Skip to Content
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC Links
Accessibility Events Libraries Maps Departments ConnectCarolina UNC Search
Counseling And Psychological Services
Home/CAPS Training Programs/Post-MSW Fellowship/FAQs for post-MSW Fellowship

Training Programs

  • Doctoral Internship Program
    • Letter to Prospective Applicant
    • Videos from Intern Cohort 2019-2020
    • Overview of Training Program
    • Sample Intern Daily Schedule
    • Setting and Staff Information
    • CAPS Services
    • Our Model of Training
    • Goals and Objectives
    • Training Strategies
    • Specialty Areas
    • Seminar Schedule
    • Stipend and Benefits
    • Accreditation Status
    • Doctoral Psychology Internship Application
    • Doctoral Internship FAQs
  • Overview of Post-MSW Training Program
    • Model and Philosophy of Training in Post-MSW Fellowship
    • Goals of Post-MSW Fellowship
    • Training Strategies for Post-MSW Fellowship
    • Year One Experience
    • Year Two Experience
  • Post-MSW Fellowship
    • Structure of the Post-MSW Fellowship Program
    • Professional Standards and Guidelines for Post-MSW Fellowship
    • Guidelines for Addressing Unsatisfactory Performance or Problematic Behaviors in CAPS Post-MSW Fellowship
    • Grievance Procedures for Post-MSW Fellows
    • FAQs for post-MSW Fellowship
  • Field Placement / Practicum
    • Practicum Manual

FAQs for post-MSW Fellowship

What are some of the unique aspects of the fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)?

The CAPS fellowship offers a very diverse training experience. Fellows provide brief individual therapy, group therapy, referral coordination, walk-in services and outreach. Fellows will be able to explore their interests within the context of a large interdisciplinary counseling center in a major public university. Some key attributes of our program include:

  • Multicultural topics are woven into all of the training activities at CAPS. Team meetings, case conferences and supervision provide opportunities to discuss cases in depth and explore the ways diversity and identity impact students and our work as therapists. Weekly seminars address topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, privilege and cultural humility and a range of social justice issues. Across the board, we are open, engaged and committed to growth as therapists and as people in a diverse environment.
  • Fellows may have the opportunity to participate in supervision and training for MSW interns at various levels. For example, they may have the opportunity to present a seminar topic, coach Referral Coordination, or in the second year, to provide individual clinical supervision. 
  • Each fellow provides a half-day of walk-in services every week. This “triage” visit is generally the first contact students have with CAPS. During this brief (generally 30 minute) appointment the provider will assess the student’s needs and discuss possible dispositions. Fellows will assess risk and safety of students who present in crisis and will help to develop a safety plan with the student. Fellows are encouraged to while to consult with their triage team and/or the Clinical Coordinator in cases of risk and crisis. Fellows participate in weekly triage supervision to discuss their triage experiences in more depth and strengthen their triage skills. Past trainees have shared that they have developed more confidence in their ability to manage crisis and triage at future settings.
  • CAPS is often asked to provide outreach across the university. Examples include presentations on mental health or substance use, connecting with a student organization, support after a death in the university community or representing CAPS at campus events. In addition, fellows may be able to develop outreach programs targeting a population, concern or area of interest to students.
  • Prior to the fellows arriving at CAPS, the Coordinator of Training sends out a self-assessment questionnaire in order to get a better sense of interest areas, theoretical orientation, and training needs.  While CAPS providers are all generalist practitioners, we work hard to match supervisors and groups to the unique interests of each fellow.

What are you looking for in a fellow?

We seek fellows who embrace a life-long learning perspective and are open to continuing to learn from their peers as well as from staff and their clients. Given the value CAPS places on diversity, we encourage trainees to continue to explore issues of difference and to reflect and share their experiences in this area. We look for trainees who are seeking out and are receptive to feedback. Fellows who have had a wide range of clinical experiences are often able to transfer their skills to our busy center. We also value flexibility, openness, and the capacity to work in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Can you describe the student population at UNC-CH?

UNC-CH is a large public university with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Current information and statistics are available at: http://uncnews.unc.edu/facts-about-carolina/facts-figures/

Statistics on diversity can be viewed at: http://admissions.unc.edu/apply/class-profile-2/

What are the common presenting concerns of students who come to CAPS?

We see a broad spectrum of presentations at CAPS. Fellows will likely have the opportunity to work with students reporting anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal violence, relationship concerns, family issues, grief, academic concerns, adjustment issues, identity issues, disordered eating and body image concerns and others.

What does a typical day look like for fellows?

Although every day varies for fellows there are a few core activities. Fellows are scheduled for brief therapy, referral coordination, groups (if assigned to a group experience), and triage each week.  Each fellow receives two hours of individual supervision per week and participates in a weekly Fellow Team (group supervision/case conference). Fellows have an hour break for lunch and some flexibility in terms of scheduling their brief therapy slots during the day. Fellows also have some time in their schedule for paperwork/administrative activities.

What is the Triangle Area like?

The Triangle area of North Carolina is comprised of three adjacent cities; Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. UNC-CH is, not surprisingly, located in Chapel Hill. Each of these cities has a distinct “vibe” but all have excellent dining options, cultural opportunities, and attractions to visit. The Triangle area also has numerous parks and hiking trails locally. We are located about three hours to the nearest beach and four hours to the mountains, which allows for many opportunities to engage in outdoor activities.

Where do trainees tend to live?

Over the years, the majority of our trainees have opted for a short commute and access to free bus lines by living in Chapel Hill or Carrboro (another neighboring town). Some trainees have opted to live in Durham and many of our staff enjoy living there, as well.

Click for more information about Chapel Hill and Durham

Sharing and printing options:
LSN Peer chat
Peer Chat
Contact Us

James A. Taylor Building

CB# 7470

320 Emergency Room Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599

V: 919-966-3658
T: T-711

[email protected]

Training Programs
Hours

Open Monday - Friday

Initial visits (no appt needed):
9:00 am - 12:00 pm,
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Urgent needs:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Office hours:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

24/7 Phone Line
919-966-3658

Campus Partners

Campus Health

Student Wellness

Campus Rec

Dean of Students

Learning Center

Heels Care Network
Caps Services

Initial CAPS Assessments

Brief Therapy

Medication Management

Academic Interventions

Urgent Concerns

Outreach

Policies

Internship/Practicum Opportunities

UNC Student Affairs
Follow us:
Visit our FacebookVisit our InstagramVisit our TwitterVisit our YouTube channel
x
chat loading...
searchclosechevron-downbarssa-icon-circle-ServicesPrograms X-logo linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram