In the Clinical Psychology Training Program at UNL, our mission is to prepare clinical psychologists to excel across diverse roles as clinicians, teachers, and researchers. We aim to cultivate well-rounded scholars and scientists who are deeply informed by current research, capable of applying scientific findings to clinical practice, and committed to critical thinking and scientific integrity in their work.
State Probation - Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision Unit (SSAS)
Supervised by Dr. Dennis McChargue, the State Probation Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision Unit (SSAS) offers advanced clinical placements for graduate students. Patients in the SSAS program are individuals with felony drug charges who are at high risk for substance use and criminal recidivism.
Graduate students in this placement collaborate closely with SSAS officers to address problematic behaviors and may liaise with community-based substance abuse treatment facilities. Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting semi-structured diagnostic interviews.
- Administering personality and intellectual assessments.
- Completing integrative evaluations to inform treatment and risk management decisions.
- Providing empirically supported individual psychotherapy for clients with co-morbid substance use and mental health issues.
Clients in this placement represent diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, offering students an invaluable opportunity to develop their skills in working with a broad population.
Psychological Consultation Clinic - Substance Abuse Clinic (PCC)
Through the Department of Psychology's Psychological Consultation Clinic (PCC), Dr. McChargue’s students provide individualized substance abuse treatment and evaluations. Formal training in the PCC begins in the second year of the program, offering students hands-on experience in working with clients.
For students involved in the B-SMART Lab, responsibilities extend beyond the second year to include a specialized caseload of clients focused on substance abuse. This experience emphasizes evidence-based practices and equips students with the skills to address complex client needs effectively.
Additional Clinical Placements
Clinical psychology students at UNL benefit from a variety of clinical placement opportunities starting in their second year. Students rank their preferred placements annually, and faculty strive to match students with one of their top three choices.
Dr. McChargue’s students frequently pursue placements in forensic, neurological, and assessment-focused settings, providing broad exposure to different areas of clinical psychology. These experiences help students develop a diverse skill set that prepares them for the complexities of clinical practice and research.