The Internship, Practicum, and Field Placement Handbook

The Internship, Practicum, and Field Placement Handbook offers real-world knowledge of the skills interns in the helping professions need through every phase of their internship, practicum, or field placement. The focus is on topics that may not have been addressed or fully developed through regular academic coursework: meeting clients, fees for service, supervision, ethics, legal issues, diversity, clinical writing, case notes and clinical records, personal safety, self-care, advocacy, technology, termination, and planning for the future.

Every phase of the internship is discussed sequentially, from finding and preparing for placements to concluding relationships with clients and supervisors. Drawing from the fields of psychology, counseling, social work, school counseling, and psychiatry, this edition has been thoroughly updated with the latest research and clinical literature, ethical codes of the leading professions, and legal and regulatory developments at federal and state levels.

This edition also features up-to-date coverage of remote education, training, supervision, and practice as impacted by Covid-19 and technological changes. Diversity awareness and insights are woven through every element of the text, taking into account recent developments such as Black Lives Matter, the MeToo movement, gender identity awareness. Other emerging issues are also addressed, including the impact of the opioid epidemic and substance abuse deaths and the ethical/legal issues that may arise relating to reproductive health and abortion related legislation. In-text exercises and thought problems are incorporated into each chapter for students to develop insights and skills. Eleven online appendices are also included, containing learning plans, supervision agreements, evaluation forms, and ethical guidelines that students will need in preparation for the next phase of their training.

The Internship, Practicum, and Field Placement Handbook is an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and supervisors engaged in the challenging experience of transitioning from academia into clinical training in the field.

About the Authors

Brian N. Baird practiced clinically as a psychologist for two decades and chaired the department of Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University. He was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1998 and served six terms in office. He consults on communication, ethics, and political strategy and is the founder and chair of the National Museum and Center for Service.

Debra Mollen is Professor at Texas Woman’s University, a licensed psychologist, and Certified Sexuality Educator with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. She is a Fellow in Divisions 17 and 35 of the American Psychological Association.