Pre-Doctoral Practicum
Pre-Doctoral Practicum Programs in
Diagnostic Interviewing
and in
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Center for Cognitive Therapy
University of Pennsylvania
Pre-doctoral Practicum in Diagnostic Interviewing
The Center for Cognitive Therapy is offering a pre-doctoral practicum program for graduate students in clinical psychology focusing on diagnostic assessment. Students in this program will learn how to conduct in-depth diagnostic interviews, write evaluation reports, and conceptualize cases using the cognitive model and DSM-5-TR. We will train students in clinical interviewing skills, utilizing structured diagnostic tools (SCID 5 CV, SCID 5 PD, Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale), and making a diagnosis utilizing the DSM-5-TR and the Cognitive Model.
This program requires a time commitment of approximately 8-16 hours per week. Weekly responsibilities include conducting 1-2 diagnostic interviews and writing evaluation reports. Our patient population is almost entirely adults with few exceptions. The diagnostic interviews are largely conducted over telehealth.
Interested students may fill out our application. Your application should also include one letter of recommendation (sent via U.S. postal service, not via e-mail), a curriculum vita, official graduate school transcripts (not copies), a sample diagnostic report based upon DSM-5-TR diagnosis or other writing sample, and a letter describing your professional interests and goals, particularly as they relate to our training program.
Applications will be accepted from 11/1/2025-1/16/2026. Interviews will be conducted online over Zoom. Training will begin the first week in June, 2026. The program lasts 12 months.
Please send application materials to:
Mary Anne Layden, Ph. D.
Director of Education
Center for Cognitive Therapy
University of Pennsylvania
3535 Market Street 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-4106
Pre-Doctoral Practicum Program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The Center for Cognitive Therapy is offering a pre-doctoral practicum program for graduate students in clinical psychology focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Students in this program will learn how to treat a range of both Emotional Disorders and Personality Disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Training in conducting group therapy can be added as an additional option. Our patient population is almost entirely adults with few exceptions. The therapy sessions are largely conducted over telehealth.
It is helpful if applicants have received training in diagnostic interviewing at the Center for Cognitive Therapy or elsewhere.
This program requires a time commitment of approximately 16 hours per week carrying a case load of approximately 10 therapy sessions per week. Trainees will receive supervision by senior Cognitive Therapists who are licensed psychologists.
Interested students may fill out our application. Your application should also include one letter of recommendation (sent via U.S. postal service, not via e-mail), a curriculum vita, official graduate school transcripts (not copies), a short role played video of a therapy session approximately 20 minutes long demonstrating basic therapy skills and a letter describing your professional interests and goals, particularly as they relate to our training program.
Applications will be accepted from 11/1/2025-1/16/2026. Interviews will be conducted online over Zoom. Training will begin the first week in June, 2026. The program lasts 12 months.
Please send application materials to:
Mary Anne Layden, Ph. D.
Director of Education
Center for Cognitive Therapy
University of Pennsylvania
3535 Market Street 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-4106
Back to Top