Doctoral Counseling Practicum 2026, Counseling Center Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 15276)

Description

Position Summary  

Are you an equity-minded doctoral student who believes in fostering inclusive and accessible counseling services? Do you want to counsel a diverse student body at an open-enrollment institution? Do you have lived experiences similar to the students we serve? If you answered yes to the questions above, we invite you to apply for the doctoral practicum program. The Bellevue College (BC) Counseling Center is seeking a doctoral student who is open to working with college student populations across the spectrum of developmental and mental health issues as well a willingness to provide socially-just mental health services to BIPOC, neurodivergent, and other underrepresented populations.

The BC Counseling Center focuses on individual and group therapy and does not provide family or couples counseling.

Practicum Learning Objectives:
 

• Execute core clinical knowledge and skills in providing culturally-competent and socially-just short- and long-term individual (personal, educational, and career) and group counseling.
• Implement core clinical knowledge and skills in assisting students, including those who are on academic probation, in identifying and resolving problems affecting their educational and personal development by clarifying short- and long-range educational/personal/occupational goals.
• Execute the core skills and knowledge base in assessing and helping clients prepare for, minimize, and resolve crisis situations.
• Develop culturally responsive therapeutic modalities when working with historically underrepresented student populations.
• Create and maintain ethical and professional relationships with all students, clients, supervisor, and colleagues and staff at the Center and on campus.
• Identify and connect clients with appropriate campus and community resources and services.
• Generate ideas for outreach activities targeting different student populations, plan outreach projects, and conduct outreach activities appropriate for the targeted populations.
• Adhere to the Center's standards for record keeping and utilizing feedback obtained from developmentally supportive clinical supervision for personal and professional growth.
   

Site Objectives:

• Provide at least one hour of weekly individual supervision.
• Supervision will include:
  • Discussion of services provided by the student.
  • Selection of service plan for and review of each case.
  • Discussion of and instruction in theoretical concepts underlying the work.
  • Discussion of the management of professional practice and other administrative or business issues.
  • Evaluation of the supervisory process by the student and the supervisor.
  • Discussion of coordination of services among the professionals involved in the particular cases.
  • Discussion of relevant state laws and rules.
  • Discussion of ethical principles applicable to the work.
  • Review of standards for providers of psychological services; and
  • Discussion of reading materials relevant to cases, ethical issues and the supervisory process
• Support practicum students in applying what they are learning in an ethical and culturally competent manner through their engagement in developmentally supportive clinical supervision and other learning activities.
• Foster practicum students' confidence as mental health professionals.
• Support practicum students in developing their identities as mental health providers in a college setting.
• Provide mentorship for the next generation of counselors.
• The practicum student may also participate in one (1) hour of weekly case consultation as well as 1 hour of weekly group supervision or seminar.

Practicum Schedule and Expectations:

The practicum officially begins in the first week of September with onboarding activities, ahead of the fall quarter which starts in mid to late September. Practicum students may begin earlier in August if required by their academic programs.
Practicum students are generally expected to work a minimum of three days per week. Daily shifts typically start between 9 and 10 AM and conclude between 3 and 5 PM.
 

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

This is an unpaid position and successful interns are expected to work 16-20 hours per week.

This position is for 9-12 months, with no expectation of continued employment beyond the current appointment. 

This position is expected to NOT be eligible for benefits.

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About The College  

Bellevue College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in Washington - we are proud to reflect the global community we serve.

As an employer, Bellevue College is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that our faculty and staff are essential partners in fulfilling our mission, and we prioritize professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do. Employees at Bellevue College benefit from opportunities to expand their skills, contribute to meaningful work that changes lives, and engage in a community that is deeply committed to inclusion.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, and where the contributions of every employee help shape both the success of our students and the vitality of the region. At Bellevue College, you will find a community that supports your goals, values your voice, and celebrates your impact.

For more about Bellevue College's impact, visit Facts at a Glance.

About the Department  

Mission
The Counseling Center serves all students, including those who are facing personal and educational challenges as well as those who are undecided in their major and/or career. We strive to support these students by promoting a holistic sense of self and wellness by providing personal, educational, and career counseling as well as Human Development courses and workshops. We also support faculty and staff and the overall BC community through consultation and training. These services are interconnected through the overarching lenses of mental health and social justice.

Vision
The Counseling Center commits to advocacy, social justice, and service to all students, including those who have been historically underrepresented and underserved. We strive to make a positive difference in our students¿ lives by supporting and inspiring them to reach their personal, educational, and career goals.

BC Counseling Center's Holistic Approach to Mental Healthcare
At the Bellevue College Counseling Center, mental health and well-being are central to everything the counselors do. This focus is embedded across their workshops, outreach events, and classroom visits, where counselors share information about available services and address topics such as stress management, test anxiety, and other mental health-related concerns. They also engage with students at various campus events by staffing informational tables.

Counselors extend their support into the classroom by teaching Human Development (HD) courses, which emphasize mental health and student success topics such as self-esteem, stress management, learning strategies, personal relationships, motivation, assertiveness, and career exploration. These classes provide a structured and supportive environment for students to explore issues that are often discussed in individual counseling, but in a way that may feel more approachable due to the stigma surrounding one-on-one mental health services.

In addition to working directly with students, counselors consult with faculty and staff to support students who may be experiencing emotional challenges. These consultations help equip college personnel with the psychological insight needed to better assist their students.

The Counseling Center offers a full range of direct services, including individual counseling for personal, academic, career, and crisis-related concerns. 

Essential Functions  

A practicum student at the Counseling Center performs duties and responsibilities under the general direction of the Site Supervisor. The practicum student will receive at least one-hour of weekly individual clinical supervision with a licensed mental health counselor and/or licensed psychologist. The practicum student also has the opportunity to participate in the Counseling Center's weekly staff meetings and case consultations.
 

Below are the typical duties of a practicum student:

• Provide culturally-competent and socially-just short- and long-term individual (personal, educational, and career) and group counseling.
• Assist students with identifying and resolving problems affecting their educational and personal development by clarifying short- and long-range educational/personal/occupational goals.
• Provide crisis counseling and assessment for students in emotional distress.
• Use culturally responsive therapeutic modalities when working with historically underrepresented student populations.
• Refer students to appropriate campus and community resources and services.
• Support students on academic probation and other student populations by providing appropriate interventions to help them achieve academic success.
• Provide developmental advising practices to help students set educational goals.
• Perform related duties as required.

Other Potential Functions/Job Duties:

Practicum students may also have the opportunity to do the following:

• Create and deliver outreach activities/events, workshops, and other prevention services to the campus community.
• Assist in providing comprehensive, culturally responsive and neuroaffirming clinical interviews and psychological assessments to students with suspected learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or ASD.
   

Minimum Qualifications  

• Enrollment in an accredited university in Counseling; Counseling Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Educational Psychology; Educational Counseling; Social Work, or related field.
           Applicants enrolled in an accredited university not located within WA State, must:

                    - Be able to be physically present at the Bellevue College Counseling Center during their internship.
                       AND
                    - Check with their individual programs and State licensing boards to ensure that an practicum placement with the Bellevue College Counseling Center meets their requirements.

• Completion of at least 3 credits of each of the following or related courses:
  - Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling/Psychotherapy
  - Theories of Counseling/Psychotherapy
  - Diagnosis and Assessment/Psychopathology
  - Counseling Lab/Skills (1 -3 credits)
  - Cognitive Assessment (e.g., WAIS-V)
  - Objective Assessment (e.g., PAI, MMPI)
  - Integrative Assessment
   
• Willing to learn to provide culturally responsive personal, academic, and career counseling, especially to individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Openness to receive and integrate feedback.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and an ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse teams and diverse populations.
• Willingness to commit to a 9-12-month experience, with an end date of no earlier than late June, as well as working a minimum of 18 hours per week in-person. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Interest in pursuing a career in higher education.
• Experience or familiarity with short-term counseling models (e.g., CBT, ACT, Solution Focused Therapy, etc.)
• Experience working with Black, Latinx, or neurodivergent populations.
• Bilingual skills.
   

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible any sponsorship of employment-based visa, OPT, CPT.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 01/26/2026 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. Interviews will be held on an ongoing basis.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) 

Required application materials: 

1. Attach an updated resume or curriculum vitae
2. Attach a cover letter (1-page maximum) that addresses the following:
   • What interests you in an internship at Bellevue College's Counseling Center;
   • How do you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications;
   • What are your professional goals after you graduate; and
   • What are your graduate programs' training requirements (i.e. amount of hours; number of months; etc.).
3. Provide three (3) professional or academic references including their name, phone number, and email address.

*Bellevue College cannot accept candidates who require the College to provide clinical liability insurance during the practicum.

For questions, please send an email to the Internship Coordinator, Steven Martel, at: steven.martel@bellevuecollege.edu

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu or 425-564-2271. 

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