Fail grades for COUN 526/528 Counseling Internship will be based on the following criteria:

Audio and/or video recording of sessions
Attendance
Evidence of professional responsibility, enthusiasm and demeanor
Completion of required number of clock hours
Timely and accurate up-to-date internship experience log
Formal evaluations by Site Supervisor

A “Pass” grade indicates that in addition to completing all the course requirements, including record keeping, in a timely and professional manner, the Counselor Intern demonstrates strong to excellent counseling skills, consistently exhibits appropriate standards of professional and personal behavior, demonstrates a willingness to learn, is cooperative and resourceful in her/his work environment, and is committed to the counseling profession.

In cases where the Intern has failed to meet the required number of clock hours within the time frame allotted for the Internship experience, a grade of “Incomplete” for one semester may be given until the student meets the requirement. If applicable, the student may enroll in the next Internship sequence concurrent to eliminating the Incomplete. Failure to eliminate the incomplete within one semester will result in re-evaluation of the student’s candidacy in the Counseling Degree Program by her/his Program Advisor and Supervisory Committee, and may result in a grade of “Fail.” If exceptional circumstances are proven, an additional advanced internship experience may be allowed/required prior to graduation.

Evaluations

Student Counselor Interns will be formally evaluated by the Site Supervisor at midterm and at the end of the Internship. The student’s Campus Supervisor will make one formal on-site visit to the internship site during the semester in addition to regular supervisory activities. Student attendance at group supervision meetings is mandatory. Maintaining client contact information including contact hour logs and client records is the responsibility of the student. These logs must be kept current and ready for review by the Site Supervisor and/or Campus Supervisor at any time during the Internship and will be included in the evaluations. Each Intern will be asked to complete an evaluation of her/his Site Supervisor, Campus Supervisor, and Internship experience at the end of the semester.

Mid-Term/Final Evaluation

The following is a summary of items included in the Internship Evaluation of Student Performance form. Site Supervisors will be asked to complete this form at the semester mid-term and end of semester.

Download a printable version of this form (Word)

Internship Evaluation of Student Performance

Counseling Intern:[Fill in the blank]
Date:[Fill in the blank]
Internship Site: [Fill in the blank]
Select One: Midterm or Final
Site Supervisor: [Fill in the blank]

This form is to be completed by the Intern’s Site Supervisor prior to termination of the Internship. For each item, rate the skills or performance based on a five-point scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Very Good, and 5 = Excellent. If the particular skill was not observed or required, check NA.

Open-ended comments on each item are encouraged and appreciated. Comments are requested throughout this evaluation. Thank you.

A. Process and Skills:

Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain a productive counseling relationship
Exhibits expected level of skills
Demonstrates effective use of techniques and interventions
Demonstrates ability to identify and explore client concerns
Demonstrates skills to assist client goal setting/problem solving
Demonstrates skills to assist client decision-making
Exhibits flexibility in meeting individual client needs
Shows appropriate personal risk taking with clients
Demonstrates ability to productively lead or co-lead a group
Demonstrates effective classroom presentation skills
Fosters productive interactions with staff
Practices ethical decision-making and behaviors
Creates and maintains adequate client records
Creates and maintains expected documentation

B. Dispositions

Supportive of the profession
Responsible
Self-confident
Cooperative
Punctual and consistent attendance
Communication skills
Initiative/independent working skills
Responds effectively to feedback, critiques, and suggestions
Completes duties and tasks on time
Ethical
Sensitive to diversity issues

C. Professional Behavior

Develops an effective working relationship with staff
Maintains client confidentiality
Demonstrates awareness of legal considerations and policies
Exhibits knowledge of community resources
Uses referrals appropriately
Consults with other professionals regarding concerns
Abides by institution/agency policies
Participates in professional activities
Exhibits consistent and expected documentation
Promotes ethical decision-making

D. Overall Performance

E. Major Strengths:

[Fill in the blank]

F. Areas Needing Improvement:

[Fill in the blank]

G. Additional Comments/Concerns:

[Fill in the blank]

H. Pass/Fail Recommendation:

[Fill in the blank]

The following are KPI items which require a score of 1-3. Scores are defined per each KPI Description.

KPI	Description	1	2	3
#1	Students will demonstrate knowledge of the multiple roles and responsibilities of the professional counselor including the role of advocate, interdisciplinary team member, and ethical practitioner.	Does not know the multiple roles and responsibilities of the professional counselor including the role of advocate, interdisciplinary team member, and ethical practitioner.	Demonstrates developmentally appropriate knowledge of the multiple roles and responsibilities of the professional counselor including the role of advocate, interdisciplinary team member, and ethical practitioner.	Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the multiple roles and responsibilities of the professional counselor including the role of advocate, interdisciplinary team member, and ethical practitioner.
#2	Demonstrates cultural competence that enables student to meet the individual needs of clients in a multicultural society	Does not demonstrate cultural competence that enables student to meet the individual needs of clients in a multicultural society	Demonstrates developmentally appropriate cultural competence that enables student to meet the individual needs of clients in a multicultural society	Demonstrates advanced cultural competence that enables student to meet the individual needs of clients in a multicultural society
#3	Identifies biopsychosocial factors that influence development and functioning across the lifespan and applies developmental theories to work with individuals.	Does not identify biopsychosocial factors that influence development and functioning across the lifespan and does not apply developmental theories to work with individuals.	Demonstrates developmentally appropriate ability to identify biopsychosocial factors that influence development and functioning across the lifespan and does not apply developmental theories to work with individuals.	Demonstrates advanced ability to identify biopsychosocial factors that influence development and functioning across the lifespan and applies developmental theories to work with individuals.
#5b	Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain the therapeutic alliance and utilizes case conceptualization and treatment planning skills.	Does not demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain the therapeutic alliance and utilizes case conceptualization and treatment planning skills.	Demonstrates developmentally appropriate ability to establish and maintain the therapeutic alliance and utilizes case conceptualization and treatment planning skills.	Demonstrates advanced ability to establish and maintain the therapeutic alliance and utilizes case conceptualization and treatment planning skills.
#9a Insert N/A if school student and then complete 9b instead	Identifies roles, theories, and models related to addiction counseling and apply empirically supported approaches to work with clients.	Does not identify roles, theories, and models related to addiction counseling and apply empirically supported approaches to work with clients.	Demonstrates developmentally appropriate ability to identify roles, theories, and models related to addiction counseling and apply empirically supported approaches to work with clients.	Demonstrates advanced ability to identify roles, theories, and models related to addiction counseling and apply empirically supported approaches to work with clients.
#9b Insert N/A if addiction students and complete 9a instead	Demonstrates an understanding of the multiple roles school counselors have as leaders, advocates, and systems change agents in P-12 schools and is able to evaluate components of a comprehensive school counseling program.	Does not demonstrate an understanding of the multiple roles school counselors have as leaders, advocates, and systems change agents in P-12 schools and is not able to evaluate components of a comprehensive school counseling program.	Demonstrates developmentally appropriate understanding of the multiple roles school counselors have as leaders, advocates, and systems change agents in P-12 schools and is able to evaluate components of a comprehensive school counseling program.	Demonstrates advanced understanding of the multiple roles school counselors have as leaders, advocates, and systems change agents in P-12 schools and is able to evaluate components of a comprehensive school counseling program.

*If a student scores a 1 on any item above, the student needs to make corrections to the report and resubmit it until the student obtains a score of 2 or above.

Site Supervisor Signature and Date

The form also requires:

Site Supervisor Signature
Date [Fill in the blank]

The form is to be distributed to:

Program Advisor
Student

Internship Student Forms

Supervision Requirement

According to the Idaho Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists Qualifications for Professional Counselor Licensure (Rule 150), counselors-in-training must obtain 1000 supervised hours. Supervision must be provided by one of the following individuals:

Counselor education faculty member at an accredited college or university
Professional Counselor, registered with the Board as a supervisor
Clinical Professional Counselor, registered with the Board as a supervisor
Marriage and Family Therapist, registered with the Board as a supervisor
Clinical Social Worker registered as a supervisor with the Board of Social Work
Licensed Psychologist, licensed by the state of Idaho
Licensed Psychiatrist, licensed by the state of Idaho

If you choose to receive supervision by someone who does not fit the qualifications above, your hours will not count towards licensure in Idaho.

Click here to complete the Acknowledgment of Supervision Requirement

Group Supervision Evaluation

The following is a summary of items included in the Counseling Internship: Evaluation of Group Supervision form. Interns will be provided with the opportunity to complete this form at the end of an internship semester.

Counseling Internship: Evaluation of Group Supervision

For each of the following items utilize a five-point scale where 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree, and NA = Not Applicable.

The supervisor provides useful feedback regarding my skills and interventions
The supervisor provides helpful suggestions and information related to client treatment
The supervisor facilitates constructive exploration of ideas and techniques for working with clients
The supervisor provides helpful information regarding case conceptualization and diagnosis
The supervisor helps me to comprehend and formulate clients’ central issues
The supervisor helps me to understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of my clients
The supervisor encourages trainee self-exploration appropriately
The supervisor enables me to express opinions, questions, and concerns about my counseling
The supervisor created a safe environment for group supervision
The supervisor is attentive to group dynamics
The supervisor effectively sets limits and established norms and boundaries for the group
The supervisor provides helpful leadership for the group
The supervisor encourages supervisees to provide each other feedback
The supervisor redirects the discussion when appropriate
The supervisor manages time well among the group members
The supervisor provides enough structure in the group supervision

Comments: [fill in the blank]

Site Supervision Evaluation

The following is a summary of items included in the Counseling Internship: Evaluation of Site Supervision form. Interns will be provided with the opportunity to complete this form at the end of an internship semester.

Counseling Internship: Evaluation of Site Supervision

For each item, rate your Supervisor’s skills on a five-point scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Very good, 5 = excellent. If the particular skill was not observed or required, check NA.

Additionally, Open-ended comments are encouraged for items.

A. Supervision Skills

Demonstrates knowledge of various counseling theories, techniques, and interventions
Performs supervisory functions as teacher, counselor, or consultant as appropriate
Encourages Supervisee to explore alternatives when responding to clients
Establishes and maintains good rapport with Supervisee
Appropriately challenges and supports Supervisee’s professional development
Provides clear and useful suggestions
Is sensitive to individual differences
Demonstrates flexibility in the supervisory relationship
Assists Supervisee in conceptualizing cases
Appropriately uses supervisory relationship to demonstrate principles of counseling
Gives timely and helpful feedback to Supervisee regarding facilitative and non-facilitative counseling behavior
Challenges Supervisee when appropriate and as appropriate
Assists Supervisee in planning effective client goals/objectives
Can identify and communicate Supervisee’s professional and personal strengths and weaknesses
Is available on a regular basis for supervision/consultation

B. Supervisor Effectiveness

Your overall satisfaction with Clinical Supervisor
Competence of Supervisor at giving useful supervision
Interactions with Supervisor contribute to your counseling abilities and knowledge
Interactions with Supervisor assist you to help your clients change, grow, or improve
Interactions with Supervisor contribute to increasing your self-confidence as a counselor

C. Overall Satisfaction with site

D. Comments

[Fill in the Blank]

Click here to download the Counseling Internship: Evaluation of Site Supervision

INTERNSHIP: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

School Cognate / Non-School Sites

I am on the school track, but I would like to get some hours outside of the school setting. Can those hours count towards internship?

Our internship hours rules are based on CACREP-standards (cacrep.org), Pupil Personnel Certificate Counselor Endorsement rules (sde.idaho.gov/cert-psc/cert/apply/pupil-service.html), and Idaho Licensing Board rules (dopl.idaho.gov). The first two governing bodies have specific rules regarding how many hours interns must complete in the student’s specific program areas (in your case, school).

CACREP — requires 600 total clock hours in program area (40% or 240 hours must be direct)

Pupil Personnel — requires 700 clock hours (75% or 525 hours must be in a K-12 setting)

Hours outside of those requirements can count towards internship and/or licensure. You also need to keep in mind the agreement you made with the site. If you think you will pull back on hours or stop your internship earlier than planned, make sure to have those discussions with your site supervisors and make appropriate plans for termination and transfer (when relevant) with students/clients. You can talk more about this process in your internship group supervision.

Class Attendance

What if I miss an internship class?

Internship class is technically group supervision hours for internship. Thus, if you miss class, you must attend another section of internship to make up the hours. E-mail the other internship instructor to ask about attending one of her classes. Notify internship instructor when you attend the other section.

Hour Accrual

Can I count internship hours over Thanksgiving and Spring Break?

Because your internship site supervisor is the primary supervisor and Thanksgiving and Spring Break occur during the academic semester, you can work during those breaks as part of internship hours. This is only the case if your primary site supervisor is on site during this time. In practicum, we do not allow this because the primary supervisor is a faculty member, and we are not “in” during Thanksgiving and Spring Break.

an I count internship hours over Winter Break / Summer Semester?

You can only obtain internship hours during the academic semesters (fall and spring) and not during winter breaks or the summer semester. If your supervisor is available to supervise you during those periods, you can count those hours toward your 1000 hours for LPC licensure, but not toward internship hours. So, you would need 700 hours total for internship, 600 in your cognate setting. You could pick up part of the additional 200 hours you need for licensure (assuming you got 100 in Practicum and 700 for Internship) during winter break. Your internship supervisor would sign off on all of your licensure hours (excluding practicum), but the program will only count the ones completed during the semester for internship.

Supervisor Credentialing

Is it alright to have a placement where the person supervising me is not a registered supervisor, but there is a registered supervisor on staff signing off on my logs? Do my supervisor’s credentials matter if there is a registered supervisor on staff who can sign my logs?

The individual that is supervising you is the one who signs off on your hours. It is not acceptable for an on-site registered supervisor to sign off on your hours if you are being supervised by a non-registered supervisor. A registered supervisor needs to supervise you for the 1:20 ratio which comes out to be about once a week depending upon how many hours you are getting at the site.

Supervision Hour Requirements

What if I get more than 20 direct hours in one week?

You must get 1-hour of individual/triatic supervision for every 20 hours of experience. You will need to add supervision time if you are getting more than 20 hours (indirect plus direct). This requirement is per site.

Internship Agreement Documentation

When does my Internship Agreement Form need to be turned in?

Your internship contract needs to be completed and signed prior to starting internship. It’s important to remember that you cannot begin counting hours until it your Internship Agreement Form has been completed with all signatures.

If I remain at the same site throughout the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters), do I need a new internship agreement for the Spring semester?

Yes! The contract is for one semester and you will need a new one prior to the second semester even if it is the same site.

If I have one primary site where I will be working 20 hours per week, and a secondary site where I will only be getting a few hours per week, how many internship agreements do I need?

You will need one agreement per site. So, in this case, you will need two internship agreements.

SECTION IV: COUNSELING INTERNSHIP

Internship Requirements

Pre-Requirements

FALL: YEAR 1 (9 Credits)

SPRING: YEAR 1 (9 credits)

SUMMER: YEAR 1 (5 credits)

YEAR 2: Fall or Spring (3 credits)

FALL: YEAR 2 (6 credits)

SPRING: YEAR 2 (6 credits)

SUMMER: YEAR 2 (4 credits)

Internship Student Forms

Supervision Requirement

School Cognate / Non-School Sites

I am on the school track, but I would like to get some hours outside of the school setting. Can those hours count towards internship?

Class Attendance

What if I miss an internship class?

Hour Accrual

Can I count internship hours over Thanksgiving and Spring Break?

an I count internship hours over Winter Break / Summer Semester?

Supervisor Credentialing

Is it alright to have a placement where the person supervising me is not a registered supervisor, but there is a registered supervisor on staff signing off on my logs? Do my supervisor’s credentials matter if there is a registered supervisor on staff who can sign my logs?

Supervision Hour Requirements

What if I get more than 20 direct hours in one week?

Internship Agreement Documentation

When does my Internship Agreement Form need to be turned in?

If I remain at the same site throughout the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters), do I need a new internship agreement for the Spring semester?

If I have one primary site where I will be working 20 hours per week, and a secondary site where I will only be getting a few hours per week, how many internship agreements do I need?

Department of Counselor Education