1-800-Externship: The Use of Hotlines as a Training Modality for Future Clinicians.

Mental health on college campuses is a growing issue. Despite a rise in demand for services, counseling centers generally offer assistance during business hours, with a limited number of clinicians. Hotlines can provide an avenue for suicide prevention and intervention while offering training to graduate counseling students. The present study used a qualitative approach to examine the benefits and challenges of using hotlines as a clinical training modality. Interviews with nine graduate students volunteering at a hotline were analyzed using a consensual qualitative research methodology. Several domains were identified, including: three domains related to initial involvement with a clinical training experience at a hotline, four related to the experience of volunteering, and five related to the connection of the clinical training experience to the participant's development as a clinician. Hotlines as a training modality can be used to benefit the community and contribute to the development of future clinicians.

When the shoe is on the other foot: A qualitative study of intern-level trainees' perceived learning from clients.

Twelve trainees (3 men and 9 women) who had recently completed predoctoral internships at a university counseling center were interviewed about what they had learned from clients. Data were analyzed using a consensual qualitative research method. Participants reported learning things about doing therapy, themselves, client dynamics, human nature, the therapy relationship, and the usefulness of supervision. In addition, participants highlighted the importance of consultation and self-reflection to help them recognize what they learned. Implications for practice and research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).