Training Program

RIT’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) Training Program is dedicated to preparing trainees for generalist clinical practice by developing foundational psychotherapy skills. Through a developmental training model, trainees progress from observation to independent practice, gaining experience in collaborative care, interdisciplinary teamwork, and professional clinical settings. The program emphasizes multicultural competence, evidence-based interventions, and ongoing self-reflection in both therapeutic and supervisory contexts.

Students who participate in the training program benefit from supervised experience in providing individual therapy, group therapy, consultation, and outreach services to a diverse university community. Trainees can expect to gain exposure to a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns. In addition, trainees will strengthen their experience working with specialized populations, such as students on the autism spectrum, LGBTQ+ students, international students, and deaf/hard-of-hearing students.

Program Options

The RIT CaPS internship in Mental Health Counseling prepares Master’s and doctoral students to practice as therapy providers with strong generalist skills and specialized experience in collegiate mental health. Counseling interns gain foundational exposure to psychodynamic and third-wave therapies as they learn to identify their theoretical orientation(s) and how to translate theory into practice. Depending on prior clinical experience, Counseling doctoral students may have the opportunity for more advanced training experiences.

The RIT CaPS externship in Psychology supports doctoral students in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology in strengthening their clinical skills and preparing for a doctoral internship in health service psychology. Externs will hone a strong generalist base while gaining specialized skills relevant to collegiate mental health and work with LGBTQ+, autism spectrum, and deaf/Hard of Hearing populations. Psychology externs can expect to gain advanced exposure to psychodynamic and third-wave therapies while learning how to further their own theoretical orientation and conceptualization skills.

The RIT CaPS advanced internship in Social Work prepares MSW students to practice as therapy providers with strong generalist skills and specialized experience in collegiate mental health. Social work interns gain foundational exposure to psychodynamic and third-wave therapies as they learn to identify their theoretical orientation(s) and how to translate theory into practice.

Training Philosophy

The CaPS Training Program is grounded in a developmental model that supports trainees as they grow into competent, ethical, and reflective generalist clinicians in psychology, social work, and mental health counseling. We recognize that trainees enter with varying levels of experience, and we tailor learning opportunities to meet them where they are—progressing from observation to increasing autonomy through supervision, mentorship, and guided practice.

Our philosophy emphasizes the integration of science and scholarship into clinical work, encouraging trainees to apply evidence-based practices in a thoughtful and responsive manner. We are deeply committed to fostering cultural humility and competence, and we provide specific training to help trainees work effectively with diverse populations.

Self-reflection is a cornerstone of our approach. We believe that effective clinicians must be attuned to their own thoughts, feelings, and reactions in the therapeutic process. As such, we actively support ongoing self-assessment and reflection throughout the training experience, both in clinical work and supervision.

Training Activities

The externship in Psychology and internships in Mental Health Counseling and Social Work extend over two semesters. Trainees are expected to be on-site for the 14 weeks that classes are in session each semester, as well as the 2 weeks of final exams. Externs’ and interns’ weekly commitment may range from 16-24 hours per week, depending on graduate program requirements. Externs and interns additionally must attend the two-day Training Orientation the week before fall semester classes begin. 

Externs and interns will see 6 individual clients weekly for individual therapy. All sessions are video recorded for supervision purposes. Caseloads will include both short-term and long-term therapy clients. Common presenting concerns include anxiety, depression, relationships, identity concerns, trauma, and adjustment.

Trainees may have the opportunity to process-observe or co-facilitate a therapy group with a CaPS clinician. This is in addition to their individual therapy client caseload.

Externs and interns will participate in a weekly seminar on Friday mornings. Topics will cover issues and treatments relevant to our RIT student population, job and internship preparation, and multicultural exploration.

Trainees will meet weekly with a supervisor who oversees the provision of clinical services. Mental health counseling interns will be supervised by a licensed mental health counselor with diagnostic privilege. Psychology externs will be supervised by a licensed psychologist. Social work interns will be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker.

Externs and interns will participate in a weekly multidisciplinary supervision group, which includes doctoral psychology externs, mental health counseling interns, and social work interns. Externs and interns will present a case on a weekly rotation and participate in group consultation.

Trainees are expected to participate in a minimum of two outreach programs per semester.

Application Process

For the 2026-2027 academic year, interested applicants should submit the following materials by Friday, February 6, 2026, to initiate the application process for the RIT CaPS Training Program:

  • Cover letter that specifically addresses your reasons for wanting to attend CaPS’ training program, your training goals for this experience, and how your own background and training will have prepared you for this experience.
  • Curriculum Vita
  • Transcript (unofficial will be accepted)
  • Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which comes from a direct supervisor

Applicants must be available to participate in a half-day in-person interview on Monday, February 23, 2026 or Tuesday, February 24, 2026, during which they will learn more about the training program and meet with several training program staff.

Materials and queries about RIT CaPS’ Training Program should be e-mailed to:

Sarah Godoy, Ph.D.
Director
RIT Counseling and Psychological Services
smgycc@rit.edu
585-475-2261

Eligibility and Selection Process
Mental health counseling applicants must be entering at least their second year of their Mental Health Counseling (MHC) program and have successfully completed a foundational field practicum by the start of the Training Orientation.

Psychology applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program and have successfully completed at least one therapy practicum or externship by the start of the Training Orientation.

Social work applicants must be entering the second year of their Master of Social Work (MSW) program and have successfully completed a foundational or generalist field practicum by the start of the Training Orientation. 

In reviewing applicants, the training committee considers previous clinical experience, unique clinical skills, and the professional needs of both the applicant and CaPS. Additionally, the staff considers academic achievement, consulting/outreach experience, and relevant learning experiences. The most qualified candidates will be invited to an in-person interview. The final selection will be made based on both the application and the interview.