Externship Opportunities

Overview

The mission of the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) is to contribute to the personal, educational and career development of University of Delaware students. CCSD has served in this role on campus since its establishment in 1946. As an organization, we are committed to inclusive excellence and the promotion of social justice. CCSD is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS). CCSD offers group therapy, individual therapy, crisis intervention appointments, referral support and outreach programming. 

CCSD is dedicated to training high-quality mental health practitioners. In addition to the externship program, we have an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship. 

Past cohorts include doctoral students from LaSalle University, Loyola University Maryland, Widener University, Lehigh University, Immaculata University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Delaware and West Chester University.

Activities and Responsibilities 

Externship students are expected to spend a minimum of two days each week at CCSD over two consecutive semesters. This typically is broken down to 16 hours per week (two, eight-hour days) or 20 hours per week (two, eight-hour days and one four-hour half day) for the year. At least half a day must be Friday as this is when group supervision and didactic is held. 

In a standard week, externship students will have six to 13 hours of direct clinical service with most hours focused on individual therapy clients. Other direct service hours may be collected through group therapy involvement, outreach and/or initial triage appointments. The range of direct service reflects the range of hours working at CCSD (16 hours vs. 20 hours), as well as individual variability in terms of readiness and experience upon starting the externship year. 

CCSD uses a time-limited treatment model and supports trainees in developing their skills in this modality through supervision. Externship students are encouraged to seek approval from their individual supervisor to carry one client on a longer-term basis in order to diversify their training experiences. 

In addition to clinical services, the externship experience includes participation in training orientation, weekly extern didactic seminar meetings and weekly group supervision. The CCSD training model is developmental in nature, and the Extern Seminar coordinates the practical learning experience for practicum students. Trainees are assisted in learning, applying and refining their basic counseling skills, theoretical orientation and conceptualization of clients through group supervision, case consultation, apprenticeship, instruction and peer feedback. Practicum students also have the option to attend weekly staff meetings, as well as our professional development sessions.

Reviewing recorded sessions is used in supervision. For doctoral externs in the fall, individual supervision is provided by a senior staff psychologist or psychological assistant who—in turn—is supervised by a licensed psychologist. In the spring, supervised doctoral interns provide individual supervision. For all other trainees, individual supervision is provided by a senior staff  member of appropriate necessary licensure, with secondary supervision provided by doctoral interns in the spring. In addition, senior staff are readily available for additional informal consultation and supervision when the need arises. Externship students receive one hour to 90 minutes of individual supervision per week and one hour of group supervision per week. 

Any questions about the externship at CCSD or application process can be sent to the Assistant Director of Training, Brad Wolgast, PhD, CBSM at bradw@udel.edu.

Application/Selection Procedures 

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Transcripts from graduate work
• Two letters of reference (at least one from a clinical supervisor)

NOTE: For non-PENDELDOT programs, please email application materials to bradw@udel.edu by Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The 2025–2026 externship experience will begin around Monday, August 18, 2025 and end around Friday, May 29, 2026 (though these dates are negotiable).

PENDELDOT Uniform Timeline

Our site follows the PENDELDOT Uniform Timeline for Externship Applications followed by many programs in the Greater Philadelphia Area. For PENDELDOT participating programs, please go to PENDELDOT’s website and search for our site for more details.