School Counseling
Practicum & Internship
In the School Counseling option, students complete their practicum and internship placements in public K–12 schools across Central Oregon. These placements are coordinated by the College of Education Internship Coordinator, who collaborates with local school districts to identify opportunities. The coordinator also works directly with students to facilitate introductions and finalize placements at the elementary, middle, and high school levels with our district partners.
Professional Development Schools Practicum Model
Graduate students in the School Counseling option complete their practicum in the Professional Development Schools (PDS) model. In the PDS model, local K-12 schools partner with higher education to provide a practicum on site. Graduate students learn through participation in experiences that meet the needs of the school and are coordinated with graduate learning goals.
The PDS model promotes counseling students’ multi-cultural and social justice competencies, particularly social justice advocacy when implemented in urban and underserved communities. Students learn the school culture, facilitate classroom guidance lessons, small support and educational groups, and provide one-on-one individual academic and personal/social support.
Practicum students are supervised by university faculty who remain at the schools throughout the day.
School Counseling Site Supervisors & Potential Partners
If your site is interested in exploring a potential partnership with the OSU-Cascades Master of Counseling Program to host a school counseling intern—or if you are a current site or supervisor with questions—please contact Crystal Cooper, College of Education Internship Coordinator, at crystal.cooper@osucascades.edu.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Practicum
In the Clinical Mental Health Counseling option, students complete their practicum hours at the OSU-Cascades Counseling Clinic. This state-of-the-art facility offers students the opportunity to provide counseling services to clients under direct supervision from faculty. For select students, the Clinic also serves as one of the available internship site options, offering continued hands-on experience in a supportive, professional setting.
Internship
In the Clinical Mental Health Counseling option, students are placed at local agencies throughout Central Oregon for their internship experiences. Sites and placements vary widely in terms of specialty populations, geographic locations, and the severity of clients’ presenting concerns. Students secure placements with support from the Clinical Mental Health Internship Coordinator, who collaborates with local agencies to identify potential opportunities and helps ensure placements align with program requirements.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Site Supervisors & Potential Partners
If your site is interested in exploring a potential partnership with the OSU-Cascades Master of Counseling Program to host a clinical mental health counseling intern—or if you are a current site or supervisor with questions—please contact Kathleen Phillips, Clinical Mental Health Internship Coordinator, at kathleen.phillips@osucascades.edu.