If you’re thinking about becoming a therapist or psychologist, you’ve probably heard the word “practicum” before. It might sound like a complicated term, but it’s actually a very important and helpful step on your journey to working in the mental health field.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what a practicum is, what it involves, why it matters, and how you can prepare for it — all in simple terms. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just curious, this guide is for you.
What Is a Practicum?
In psychology and therapy, a practicum is a period of supervised training where students get to apply what they’ve learned in class in a real-life setting. Think of it as a bridge between the classroom and the workplace.
During a practicum, students work under the supervision of licensed professionals such as psychologists, counselors, or therapists. They don’t work alone — they observe, assist, and slowly begin to take on more responsibilities as they gain confidence.
What Do Students Do During a Practicum?
During a practicum, psychology students may:
- Observe therapy sessions
- Help take notes or write reports
- Learn how to assess clients and understand their needs
- Practice talking with clients (under supervision)
- Attend staff meetings and case discussions
- Learn about ethical guidelines and confidentiality
Basically, students get a real-world look at what it’s like to be a therapist — but with a safety net.
Why Is a Practicum Important?
A practicum is an important step in becoming a mental health professional. Here’s why it matters:
- It helps you put your knowledge into practice. You’re not just reading about therapy anymore — you’re seeing it happen and slowly learning how to do it.
- You get supervision and feedback from experienced professionals who guide and support you.
- You learn how to communicate with clients and build trust — which is one of the most important skills a therapist can have.
- You discover what type of clients or settings you enjoy working with (for example, children, couples, or trauma survivors).
Where does Practicum Happen?
One of the most exciting parts of a practicum is the opportunity to work in real-world environments where therapy actually takes place. Practicum placements can happen in a variety of settings depending on your program, interests, and career goals. Here are some common practicum locations:
- Mental Health Clinics – These are some of the most common placements, giving you exposure to a wide range of clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
- Hospitals – Especially in psychiatric units or behavioral health departments, where students work alongside medical staff and other mental health professionals.
- Schools – If you’re interested in child or adolescent therapy, schools offer a great practicum setting to observe and support students’ emotional and behavioral development.
- University Counseling Centers – Many colleges and universities allow their own students to complete practicum in their on-campus counseling services.
- Private Practices – Some students are placed in established therapy offices, allowing them to observe individual, couples, or family therapy sessions in a more personalized setting.
- Community Centers and NGOs – These placements often involve working with underrepresented or marginalized populations.
Practicum vs Internship: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Practicum | Internship |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To gain supervised, hands-on experience while still learning theory. | To apply skills in a real work environment, often with more independence. |
| Duration | Usually shorter (a few weeks to a semester). | Can last several months to a year. |
| Supervision | Close supervision by a licensed professional or academic supervisor. | Less direct supervision; more responsibility. |
| Focus | Learning and skill development in a controlled environment. | Applying learned skills to real work tasks. |
| Payment | Often unpaid (academic requirement). | May be paid or unpaid, depending on organization. |
| Evaluation | Graded or assessed as part of academic requirements. | May or may not include formal evaluation. |
How Practicum Placement Works in Africa
In many African countries, practicum placements for psychology and therapy students are arranged in collaboration with universities, training institutes, and accredited mental health facilities. Students are usually matched with hospitals, clinics, NGOs, or private practices that offer mental health services. The placement process can vary—some schools assign students directly, while others require them to apply and secure their own placement with an approved supervisor.
During the practicum, students work under the close supervision of licensed professionals, gaining hands-on experience while following ethical guidelines set by their training institution and local professional bodies. In some regions, opportunities may be limited due to a shortage of mental health facilities, so flexibility and proactive searching can be important.
Securing the right practicum placement can set the tone for your professional growth. Here are a few ways to make the process smoother:
-
Network with lecturers and professionals – Your professors, former classmates, and practicing therapists can recommend trusted supervisors or organizations.
-
Check your university’s career office – Many schools have lists of approved practicum sites or partnerships with mental health facilities.
-
Contact NGOs and private therapy centers directly – Send a polite email or visit in person to ask about available positions.
-
Start your search early – Some placements fill up months in advance, so give yourself plenty of time to apply and prepare.
Can Practicum Be Done Online?
Yes, in many cases, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, therapy practicum placements now include virtual or hybrid settings. This allows students to observe or assist in online therapy sessions, learn telehealth tools, and understand how remote mental health services work.
Some practicum students even gain experience by working with online therapy platforms like MyTherapist.ng, which offer a modern look into virtual counseling and mental health support in real time.
How to Prepare for a Practicum
Getting ready for a practicum can be exciting and a little scary. Here are some tips to help:
- Make sure you meet your school’s requirements (some may need a certain number of hours or specific coursework first).
- Think about what kind of place you’d like to do your practicum — hospital, school, private practice
- Work on your communication skills. Active listening, being respectful, and showing empathy are key.
- Learn how to stay organized and manage your time — you’ll need these skills during your practicum.
- Be open to learning and feedback. You’re not expected to know everything — you’re there to grow!
- Take care of yourself- practicum can be emotionally intense. Join a support group or consider having your own therapist.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Like anything new, a practicum can have its challenges:
- Feeling nervous or unsure is normal. Everyone starts somewhere. Ask questions and be honest with your supervisor.
- Balancing school, practicum, and maybe a job or family can be tough. Try to plan ahead and take care of yourself.
- You might work with clients who are dealing with difficult issues. Don’t be afraid to talk to your supervisor if something feels overwhelming.
- Receiving feedback can feel uncomfortable at first. But remember — it’s how you improve.
A practicum is an exciting and essential part of becoming a therapist or psychologist. It’s where you take your first real steps into the world of mental health work, with support and guidance every step of the way.
Remember, you’re not expected to be perfect. You’re expected to be willing to learn, grow, and care — and that’s what truly matters in this field.
So, if you’re preparing for your practicum or just curious about what it involves, we hope this guide has helped you feel more informed and encouraged. The journey might not be easy, but it will be worth it.
Share:
