Competency Areas

The CSDC aims to develop competent generalist practitioners in the field of Health Service Psychology. The program is structured developmentally, in that your role and expectations continue to increase throughout the year at a pace consistent with your level of growth.  We have nine specific competency domains that are integrated within our training model. 

  1. Research: Interns are expected to utilize research to inform their practice. Reviewing and applying scientific knowledge should be grounded in their clinical work. Along with clinical work, research also involves a general understanding of theories and methods regarding program evaluation.
  2. Ethical and Legal Standards: Interns are expected to be knowledgeable of the ethical and legal standards related to Health Service Psychology. This includes the ethics code as defined by the APA as well as ethical and legal issues as it pertains to the state of Hawaiʻi. This knowledge is expected to be well-understood and integrated in their work.
  3. Individual and Cultural Diversity: Interns are expected to demonstrate an awareness of the various intersections of identity of self and others, and its impact on relationships directly and under broader cultural contexts.
  4. Professional Values and Attitudes: Interns are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with the expectations of their profession. This includes presenting oneself professional in their appearance, verbal and non-verbal communication, and delivery of services.
  5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Interns are expected to demonstrated effective communication and relationship skills across all areas of training.
  6. Assessment: Interns are expected to be knowledgeable of assessment methods and effectively apply them in their clinical work
  7. Intervention: Interns are expected to demonstrate competence in their various intervention roles at the CSDC. The scope of intervention primarily includes, but is not necessary limited to, individual, couples, and group psychotherapy; intake assessment; career counseling; crisis intervention; and outreach/consultation within the university.
  8. Supervision: Interns are expected to provide supervision to practicum counselor trainees. In situations where practicum counselors are not available, peer supervision and/or other methods may be used to gain training, education, and experience in supervision
  9. Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills: Interns are expected to demonstrate knowledge and methods related to collaboration of professionals in Health Service Psychology with other individuals or groups to address a problem, seek or share knowledge, or promote effectiveness in professional activities. This competency will be developed through simulated activity and/or with direct experience

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