Practica

Apply What You Learn.

Student working at practicum placement.

In addition to course requirements, students may elect to complete a practicum in either a real-life or research setting. To be eligible for practicum placements, students must be in good academic standing and submit an application to the psychology department.

Our practica are designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply information gained in the classroom and to obtain further knowledge and skills that cannot be achieved in the confines of a classroom. Practica also allow students to demonstrate their abilities, hone their interests, prepare for graduate school and/or make a difference in the community.

Winchester Rehabilitation Center (PSY 401A-101)

Students participating in this practicum shadow a neuropsychologist at the Winchester Rehabilitation Center as he evaluates and treats patients with a wide variety of brain injuries and disorders. Click here for more information.

Essential Pieces (PSY 401B-101)

At Essential Pieces, practica students participate in the life of a community-based organization as they prepare for and provide a social group opportunity for children with autism and their siblings. Click here for more information.

Lutheran Family Services Community-Based Services (PSY 401C-101)

Lutheran Family Services Community-Based Services provides education, services, and support networks to promote individuals' (ages 5-22) and their families' well-being. Depending on interest and availability, practica students may choose among three options as their focus: Behavioral Treatment Services, Intensive Home-Based Services, or Therapeutic Day Treatment. Click here for more information.

Applied Behavior Modification (PSY 401D-101)

This practicum placement involves providing in-home behavior therapy to children with autism for a minimum of two, 3-hour sessions per week. Practica students provide treatment under the supervision of an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Specialist, who will continue to monitor treatment for the duration of the practicum placement. Click here for more information.

Timber Ridge School (PSY 401E-101)

Timber Ridge School is a residential treatment facility that has been serving students with severe emotional and behavioral problems for more than 30 years. Approximately 80 students attend middle and high school on campus with special education services, while also receiving individual, group and family therapy through the Department of Clinical Services. The practicum student has the option to observe, and to some degree, participate in the treatment-related interventions and experiences. Click here for more information.

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation (PSY 401G-101)

Students will have the opportunity to participate in equine-assisted activities and learn about the administration of an equine therapy program at the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation. Please note that some experience with horses is needed. Click here for more information. 

Social Development Research Practicum (PSY 405B-101)

Practica students have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the research process, including searching for relevant literature, writing research proposals, collecting data and reporting results. Topics for this practica will focus on the peer relationships of children and adolescents. For more information, please contact Dr. Wendy Carlson at wcarlson@su.edu.

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