Preparing Master of Clinical Psychology students for the workforce: a qualitative investigation of the benefits of a youth dialectic behavioural therapy placement

ObjectiveClinical psychology master's degree students require intern placements that support them to attain work-ready competencies. With the growing focus in Australia on addressing rising youth mental health issues, dealing with complexity, suicidality and self-harm are critical workforce skills. Yet, students are often not exposed to such presentations during their practicums. This study examined students' experience of such exposure through a youth dialectic behaviour therapy placement.MethodsParticipants were 11 clinical master's degree students who completed a youth dialectic behaviour therapy practicum placement and participated in semi-structured interviews reflecting on their placement experiences. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed.ResultsFive themes were identified: a community working as a community; beyond the training manual; confidence to work with complexity and risk; enhanced personal development; and acknowledging and overcoming stigma. The results clearly demonstrated that a highly supported, collaborative, learning experience with high-risk and complex clients, and their families, could provide clinical students with the skills and confidence to work with this client group.ConclusionsThe five themes revealed key learning supports and opportunities that enabled clinical psychology students to gain experience and confidence working with high-risk young people, a much-needed mental health workforce capability. Other practicum experiences may benefit from considering these approaches to learning.