Psychology practicum opportunities

Our clinical faculty are committed to providing high-quality training and supervision in both Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, with a strong scientist-practitioner orientation. Through ongoing evaluation of the training needs, strengths and interests of practicum students, rotations are tailored to maximize an individual student’s growth in the provision of evidence-based assessment and intervention skills, the translation of research into practice, their knowledge of ethics and diversity issues and the facilitation of the student’s professional identity.

Supervision is provided by Psychologists who are registered by the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. In some cases, supervision may be offered by psychology residents in a tiered supervision model overseen by the registered psychologist. Many members of the Psychology Department have active research programs and teaching responsibilities within the hospital, the medical school at UBC and the university at large. Hospital Psychologists work closely with physicians and other health professionals in the departments of psychiatry, neurology, medicine, surgery and geriatric medicine. As such, additional opportunities for supervision by other health care professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses) may also be available, depending on the rotation.

In addition to direct clinical work, students are encouraged to attend didactic opportunities offered by the Vancouver Coastal Health Psychology Department (e.g., Pre-Doctoral Resident Seminars; Psychology Grand Rounds) as well as any other hospital colloquia that may be of interest to them (e.g., UBC Neurology and Psychiatry Grand Rounds).

Thank you for your interest in a Psychology Practicum with Vancouver Coastal Health. 

As of October 22nd, 2021, all student trainees with Vancouver Coastal Health will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of placement.

The majority of our practicum placements follow the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University universal deadline for practicum applications and notifications. However, additional practicum placements may be offered throughout the term. Students are encouraged to check the website regularly, should other placements become available.

The following dates are applicable for the 2024-2025 term:

• Practicum applications due – Feb 26, 2024
• Practicum Match Day – March 25, 2024

Exact start and end dates are flexible, depending on the needs of the student and the availability of the supervisor. Practicum placements are typically part-time (approximately 1 to 3 days per week). The number of practicum placements during any particular term is dependent on the availability of supervisors.

Students interested in applying for a practicum placement should contact the individual supervisor they are interested in working with electronically and submit any materials requested, as outlined in the individual practicum descriptions (see below). These materials typically include a cover letter outlining your previous experience and reasons for interest in the practicum, a curriculum vitae; two letters of reference and unofficial graduate transcripts.

The following practicum placements are offered in the 2024-2025 term:

• UBC Hospital – Severe Mental Illness Practica
  • Dr. Mahesh Menon and Dr. Bri Glazier
  • Three placements
• VGH Tertiary Mental Health​ – Willow Pavilion Neuropsychology Assessment Practicum
  • Dr. Chantelle Giesbrecht
  • One placement
• Richmond Hospital – Early Childhood Mental Health Practicum
  • ​Dr. Sharon To and Dr. Mary Turri
  • ​One placement
• Richmond Hospital – Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Practicum
  • ​Dr. Amy Wong
  • ​One placement

• GF Strong – AYA Assessment Practicum

  • Dr. Sarah-Jane Meachen
  • One placement

General inquiries about the application process can be directed to Dr. Chantelle Giesbrecht. Students are encouraged to contact supervisors in various rotations for more information regarding those opportunities.

Chantelle Giesbrecht, PhD, R. Psych

Coordinator, VCH Psychology Practicum Program

Tel: 604-875-4111 ext. 64090

Email: chantelle.giesbrecht2@vch.ca