Intake entails completion of a set of forms requiring consent to participate in services, a confidentiality agreement, duty to warn, signed acknowledgment of the HIPAA privacy procedure, release of information, and authorization to secure medical information. The intake procedure requires a comprehensive mental status examination, a clinical interview, and completion of the 3-page Intake Form — capturing the presenting problem and the client’s social, educational, medical, and psychiatric background — conducted by the doctoral student.

Psychological reports are written using data from the following standardized instruments, selected based on the referral question, screening results, and test results:

A number of additional personality tests are available for use at the supervisor’s discretion (see the Catalog of Tests in the APSC Manual).

The interventions used in the APSC are empirically supported. Cognitive-behavioral interventions, behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy are the most frequently utilized approaches in counseling clients seen in the Clinic.

Treatment manuals for ADHD, anxiety management, anger management, assertiveness training, social skills training, and cognitive therapy for depression are the most commonly utilized approaches of clinicians and practicum students to date. An eclectic approach is also utilized if deemed necessary, and therapeutic interventions depend on the training and theoretical orientation of the supervisor.

Weekly one-hour supervisory sessions are arranged with practicum students, conducted individually on a one-to-one basis. Each new client is staffed by the graduate clinic with the Clinic Director, who provides guidance on how to pursue the case, what to assess, and which testing instruments to use.

At each supervisory session, students staff client cases with their clinical supervisor — revealing case conceptualizations, diagnostic impressions, treatment goals, and plans of action. Therapy notes are reviewed and signed by the supervisor. Students are observed periodically via the one-way mirror, and make inquiries regarding Clinic operations mostly with the APSC Clinic Manager.