CLP 6943 Pre-Practicum in Clinical Psychology

Pre-practicum; Summer A - 2008

Friday 8:00 – 9:00 AM - Room 3170

Instructor: James H. Johnson, PhD, ABPP

Course Objectives and Goals 

The purpose of the Summer A portion of this course is to provide conceptual and practical preparation for the clinical practicum sequence in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program. A general orientation to practicum training in various areas and to the operation of the Psychology Clinic will be provided to facilitate the student’s transition to practicum. We will discuss the policies and procedures of the Psychology Clinic as well as the documentation and billing for clinical services. The Class format will be primarily lecture/discussion and presentations by program faculty.  

Upon completion of this course, students will: 

(a)    Have a general understanding of the core clinical services provided by the clinic

(b)    Understand the basic structure and function of the Psychology Clinic, the major training site for clinical practica in the doctoral program.

(c)    Have an awareness of the nature of the clinic environment (front office, workroom, patient files, clinic forms, test materials, computers, telephone, paging, observation room, videotaping, etc. 

(d)    Be familiar with approaches to documenting clinical activity in assessment, intervention, and consultation, and understand the ethical and statutory requirements regarding documentation of clinical activity.

(e)    Have an understanding of clinic policies and procedures (Documented familiarity with the Clinic Policy and Procedures Manual is required).

(f)      Understand the need and utilize a system for documenting training-related clinical contact hours. 

Evaluation and Grading 

There will be a take-home final examination covering all material considered in the course.  The overall course grade will be determined by the results of this examination plus the practicum evaluations submitted by faculty at the end of Summer C. Overall grading is S-U.  The grade for the course will be submitted during the final Summer C grading period. 

Class Attendance

Attendance at class is expected. One unexcused absence is allowed. If you must miss class, you will be expected to get notes and other materials from classmates who attend. 

Students with Disabilities 

Please let me know as soon as possible if you have a documented disability so that you may be given appropriate accommodations. Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation. 

Academic Honesty and Integrity 

Academic honesty, integrity, and a concern for ethical standards are fundamental to the goals of the Department and the University. The University of Florida’s detailed statement on academic honesty can be found at http://www.dso.ufl.edu/STG/Ethical_Con.html. 

Course Outline

The Pre-practicum part of the course will proceed according to the following schedule. Active participation is expected. 

Schedule of Topics

   Confusion Over the Clinic Dress Code

Required Downloadable Readings

Psychology Clinic Policy and Procedures Manual

Record Keeping Guidelines

Protecting Confidentiality

Power Point Presentations

On Becoming a Professional Power Point