Discovery Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Programs are designed to expand and refine skill sets in brief and long-term psychotherapy. The programs are open to Master’s and Doctoral level Graduate Students as well as Postgraduates and individuals registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as an Associate MFT, and Board of Psychology as a Psychological Associate.
School Based Track (“SCIP”)
Our School Counseling and Intervention Program (SCIP) is designed to offer clinical experience working with children grades K-12 in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. The program is a 10-month commitment and offers approximately 10-12 clinical hours (2 school days) plus 5 hours of training and supervision per week.
Applicants should have a minimum of one year’s experience involving children and be able to work independently during the school day. The program begins in late August and ends in mid-June and includes a stipend to MFT Trainees and Doctoral Practicum students. This is a paid position for Registered Associate MFT/PCC’s and Registered Psychological Associates.
SCIP/Clinic Dual Track
Our dual track SCIP/Clinic program offers a combination of working 1 or 2 days in a school-based setting along with carrying a caseload of 5 clients in the clinic. This program is open only to individuals who have been with Discovery Counseling Center for a year in the SCIP program and Registered as an Associate with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), Board of Psychology and advanced level Doctoral Practicum students
At Discovery Counseling Center, we are committed to providing high-quality training and supervision that prepares and strengthens the next generation of skilled, compassionate therapists.
“I have gotten so much out of my time at Discovery! The school placement has been very fulfilling and has taught me so much. The supervision has been awesome and the support incredible. I love the emphasis on a positive intern/staff community; I feel I can totally focus on my learning experience. The didactic training has been excellent as well. You can’t go wrong here!!”
-Doctoral Student
“I just want to share how much I’ve truly valued my time with DCC and SCIP over the past two years. I’m incredibly grateful for the support, guidance, and learning I’ve received from both my peers and supervisors. This experience has played such an important role in shaping me as a clinician and helping me grow into the therapist I aspire to be. Thank you again for everything.”
-Mia Cruz, SCIP Counselor 2025-26
“During my time as a doctoral trainee at Discovery Counseling Center I learned so much about being a clinician and even more about myself. As part of the Student Counseling Intervention Program, I was able to provide services to the children and families of San Ramon Unified School District. Being able to have a direct impact on the community that I both live in and love dearly was an incredibly impactful experience, and not one I will soon forget. I carry with me a deep feeling of gratitude towards all of the clinicians, staff, and trainees at Discovery Counseling Center for each being a part of my journey. A special thank you is due to Christopher Duerrmeier and Dr. Noah Asch, who provided me with excellent mentorship and supervisory experiences. They gave me confidence, taught me invaluable clinical skills, and showed me how special it is to be a part of the Discovery Counseling Center family. As I move forward as a clinician and doctoral trainee, I will always carry a special place in my heart for the wonderful introduction to community mental health that Discovery Counseling Center was able to provide me.
Thank you again for a wonderful (almost) 2 years. DCC truly felt like home and I can only hope that one day my path may cross with Discovery’s again”
-Kaeli K., Doctoral Trainee 2024-26
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the program begin and end?
The training year begins in August, aligning with the SRVUSD school calendar, and runs through early June.
2. What is the time commitment for trainees and associates?
Most placements require two full days per week at a school site. Each day includes about 5 direct client hours, totaling roughly 10 direct hours per week.
3. Is it possible to work fewer or more days per week?
4. What kind of supervision and training are provided?
Participants receive 1 hour of individual supervision, 2 hours of group supervision, and 2 hours of didactic training each week.
5. Is the position paid?
A stipend is provided upon successful completion of the training year to recognize your contribution to the schools and community. Registered associates are eligible for payroll.
6. Do I need previous school-based experience to apply?
Previous experience is helpful but not required. We welcome applicants with a strong interest in working with children, adolescents, and families in a school setting.
7. What types of services do trainees provide?
Services include individual counseling, classroom presentations, collaboration with school staff, and potential group counseling opportunities to support student well-being and social-emotional growth.
8. Can I count these hours toward my degree or licensure?
Yes. All hours are supervised and count toward your BBS or program-required clinical experience.
9. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s-level or doctoral-level counseling, psychology, or social work program and actively participate in their program’s practicum or field placement course.
We also accept applications from registered associates in California, including:
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs)
- Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASWs)
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselors (APCCs)
- Psychological Associates
All applicants must meet their graduate program or licensing board’s requirements for supervised clinical training.
Contact Us
Phone (925) 837-0505
Fax (925) 837-0568
EMAIL: DiscoveryCounseling@discoveryctr.net
Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM