Unit rationale, description and aim
The ability to integrate theoretical knowledge into clinical practice is integral to the practice of psychology. The practicum unit is designed to provide students with experience in the delivery of psychological services to complement the theoretical learning that takes place in the coursework units. The focus of this practicum is on the development of clinical interviewing, case formulation, treatment planning, delivery of interventions and monitoring client outcomes with clients. Cultural considerations in clinical practice and interprofessional practice will also be a focus of learning throughout the practicum. Students are encouraged to approach applied problems and skill-based learning from a hypothesis-based assessment perspective consistent with a scientist-practitioner model. Professional ethics and behaviours are an integral part of learning in this unit. The aim of this unit is to facilitate the development of general core competencies in psychological practice that are required to work effectively with clients.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe and apply the PsyBA Code of Conduct and r...
Learning Outcome 01
Explain the link between diagnosis, case formulati...
Learning Outcome 02
Implement clinical skills to conduct/observe/parti...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
The Practicum is carried out as a field placement under the supervision of a registered psychologist approved as a Higher Degree Supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia. While on placement, students will develop the ability to integrate skills and intervention models with real and/or simulated clients. Attendance at weekly supervision involves individual and small group discussion of issues relevant to professional practice such as diagnosis, case formulation, choosing appropriate interventions, ethical dilemmas, record keeping and report writing.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy ensures students meet psychological practice standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. Supervisors assess trainee competence at mid- and end-placement using structured tools like the Clinical Psychology Practicum Competencies Rating Scale.
The Practicum Log Book assesses record-keeping skills, with submissions due within two weeks of practicum completion.
The Case Conference Presentation develops clinical communication skills, while the Case Conference Report evaluates case formulation and treatment planning. One resubmission is allowed.
The Mid-Practicum Review evaluates students’ real-world performance, identifying strengths and areas for growth. If concerns arise, a remediation plan is developed, including additional reviews. This review may be waived in extenuating circumstances.
At the End-of-Practicum Competency Review, students must demonstrate increased competence. Failure results in failing the unit, with no opportunity to retake it. Unless otherwise agreed in the Placement Contract, this review must be completed within six months, with extensions requiring approval.
The End-Practicum Final Competency Evaluation extends the End-of-Practicum Review, allowing students to provide evidence of readiness for independent practice.
Students must pass all assessments as failure on any task indicates an unacceptable risk to future clients. Learning outcomes are assessed throughout to ensure competence, confidence, and readiness for independent practice.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Practicum Logbook Enables s...
Assessment Task 1 - Practicum Logbook
Enables students to demonstrate competence in professional record keeping practices.
Hurdle (Pass/Fail)
Assessment Task 2 - Case Conference Presentations...
Assessment Task 2 - Case Conference Presentations
Enables students to verbally communicate a concise case formulation in a small group case conference setting.
Hurdle (Pass/Fail)
Assessment Task 3 - Case Conference Reports Enab...
Assessment Task 3 - Case Conference Reports
Enables students to construct and communicate a concise case formulation in a written format.
Hurdle (Pass/Fail)
Assessment Task 4 - Mid-Practicum Review Enables...
Assessment Task 4 - Mid-Practicum Review
Enables students to demonstrate competence in psychological practice relevant to their stage of development.
Hurdle (Pass/Fail)
Assessment Task 5 - End-Practicum Review and Fina...
Assessment Task 5 - End-Practicum Review and Final Assessment of Competence
Enables students to demonstrate competence in psychological practice relevant to their stage of development.
Hurdle (Pass/Fail)
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is offered in attendance mode because face-to-face attendance at the field placement is required for this placement-based unit. Teaching and learning strategies include a minimum of 300 hours of supervised fieldwork. There may also be workshops, web-based learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities. Teaching and learning strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively in clinical work and simulated activities. This unit uses an active learning approach to support students to develop psychological practice skills through client-based work. Students are required to attend and participate in individual supervision and facilitated case conferences in order to develop and refine their case formulation skills. Students must complete a minimum of 1 hour of supervision for each 7.5 hours of placement. A minimum of 50% of supervision must be 1:1 supervision with their field supervisor.