Psychosocial Oncology MA and PhD-Level Practicum Placements and Internships
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Psychosocial Oncology & Cancer Patient Support Programs
The Psychosocial Oncology and Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP) is staffed by a team of licensed psychologists, licensed psychological associates, and clinical mental health counselors. We help patients navigate their cancer experience, provide counseling in the hospital and in the outpatient clinic, and manage educational programs and support groups.
Overview: Our two-semester practicum and internship placements provide excellent opportunities for graduate students interested in counseling, psychology, and psychosocial oncology to gain clinical experience working with individuals with cancer and caregivers in an academic medical center. Based on the highly competitive nature of our program, we offer a minimum of one placement per year; additional placements are offered based on applicants and need. Students work with our multidisciplinary behavioral health group in integrated care in the outpatient and inpatient settings and gain exposure to adjustment reactions to health status, grief, anxiety, depression, treatment decision making, rapid assessment and crisis response, multidisciplinary collaboration, survivorship care, and trauma.
Supervision: Clinical supervision provides rotations on the following services: (1) Leukemia; (2) Stem Cell Transplant (3) Surgical Oncology; (4) Solid Tumor / Gynecology Oncology; (5) Outpatient Oncology Clinic; (6) Telehealth Groups; and (7) Rapid Response.
Duties:
- Direct Inpatient Counseling
- Maintain an ongoing caseload of 7-10 leukemia patients
- Introduce services to new patients and assess needs
- Follow up on specific consults
- Rotate on the following services: 1) Leukemia; (2) hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) (3) Surgical Oncology; (4) Solid Tumor (5) Gynecology Oncology.
- Document encounters within EMR
- Outpatient Counseling/Triage
- Manage outpatient caseload
- Participate in and conduct psychological assessments for potential stem cell transplant recipients
- Co-facilitate sessions with staff
- Participate in triage of new patient referrals
- Perform in-person and telehealth activities
- Group Work
- Co-facilitate telehealth groups
- Contribute to group programming
- Participate in Staff Meetings
- Participate in clinical research activities, including creation of presentation materials
- Consult with medical staff regarding referrals
- Participate in directed reading to expand your clinical thinking
- Participate in continuing education seminars at the medical center
- Provide two case presentations at staff meetings each the semester
Hours: Minimum time requirement is 16-20 hours/week for at least 2 semesters. We are flexible with school schedules and will work with students to maximize access to patient care opportunities and to important meetings and groups. The bulk of time is spent onsite, with some remote work possibilities available at the discretion of supervisors.
Funding: Stipend may be available for one student willing to commit to work in the program for one year (i.e., two semesters). Stipend amount: $10.00/hour.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to administer all educational and employment activities without discrimination because of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status (except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification or a statutory requirement) in accordance with all local, state, national laws, executive orders, regulations, and guidelines.
CPSP Dates and Deadlines for Applying for Practicum and Internship**
** Minimally, an intern must commit to two semesters. On a case-by-case basis, as determined by CPSP administration, exceptions to these deadlines will be considered.
To Apply: Submit a single PDF containing your Personal Statement, Curriculum Vitae, and two professional/academic references to Lisa Rainwater, LCMHCA, CGCS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
