Clinical Practica

Newton Public Schools

2-4 students are placed at elementary or middle schools within the Newton Public School System. Students provide services to school-aged children with behavioral and emotional issues, issues related to academic performance, autism-spectrum disorders as well as children in need of assessment for learning disabilities. Depending on the site, students conduct some mix of individual assessment, individual psychotherapy and/or implement group/classroom intervention and prevention programs aimed at topics such as relational and physical aggression and acceptance of diversity.

Center for Anxiety Related Disorders

2-3 practicum students are an integrated part of this training clinic run by the doctoral program at Boston University. Trainees conduct diagnostic interviews and provide individual and group therapy. Trainees also attend didactic seminars and case conferences. Individual supervision is provided by Suffolk faculty.

The Manville School at Judge Baker Children’s Center

2-3 students are placed at this therapeutic day school that is part of a larger, interdisciplinary, integrative Center that works with children and families. Students work with children ages 5-16 with emotional, neurological or learning difficulties that have impacted their ability to succeed in other school settings. Trainees provide direct therapy interventions and are the case manager for each student in their caseload. The case manager coordinates the service planning and service delivery of a student’s interdisciplinary Manville team. The case manager also facilitates communication between Manville staff and any outside providers working with the child and family.

Bradley Hospital—Adolescent Unit

1-2 third year practicum student will train as part of a multidisciplinary team on a psychiatric unit that treats high-risk adolescents (12-18). The trainee will manage two groups a day: a skills-based group (i.e. anger management, emotion regulation) and a process group, as well as engaging in individual therapy with 1-2 patients a week. Trainees also attend a team meeting with psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers where we discuss current treatment plans and the status of each patient on unit. There are opportunities to engage with a wide range of issues from substance abuse and aggression to eating disorders, psychosis, and conversion disorder providing a diverse experience in conceptualization and treatment.