August 1, 2024– July 31, 2025

Site Match Code 1405  

Montana State University - Bozeman 

Lava Lake Scenery

Montana State University (MSU) is a land-grant university founded in 1893. Enrollment for fall semester 2022, was 16,688 students, making it the largest university in Montana. The University offers 250+ undergraduate programs, and 115+ graduate programs. In 2022, the student population was comprised of approximately 49% Montana residents, 51% non residents.

View of Mountains From Campus

Approximately 14% of the student population identifies as ethnically diverse with the largest diverse groups identifying as Hispanic/Latino (5.5%), and more than one race (5.2%). There is also a significant American Indian/Alaska Native population on campus (around 1.39% of students), as well as 500 Veteran students. 

MSU boasts large business, engineering, architecture, and education programs in addition to having medical and veterinary programs. It has a competitive NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program which is part of the Big Sky Conference. Bobcat pride is very evident on campus. Go Cats!

If you would like to quickly access a section of this information, see some of our topics below: 

 

Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) is a department within an integrated health center at MSU – Student Health Partners (SHP), which is housed in the Division of Student Success at Montana State University-Bozeman. SHP is comprised of four offices: CPS, Medical Services, Dental Services, and Health Advancement. The name  Student Health Partners reflects the University’s commitment to comprehensive health services, mental and physical health, wellness, advocacy, prevention, and outreach services to students at MSU.   

CPS provides an array of culturally sensitive services to the college community. Cultural inclusion and commitment to diversity are core values held by staff members at CPS and are important components of all the services provided. CPS affirms the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or ability. We attempt to foster our and others' awareness of and appreciation for human diversity and strive to create an environment of mutual respect and understanding among people of diverse racial/ethnic, religious/spiritual, and national backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender, gender identity, mental and physical abilities, languages, ages, socioeconomic statuses, as well as those with other diverse backgrounds, cultures and identities.

Direct clinical services provided at CPS include intake assessments, individual and couples therapy, group counseling, psychological assessment, and crisis intervention. Interdisciplinary consultation and outreach/prevention programs are presented to augment the personal growth and development of students and staff. CPS is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS), and the doctoral internship training program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). 

The permanent CPS staff members include 12 Licensed Psychologists, 3 Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, typically 4 Doctoral Interns and several temporary staff. The Medical Service psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner are available for consultation and regularly attend our clinical team meetings. We also have 2 to 5 pre- and postmasters interns each year and 2 front office managers to complete our staff.  

Mountain View over campus

Training Program

The training program is experiential in nature with a significant focus being placed on direct clinical work and supervision. Approximately half of the interns’ time is devoted to providing clinical services. The balance of their time is spent in supervision, training activities, consultation, outreach, scholarly activities, assessment, providing supervision to master's interns, and staff development. The training program utilizes scholarly research to inform practice in such areas as conceptualization, intervention, individual and cultural diversity, psychological assessment, supervision, and program outcomes to best serve clients. In addition, the internship emphasizes professional and personal growth, as well as lifelong learning - to which all staff are committed.

Philosophy of Training

A primary goal of the internship is to assist in preparing interns to function competently and independently as generalist clinicians/Health Service Psychologists. The program is designed to provide a bridge between the role of graduate student and entry-level professional. This is accomplished by providing a range of sequential training experiences under direct and intensive supervision. Self-awareness, cultural humility, professional identity development, and advancement of clinical/professional skills are areas of specific emphasis throughout the internship. 

Training experiences are focused around the Profession Wide Competencies as outlined by the APA Commission on Accreditation. In addition, interns are provided with some flexibility to accommodate specific areas of interest. 

Aims and Competencies of the Internship 

The aims of the internship focus on four primary areas: clinical practice, scholarship and the relationship between science and practice, diversity, and ethics/professionalism. 

The Aims of the internship include:  

  • To further the development of broad intervention skills (intake, therapy, crisis assessment and management, psychological assessment, multidisciplinary collaboration/outreach, and supervisory skills) for the development of effective entry level practice in Health Service Psychology
  • To further the development and understanding of the reciprocal relationship between science/scholarship and the practice of psychology
  • To further develop understanding and humility around individual and cultural diversity
  • To further develop competency related to professionalism (ethics, scholarship, professional identify, and self-awareness/interpersonal skills)

    Profession Wide Competencies serve as guides for the training and experiences afforded to interns during their internship year. These are:
  1. Intervention

    1. Intakes - Interns perform 3-4 abbreviated intake evaluations each week. These evaluations are fundamental to understanding clients’ needs, including urgency and disposition, as well as assignment to a permanent therapist. Conceptualization, tentative diagnosis, and initial therapy recommendations are also important components of the intake process.  
    2. Therapy - Interns provide approximately 16-17 hours of theory-based individual, couples, and group therapy per week. They receive two hours (each) of weekly individual supervision and group supervision provided by licensed CPS staff psychologists to support their clinical work and progress. Digital video recordings of sessions, review of written case materials, and co-therapy formats are used in supervision.
      • Individual Psychotherapy. Interns will gain most of their therapy experience providing individual psychotherapy. Clients present with a diverse range of concerns and differing degrees of complexity. Interns provide both short and long-term therapy to MSU students.
      • Couples Therapy. Interns may have the opportunity to provide couples therapy if an interest is expressed.  
      • Group Psychotherapy. Group psychotherapy is an important service offered by CPS, and interns are expected to be actively involved in the group therapy program. Interns typically co-lead a minimum of one group during internship. Groups typically run for the duration of one semester.
    3. Crisis intervention - During the fall semester, interns manage crises within their own caseloads and devote at least one hour to crisis coverage each week. During spring and summer semesters, they are part of the after-hours on call rotation. In addition, interns conduct crisis walk-in assessments/interventions throughout the year on an as needed basis. They also participate in CPS response to crises that occur in the MSU community (with senior staff backup), and can be involved in suicide/risk prevention programming.
  2. Consultation, interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills, and outreach

    Interns offer workshops, mental health consultation and counseling services to campus partners and other offices including: Dean of Students Office, University Student Housing, Office of Student Success, Career Services, American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Office, Disability Services, Veteran Services, VOICE Center, and university academic departments. At times, they consult with concerned parents and clinicians outside of the university. In addition, CPS staff members work closely with Medical Services physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and dieticians to coordinate health care for mutually shared clients. This is accomplished formally in Integrated Clinicial Teams once a month, and informally through shared notes and meetings. 

    Interns deliver a minimum of four outreach activities to the campus community during the year. Examples of outreach include, but are not limited to: structured workshops, class lectures, consultation with University Student Housing staff and other departments on campus, information tables, and mental health articles for newsletters. 
  3. Psychological assessment

    Interns perform intake evaluations and conduct psychological assessment during internship.
    1. Intake Evaluations – As noted above, interns perform 3-4 abbreviated intake evaluations each week. Intakes involve client interviews (that incorporate CCAPS data) and are utilized to inform beginning conceptualization tenets, treatment recommendations, and diagnostic impressions
    2. ADHD Screening Appointments – Interns should expect to perform several ADHD screening appointments each semester. They will use the ASRS-5, along with a clinical interview, to assess for the presence of ADHD symptoms, taking into consideration the client’s history and other contextual factors. CPS staff do not diagnose ADHD in our center,  but the information gathered during the screening appointment can be used to provide recommendations about clients’ next steps (e.g., referring to off-campus psychologists for formal assessment).
    3. Psychological Assessment – Interns will gain experience in psychological assessment, with a special emphasis on therapeutic assessment with ongoing clients. Therapeutic assessment may be used to clarify diagnoses, validate a client’s experiences, provide ideas for how to move forward if “stuck,” and practice communicating together. The therapeutic assessment process involves collaborating with clients to identify goals for assessment, administering measures, interpreting data, integrating data into a written summary, providing feedback both verbally and in writing, and using assessment findings to inform the subsequent therapeutic work. Interns will complete at least two assessments, one each semester. Although there is an emphasis on therapeutic assessment throughout the internship year, there is also significant flexibility for interns to gain other assessment experience. Interns are welcome to consult with the seminar facilitator to discuss their needs. Available instruments include the MMPI-2, NEO-PI-3, RISB, WAIS-IV, several symptom screeners (e.g., BDI), and other brief measures. Interns who have experience with the Rorschach and TAT may be able to incorporate them, at the discretion of the seminar facilitator.
  4. Supervisory skills

    Interns prepare for supervising master's level interns by attending a biweekly Supervision of Supervision seminar fall semester. The seminar focuses on theories of supervision, the supervision process, in addition to salient issues which typically arise during supervision. Spring semester, the seminar meets weekly while interns provide weekly supervision to one master’s intern. Then, the seminar focus shifts to provision of supervision and issues that emerge during the supervision process.
  5. Individual and cultural diversity

    Although located in a geographical area limited in terms of ethnic diversity, CPS is committed to helping interns increase their sensitivity and understanding in working with persons of diverse racial/ethnic, religious/spiritual, and national backgrounds, sexual orientations, mental and physical abilities, languages, ages, socioeconomic statuses, as well as those with other diverse backgrounds. Interns are given priority when assigning clients who endorse minority identities. The internship offers a specific focus on Montana's American Indian population, including the experience of offering counseling to American Indian/Alaska Native students.  In addition, interns attend a weekly Diversity Seminar which highlights self-awareness, knowledge about different cultures, and application of self-awareness and knowledge to working with clients’ diverse cultural identities. Multicultural considerations are also addressed in supervision, seminars, and meetings which exemplifies the center’s commitment to diversity and multicultural sensitivity.
  6. Ethics and legal standards

    Interns are exposed to a wide range of ethical and professional issues during internship. These topics are initially addressed during Orientation and further discussed in weekly supervision sessions, clinical team meetings and unscheduled consultation with senior staff. Trainings also focus on specific ethical/professional dilemmas that psychologists often face, including dual relationships, duty to warn situations, and confidentiality on a university campus and in a rural setting. APA ethical standards and Montana Law are also addressed during Orientation Trainings.
  7. Research 

    Scholarship is encouraged and supported throughout the internship. In supervision, interns discuss dissertation challenges and obtain encouragement and feedback, which fosters progression toward dissertation completion. In Journal Seminar, interns discuss peer reviewed research articles and examine how their findings can be applied to practice.  Interns rotate leading the discussion group (pick the article, develop discussion questions, lead the discussion). Also, during fall semester, interns are required to write a formal case conceptualization report which requires incorporation of a scholarly article that validates their intervention approach with clients. Spring semester, interns are expected to present their dissertations to other interns and staff during Training Seminar. This is an opportunity for interns to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate and disseminate the findings of their research to other mental health professionals. In addition, scholarly and contemporary articles are integrated into each seminar and are discussed in supervision.
  8. Professional identity development, values, attitudes, and behaviors

    Interns are provided guidance and feedback regarding their professional identity development throughout their internship year. Feedback in supervision and seminars facilitates self-awareness and reflection, guidance toward autonomy and independence, increased sophistication with theoretical orientation and therapy style, and the development of confidence and competence. In Training Seminar, the job application process is addressed including writing letters of interest, updating curriculum vitas, and interviewing. Support in seeking and obtaining post-internship employment is also offered. Interns are encouraged to take advantage of workshops and conferences sponsored by APA and other professional organizations. Release time (up to 3 days) is granted and financial support is provided ($500/year) to attend conferences or continuing education.
  9. Communication and interpersonal skills

    The relational focus of CPS permeates interactions across all levels of training and roles at the Center. This holds true for the internship training program as well. Interns are mentored in developing and maintaining effective relationships, communicating effectively, resolving conflict and demonstrating flexibility in relationships.  

An Additional Thought:

CPS values and encourages participation in personal growth activities for both staff and interns. Although not required, interns are encouraged to engage in their own personal therapy during the internship year. In addition, past interns have indicated that the cohesive relationships which have developed among the interns and with the CPS staff have been a valued resource for personal and professional growth.  

Other Training Modalities: Supervision and Seminars  

Supervision is viewed as a pivotal learning component to our training program. Our internship utilizes experiential learning through intensely supervised activities. Interns can expect a minimum of four hours per week of supervision for their individual/couples case load: two with their primary individual supervisor, and two in group supervision with the other interns and the Assistant Director for Training. All primary supervisors have been licensed for a minimum of three years to meet Montana and other state licensure requirements. Supervision for group therapy is provided separately by the senior staff co-facilitator of the group. Similarly, outreach and consultation activities are supervised by the Assistant Director for Outreach. Peer supervision occurs at weekly Clinical Team meetings (which include Medical Services staff once a month) and additional supervision is available through consultation with other senior staff.

Interns are expected to attend and participate in a variety of seminars over the course of the year. Seminars provide instruction/education on a range of issues pertinent to the developing roles and identities of emerging Health Service Psychologists. Weekly Training Seminars cover numerous special topics pertinent to mental health professionals. Additionally, interns are expected to present their dissertations during Training Seminar at some point during the academic year which affords them the experience of evaluating and disseminating research findings to other mental health professionals, as well as conducting a scholarly presentation. Based upon interest, they have the option of presenting additional training seminars during the year. 

Training and supervision are provided by the coordinator for each seminar/learning experience conducted during the internship. These include Diversity Seminar, Supervision of Supervision Seminar, and Assessment Seminar.

Weekly Intern Training and Service Activities

 

Listed below are the time allocations for major activities that interns are involved in during internship.  This schedule typically begins during the second or third week of the internship following orientation.  Some elements may change from first to second semester as learning opportunities are modified and additional responsibilities are added.

 

Activity

Hours

Clinical  
Intakes 3-4/ week
Individual/ Couples Therapy ~16/week
Group Therapy

1/week

Crisis Hour 1/week
   
Other Direct Services  
Supervision of practicum students 1/week (spring)
Consultation, outreach presentations During Admin. hours
   
Training  
Individual Supervision 2/week
Group Supervision

2/week

Assessment Seminar/SV 1/bi-weekly (fall);1/week (spring)
Diversity Seminar/SV 1.5/week (fall); 1/week (spring)
Supervision of Supervision Seminar/ SV 1/biweekly (fall); 1.5/week (spring)
Training Seminar 1.5/week
Clinical Teams 1/week
   
Professional and Administrative Duties  

Administrative  and Paperwork hours  

6-7/week
Training and SV meeting 1/bi-weekly (spring)
   
Total ~40

Supervision Assignments

Interns have a minimum of two to three different primary clinical supervisors over the course of the year, all of whom have been licensed in the state of Montana for a minimum of 3 years. Fall semester, supervisors are assigned according to intern identified strengths, growth edges, and goals for the semester. Interns provide input regarding supervision preferences spring semester. Summer supervisors are assigned according to preference and availability (as not all licensed psychologists work at CPS during the summer).

* This program does not use distance education technologies for training and supervision.  

Evaluation

Evaluation of Interns

Interns receive formal and informal feedback throughout the year. Formal written evaluations occur at the end of fall and summer semesters. The Comprehensive Intern Evaluation serves as the overarching tool that evaluates interns' progress on internship goals and competency areas. Feedback from the entire training staff is reflected on this evaluation.  Additionally (fall semester), interns’ case conceptualization feedback is provided on the Case Presentation Feedback form.

Intern Evaluation of the Training Staff and Internship Program

Interns complete written evaluations of their supervisors and seminar/seminar leaders at the end of each semester. An overall evaluation of the internship occurs at the end of the internship year. Feedback from interns is taken seriously and discussed by the training staff on a regular basis to improve the training program. In addition, interns are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback regarding their training experiences throughout the year. 

Permanent Professional Staff

To learn more about staff interests, you can visit our staff web page.

Betsy Asserson, Ph.D., Director, Psychologist 

Counseling Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 2002

Paisley Azra-Lewis, Ph.D., Behavior Health Specialist, Psychologist 

Health Psychology, University of North Carolina-Charlotte,  2021 

Levenae Buggs, Ph.D., Outreach Specialist, Psychologist

Clinical Psychology, University of South Dakota, 2020

Katie Darnell, Psy.D., Assistant Director for Clinical Services, Psychologist

Clinical Psychology, Spaulding University, 2015

Dan Deming, M.S., Substance Abuse Counselor, LAC

Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling 2020, Montana State University

Catie Francis, Ph.D., Groups Coordinator, Psychologist

Clinical Psychology, Roosevelt University, 2019

Mariah Hill, Psy.D., Diversity Coordinator, Psychologist 

Clinical Psychology, Pacific University, 2006 

Brian Kassar, Psy.D., Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Psychologist 

Clinical Psychology, Illinois School of Professional Psychology, 2000 

Kim McNamee, MSW, Social Work Licensure Candidate

Social Work, University of Cincinnati, 2018

Megan Monroe, Psy.D., Training Specialist, Psychologist

Clinical Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2017 

Julia Nance, Ph.D., Psychologist

Clinical Psychology, Alliant International University, 2014

Sandy Newton, Ph.D., Psychologist

Counseling Psychology, University of Minnesota, 2017

Ryan P. Niehus, Psy.D., Assistant Director for Training, Psychologist

Clinical Psychology, Pacific University, 2008 

Carlynn Schwalm, MSW, Social Worker Licensure Candidate

Social Work, Walla Walla University 2022

Mani Stubbs, M.A. Care Manager, LCPC

Counselor Education- Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Montana, 2015

Sanaye Thompson, M.S., PCLC

Counselor Education, Northwest Nazarene University, 2010

Laura Thum, Ph.D., Assistant Director for Outreach, Psychologist

Counseling Psychology, Western Michigan University, 2016

Brianna Windhorst, MA, Staff Counselor, LCPC

Counseling, Idaho State University, 2019

Rachael Woodard, M.A., Staff Therapist, LCPC

Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, 2013

 

Doctoral Interns

2023-2024

Sarah Bond, M.A.

Marshal George, M.A.

Anahita Jannesari, M.S.

Jacquelyn Reinaldi, M.A.

Eric Uhl, M.S.

 

Pre-Master's Interns

TBA

 

Front Office

Lindsey Palagi, Medical Records Admin/Office Manager

Tara Phelan, Division Specialist

Terms of Employment

Dates of Employment

The CPS Doctoral Internship is a 12-month, fixed term, full-time paid position. The internship begins the first business day on or after August 1,  and ends July 31 of each year. This is a 2,000-hour internship. 

Salary and Benefits

The base salary for the 12-month internship is $35,742. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), annual leave (15 days), sick leave (12 days), 12 University holidays and retirement. Interns are given up to 3 days of Professional Development leave to attend conferences, defend dissertations, and interview for jobs, and $500 for workshops or continuing education.

Access to Wellness programs, the library, and sports facilities are additional benefits available to interns. Interns have their own offices equipped with a telephone, digital video recording equipment, and laptop with internet access. Adequate and ongoing administrative support is provided by front office staff and the SHP Systems Analyst throughout the internship. 

Application Materials

CPS accepts the Application for Psychology Internship (AAPI) online. Hard copy or mailed applications will not be accepted. Please refer to the APPIC website to learn more about the AAPI online. To complete the AAPI online, please visit the Applicant Portal.

Eligibility

Required by application date (Monday, November 20, 2023 – 11:59 p.m. EST) 

  1. Minimum of 350 AAPI Total Intervention Hours (combined Master’s and Doctoral hours) by time of application
  2. Minimum of 50 AAPI Total Assessment Hours
  3. Completion of all coursework toward doctoral degree by the start of internship
  4. Experience with risk assessment and intervention
  5. APA accredited doctoral program in either Clinical, Counseling or a Combined Clinical/Counseling program in Psychology 
  6. Endorsement by the department Training Director regarding readiness for internship

Preferred 

  1. Counseling center experience or experience working with adults in an outpatient setting
  2. Experience providing services to diverse student populations
  3. Experience with outreach and consultation
  4. Experience with crisis intervention

Completed applications must include the following: 

  1. Completed APPIC Application for Psychology Internship (AAPI Online form). In your cover letter, please address why you are interested in our specific internship training program, your internship goals, and how CPS may help you meet those goals.
  2. Current Vita.
  3. Graduate Transcripts (need not be official).
  4. Three letters of recommendation from professionals, at least two of which are from professionals familiar with your clinical skills such as a practicum supervisor.

Application Information and Selection Procedures

AAPI application materials must be uploaded and available for our review no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday November 20, 2023. Applications submitted after that time will not be considered. Therefore, interns are encouraged to check their submission status to prevent unintended rejection from the application pool. 

All interviews are conducted by telephone or video conferencing (Zoom). Candidates with completed applications will be informed by email about their interview status no later than December 15, 2023. 

Only completed applications will be reviewed beginning November 20th. Top ranked applicants will be contacted to set up a 45-60-minute standardized interview. Interviews take place between late December and mid-January. The interview committee typically consists of CPS staff members and interns. Interviews are conducted by phone or Zoom (according to applicant preference). Prospective interns are asked a standard set of questions in a question/answer format and no preparation is necessary. Applicants are rank ordered by the Intern Selection Committee and then submitted to the National Matching Service. On Match Day, the Training Director contacts matched applicants initially by phone, followed by an email confirming the match results to matched candidates and their academic training directors, according to APPIC Match Policies. 

Additional Requirement  

In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre- employment background check. Please refer to https://www.montana.edu/policy/background_check/ for Montana State University’s pre-employment background check policy. In addition, you are encouraged to contact Human Resources to discuss your personal circumstances or to ask additional questions: Tel: (406) 994-3651, Email: [email protected]

Internship Admissions, Support, and Initial Placement Data

Date program tables updated; August 1, 2023

 

Program Disclosures

Does the program or institution require students, trainees, and/or staff (faculty) to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution’s affiliation or purpose? Such policies or practices may include, but are not limited to, admissions, hiring, retention policies, and/or requirements for completion that express mission and values?

_____ Yes

___X__ No

If yes, provide website link (or content from brochure) where this specific information is presented:

 

 

Internship Program Admissions

Briefly describe in narrative form important information to assist potential applicants in assessing their likely fit with your program. This description must be consistent with the program’s policies on intern selection and practicum and academic preparation requirements:

The internship is a full time, 12-month, 2000-hour internship with typically 4 doctoral internship positions. The stipend is $35,742 and benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, annual (15 days) and sick leave (12 days), as well as retirement. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in APA or CPA accredited doctoral programs in Counseling, Clinical or combined Clinical/Counseling psychology. Other requirements include: a minimum of 350 AAPI total intervention hours, 50 AAPI total assessment hours, completion of all coursework by the start of internship, and successful completion of the comprehensive exam (by the time of application). Counseling Center experience or experience working with adults in an outpatient setting is preferred. Other preferences (but not requirements for applicants) are experience with providing services to diverse student populations, outreach and consultation, and risk assessment and intervention. Qualities of applicants who are successful at our internship include a commitment to: self-awareness and cultural sensitivity, gaining generalist professional skills, deepening clinical conceptualization and therapy skills, valuing of relationships, further solidifying personal and professional identities, demonstrating initiative, and an openness to examining countertransference in intensive supervision.

 

Does the program require that applicants have received a minimum number of hours of the following at time of application? If Yes, indicate how many:

               

Total Direct Contact Intervention Hours

Yes X

No

Amount: 350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Direct Contact Assessment Hours

Yes X

No

Amount: 50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Describe any other required minimum criteria used to screen applicants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Completion of all coursework toward doctoral degree by the start of internship
  • Comprehensive Exam passed by the time of application
    APA or CPA accredited doctoral program in either Clinical, Counseling or combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology.                                         
  • Endorsement by the department Training Director regarding readiness for internship
  • Three letters of recommendation at least two from professionals familiar with clinical work
  • VITA

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial and Other Benefit Support for Upcoming Training Year*

Annual Stipend/Salary for Full-time Interns

$35,742

 

Annual Stipend/Salary for Half-time Interns

NA

 

Program provides access to medical insurance for intern?

Yes X

No

 

If access to medical insurance is provided:

 

 

Trainee contribution to cost required?

Yes

No X

 

Coverage of family member(s) available?

Yes X

No

 

Coverage of legally married partner available?

Yes X

No

 

Coverage of domestic partner available?

Yes

No X

 

Hours of Annual Paid Personal Time Off (PTO and/or Vacation)

120

 

Hours of Annual Paid Sick Leave

96

 

In the event of medical conditions and/or family needs that require extended leave, does the program allow reasonable unpaid leave to interns/residents in excess of personal time off and sick leave?

Yes

X

No

 

Other Benefits (please describe): $500 for continuing education; paid time off for university holidays; 3 days professional leave to attend graduation, conferences or job interviews; retirement; access to MSU library, option to join MSU fitness enter, wellness programs; private office with telephone, digital video recording equipment, and computer; administrative support

 

 

 

 

 

*Note. Programs are not required by the Commission on Accreditation to provide all benefits listed in this table

 

 

Initial Post-Internship Positions

(Provide an Aggregated Tally for the Preceding 3 Cohorts)

 

 

2019-2022

 

Total # of interns who were in the 3 cohorts

12

 

Total # of interns who did not seek employment because they returned to their doctoral program/are completing doctoral degree

1

 

 

PD

EP

 

Academic teaching

0

0

 

Community mental health center

1

0

 

Consortium

0

0

 

University Counseling Center

1

2

 

Hospital/Medical Center

0

0

 

Veterans Affairs Health Care System

1

0

 

Psychiatric facility

0

0

 

Correctional facility

0

0

 

Health maintenance organization

0

0

 

School district/system

0

0

 

Independent practice setting

6

0

 

Other

0

0

 

Note: “PD” = Post-doctoral residency position; “EP” = Employed Position. Each individual represented in this table should be counted only one time.  For former trainees working in more than one setting, select the setting that represents their primary position.

 

                                         

 

 

Doctoral Interns

Current Interns

2023-2024

Alliant International University/CSPP- Los Angeles

Alliant International University/CSPP-San Diego

George Fox University (2)

Palo Alto University

Previous Interns' Doctoral Programs

2022-2023

Alaska Pacific University

University of Northern Colorado

The Wright Insitute (3)

2021-2022

Adler University

George Fox University

Seattle Pacific University

University of Denver

2020-2021

Chicago School of Professional Psychology-Irvine

Radford University

Washington State University

Alliant International University, San Diego

2019-2020

University of South Dakota

Adler University Chicago

Pacific University

University of Denver

2018-19

University of St. Thomas

George Fox University

School of Professional Psychology

George Fox University

2017-18 

George Fox University  

University of Montana  

Wright Institute  

Wright State University  

2016-17

Washington State University

Springfield College

Chicago School of Professional Psychology 

2015 – 2016

University of Minnesota

University of Northern Colorado

Western Michigan University 

2014 – 2015

Spaulding University

George Washington University

University of Missouri Kansas City

2013 – 2014

University of Utah

University of California Santa Barbara

George Washington University 

2012 – 2013

Pacific University

University of Akron

Union Institute and University

2011 – 2012

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Utah State University

West Virginia University 

Characteristics of Successful Interns

Applicants often ask what we are looking for in prospective interns. Successful interns take advantage of all of the various learning opportunities afforded to them on internship. They are invested in furthering their clinical skills, value relationships, are willing to take risks to further learning, and are invested in exploring the integration of personal and professional identities. In addition, they are committed to and respect diversity, cultural differences, and self-awareness related to their own and others intersecting identities. Our internship emphasizes clinical practice, and extensive time is devoted to supervision and training. During supervision, interns are encouraged to engage in self-examination which includes exploration of countertransference and use of the therapy relationship to facilitate change. Engaging in this process can feel vulnerable at times and our training staff appreciates the difficulty and struggle that may emerge from this process. As such, supervisors are committed to providing support, collaboration, and encouragement during supervision. Related to this is the collective belief of the training staff that we are not “finished products.”  We highly regard the ongoing process of learning, and the role of taking risks to promote learning, which is modeled in clinical team meetings by supervisors. Respect for and appreciation of relationships – with clients and all staff members regardless of experience, level of training, or role – is an important value held by CPS staff members. Multicultural humility is another ideal to which we all aspire. In addition, we are a team who works hard but also likes to have fun together! 

APPIC Match

We participate in the APPIC Internship Matching Program. Applicants must register with National Matching Services Inc. to be eligible to match to our internship. This internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant. 

Specific questions about APPIC policies and procedures and the AAPI on-line can be found on the APPIC website

Information and materials for the APPIC Internship Matching Program can found at the official website. You may email the National Matching Services, or contact them at: 

 
National Matching Services, Inc.
Phone: (800) 461-6322 
Fax: (844) 977-0555 
 
National Matching Services, Inc. 
20 Holly Street, St., Suite 301 
Toronto, Ontario 
Canada, M4S 3B1 
  

Please direct questions or clarification regarding the CPS doctoral internship to: Ryan Niehus, Psy.D, Assistant Director for Training by email or phone: 406-994-4531. 

Modern electronic communication is efficient and convenient, but our training program misses the individual interaction essential in the days before online applications. Despite our on-line brochure and e-mail links, we still welcome the opportunity for personal contact with applicants, and those considering applying. We encourage you to call (or e-mail, of course) about any aspect of our program, about MSU, or the community. We look forward to hearing from you! A copy of the current APPIC Internship Offers and Acceptances policy is available on the APPIC Home Page.  

[Electronic mail is not a secure method of conveying confidential information. CPS requests that e-mail not be used for clinical or other sensitive correspondence]. 

Accreditation Status of the Internship Program 

The CPS Doctoral Internship Training Program in Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation

This office may be contacted at:

Commission on Accreditation 
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 
American Psychological Association 
750 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242

Phone: (202) 336-5979/ E-mail: [email protected] 

Website: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

CPS Diversity and Inclusion Statement: 

At CPS, we are committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and equity in all of our endeavors.  We practice cultural humility and continually aim to grow in our cultural self-awareness, knowledge, and skills.  We understand that each person is unique and lives within a greater social context that influences their intersecting cultural identities and experience of power and oppression.  As such, we are dedicated to providing culturally sensitive and tailored services that consider the whole person, including their intersecting cultural identities

MSU Nondiscrimination Statement and Title IX Coordinator Notice

Policy Statement

Montana State University commits to a learning and working environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (taken together, generally, “protected-class harm”). An inclusive environment is necessary for a healthy and productive University community.

Consistent with MSU’s commitment, and with all applicable law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment, including sexual misconduct prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and will take appropriate action to prevent, resolve, and remediate the effects of protected-class harm.

The Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy defines and prohibits protected-class misconduct, and the Discrimination Grievance Procedures set forth the University’s processes for addressing and resolving such reports. The Policy and Procedures apply to all University programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, athletics, instruction, grading, University housing, and University employment. In addition, the law prohibits retaliation against an individual for opposing any practices prohibited by this Policy, for bringing or responding to a complaint of discrimination or harassment, for assisting someone with such a complaint, for attempting to stop such discrimination or harassment, or for participating in resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX at the University and reports about all forms of protected-class discrimination and harassment should be made to the University’s Office of Institutional Equity:

Office of Institutional Equity
Montana State University
PO Box 172430
Bozeman MT 59717-2430

Managing Director/Title IX Coordinator:
Kyleen Breslin
E-mail: [email protected]

Civil Rights Investigator
Berit Manion
E-mail: [email protected]

Care Manager

Jessica Feltner
E-mail: [email protected]

 

Location:
311 Montana Hall

Tel: (406) 994-2042
E-mail: [email protected]

 

Cultural Events


American Indian     American Indian

Annual Pow Wow

The campus American Indian Council sponsors an annual Pow Wow which highlights a Grand Entry, song, dance, and drum competitions as well as traditional crafts.

 

    International Street Food Bazaar

 

 

Pride Flag

QSA Sponsored Events

QSA sponsors many events during the year including the Rainbow Ball and Drag Show.

Cultural Organizations on Campus

In addition to cultural events on campus, there is an array of culturally focused clubs available to students. Some of these include:

  • African Student Association
  • American Indian Council
  • Asian Student Interracial Association
  • Bangladeshi Student Association
  • Black Student Union
  • Cats for Christ
  • Crew
  • Chinese Culture Club
  • Disabled Students Association
  • Egyptian Club
  • French Club
  • Fuerza Latinx
  • German Club
  • Indian Student Association
  • International Students Organization
  • Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
  • Jewish Student Association
  • Latin Cultural Exchange
  • Latter Day Saint Student Association
  • Nepali Student Association
  • Persian Student Association
  • Queer Straight Alliance 
  • Sri Lankan Student Association

Visit our Office of Student Engagement to learn more about these student organizations and other clubs. 

Bozeman, Montana 

Bozeman Sunset

Bozeman, a town of about 58,050 full-time residents, located in the Gallatin Valley of Southwestern Montana, is ideal for those with interests in outdoor recreation. The city is surrounded by mountains with the nearest ski hill being only 15 miles from town; Yellowstone National Park is 90 miles away; the five nearby mountain ranges offer countless hiking, backpacking, and camping opportunities; and there is outstanding trout fishing and rafting/kayaking within minutes of town. In addition to outdoor activities, Bozeman has a very active visual and performing arts community. There are many vibrant cultural opportunities available including the Verge Theatre Company, Ellen Theatre, Montana Theatre Works, Bozeman Symphony, national Intermountain Opera Company, the Sweet Pea Arts Festival, the Hatch Film Festival, tours of Broadway shows, and a thriving music, art and theatre communities. The MSU Departments of Media/Theatre/Arts and Music have strong programs that offer theatre productions, film screenings, art shows, and musical performances on campus. Bozeman has received top rankings for quality of life by several magazines and averages 300 days of sunshine each year. https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/chamber-of-commerce/bozeman-area-chamber-of-commerce